If you’ve heard of Memphis, you have heard of the Peabody Hotel. And in case you’re wondering if it’s really worth the money. Absolutely! Whether you’re visiting Memphis for the first time or have lived here for years, The Peabody is one of those places that never really loses its charm. Between the history, the atmosphere, and the iconic duck march, it’s an experience that is unique and special. The Peabody Memphis always makes the must-see list when it comes to visiting Memphis or having a staycation. Known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” The Peabody Hotel is famous for its timeless Southern charm and history, elegant interiors and of course—the iconic Peabody Duck March. That’s right, I said duck march. Keep reading to learn more. Whether you’re planning a stay, stopping in for lunch, or just want to see the ducks, this guide will cover everything you need to know before you go.
A Look Inside The Peabody Memphis
Walking into The Peabody feels like stepping into a completely different era. I’ve been coming here for the last 20 years, and the excitement and nostalgia I feel when I walk through the front doors is still the same. And now that I have 3 kids, it is so special getting to see that same excitement in my own kids’ eyes. When you walk in, the grand lobby is filled with marble floors, ornate details, and a beautiful fountain right in the center—where the famous ducks make their daily appearance. Whether you’re dressed up for dinner, just popping in while exploring downtown or headed in for your lunch break, the Peabody is a great destination for everyone…and you will see quite a variety of people who stop here every day. It is a melting pot of Memphians and travelers everyday.
Amenities at The Peabody Memphis
- Feathers Spa
- Indoor Pool
- Gym
The Peabody has so much to offer to it’s overnight guests. It’s great for couple’s trips, girls’ trips or even family vacations. There is truly something for everyone. Every time we bring the kids, we just have to stop by the indoor pool and hot tub. It is one of their favorite stops! And if you have the time and are looking to make your visit feel even more elevated, the spa at The Peabody Memphis is such a hidden gem. It’s the perfect way to slow down and truly relax, whether you’re booking a massage, facial, or just carving out a little quiet time for yourself. The space feels calm and refined, and it’s perfect for a little self-care moment during a staycation. I had a massage there a couple months ago, and it was one of the best massages I have ever gotten. I highly recommend it for a girls’ day. They will even order food for you and deliver it right to the spa so you can spend the entire day there just relaxing.
The Famous Peabody Duck March
The highlight of any visit at the Peabody Memphis though is the Duck March—and yes, it’s just as fun and unique as it sounds! The ducks marvh everyday:
- into the lobby at 11:00 AM
- out of the lobby upstairs at 5:00 PM
They walk along a red carpet from the elevator to the fountain while guests gather around to watch in the morning. And then in the evening, they walk back down the red carpet to the elevator and back upstairs, escorted by the Duckmaster and sometimes an honorary Duckmaster. The whole experience lasts about 30 minutes. It is really fun, unique and special, especially for families and kids.
Tips to watch for the Duck March:
- Arrive AT LEAST 20–30 minutes early for a good spot, but earlier during holiday seasons
- Weekends and holidays get crowded quickly
- The elevator and lobby area will get really crowded around this time, so don’t plan to go anywhere in the lobby at this time as it’s congested
- Kids get to sit on the floor along the red carpet to have a front seat. Parents grab a table near the fountain early to have a good spot to watch
- Kids LOVE it, but adults do too—it’s one of those classic Memphis moments that you just have to experience
Dining at The Peabody
Even if you’re not staying overnight at the Peabody, dining at the hotel is worth the visit, especially for their world famous tea. Dining options are:
- Chez Philippe – fine dining with a romantic, upscale feel, you can book tea here too
- Capriccio Grill – a great spot for brunch or a relaxed dinner
- Lobby Bar – perfect for cocktails while enjoying the atmosphere
- The Deli – known for it’s great coffees, quick breakfast and lunch sandwiches and yummy desserts and treats
The kids absoltuely love getting special duck shaped desserts, and I love grabbing a latte at the Deli. Another favorite for me is afternoon tea. It is such a fun option for a girls’ day or special occasion. I’ve taken the girls several times, and it would even be super fun for a girls’ birthday party idea to get dressed up and have tea and food. They have several great kid friendly food and drink options for kids too. They even offer gluten free options.
Staying at The Peabody
If you want the full experience, staying overnight at The Peabody is a must! Rooms were just all renovated last year and are so gorgeous, bright and airy. The beds are honestly some of the most comfortable hotel beds I have ever slept in, and at 30+ trips a year, we stay at A LOT of hotels. Plus, staying on site makes it easy to enjoy everything—from dining to the duck march—without the crowds. It’s also located right in downtown Memphis, making it a great home base for exploring nearby attractions if you’re from out of town. They have so many different room types, and they even offer several larger room types that are perfect for large families or multiple families staying together. We even celebrated Leighton’s 11’th birthday here last year with a sleepover, and there was plenty of room for all 11 of us. It was so easy to keep everyone entertained!
Things to Know Before You Go
Here are a few helpful tips to make your visit even better:
- Parking: Valet is available for $28 daily or $37 overnight, or you can use their parking garage to self-park for $28 overnight
- Best time to visit: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or holidays
- Dress code: Smart casual works perfectly, but people love to dress to impress too
- Photo spots: The lobby, fountain, and staircase are all beautiful for photos
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a trip to Memphis or just looking for something fun to do locally (hello staycation!), The Peabody is always a good idea. It’s truly unique to Memphis. It will never be one of those places that you just visit to cross off your list though. It never loses it charm or appeal, and you will find something special ever time you visit. Go for the ducks, stay for the atmosphere and spa, and don’t forget to take it all in while you’re there and enjoy this place that is so special to Memphis.
