A subtle musical motif runs throughout this stylish and fun property, which is housed in the historic Tennessee Trust Bank building: There are bongo-shaped tables and a grand piano in the lobby, paintings of brass instruments on the walls, and iconic album covers decorating the elevators. The hotel's Twilight Sky Terrace offers great views of the Memphis skyline and the Mississippi River and the vibrant eighty3 restaurant serves Southern-inspired cuisine. The Madison’s 110 rooms and suites have sophisticated decor, plush beds, and amenities including flat-screen TVs, wireless speakers, minibars, and coffeemakers. Large bathrooms have rainfall showers and bathrobes. Free Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service are extra perks.
Unstuffy elegance abounds in this hotel, where a living room-like lobby features a wood-burning fireplace with an antique mantel from New Orleans and hardwood floors from an old Virginia textile mill. Paulette’s, one of River Inn's three on-site restaurants, has a similarly classic look. The more modern and industrial-looking Terrace restaurant offers river views from its floor-to-ceiling windows, while Tug’s has the feel of a laid-back but elegant sports bar. All 28 rooms are comfortable and romantic, with sumptuous linens on four-poster or canopy beds. Some rooms have small wrought-iron terraces and all have flat-screen TVs, iHomes, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and bathrobes. They lack Madison's coffeemakers, minibars, and modern style, though. A plus that River Inn has over Madison is its free gourmet breakfast served (plus the glass of port and chocolate truffles that come with the nightly turndown service) and free parking (Madison's valet parking is expensive). However, River Inn is a hike from Beale Street, so travelers looking for a boutique closer to downtown attractions will be happier at Madison Hotel.