City: Memphis, TN

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (901) 333-1200, (866) 44-MEMPH

Address: 79 Madison Avenue

Description: The Madison Hotel has just one goal: to be the finest hotel in Memphis. Opened in 2002 by a former Peabody general manager, this luxury boutique hotel has spared no expense in furnishing the rooms and common areas. The 16-story former bank building, built in 1905, was gutted, then renovated into a European-style, small luxury hotel (affiliated with the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group). The Madison offers excellent service and is rich in well-chosen details, from the colorful prints and original sculpture in the lobby to the luxurious down duvets on the beds and upscale toiletries in the bathrooms. The swank art deco lobby also features plush sofas and chairs, a musical motif, and cocktail service. Just east of the lobby, you’ll find the hotel’s Grill 83, one of the best-looking restaurants in the city. A popular spot with Memphians and visitors alike, Grill 83 serves an uptown menu, and at the bar you can enjoy elegant cocktails. A free continental breakfast and afternoon happy hour take place on the mezzanine. The 110 rooms and suites feature granite-topped wet bars with refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, and honor bars. All offer high-speed Internet. The top rooms have great views of the river, and 28 rooms have Jacuzzis. The hotel also has two presidential suites available for $900 a night. Valet parking is available for $20 (unlimited in and out) per day for hotel guests; self-parking is $3 to $6 for each entry. Nonguests pay $10 for parking, unless they eat at Grill 83 and get their tickets validated, in which case parking is free.