Memphis hotels caught unexpected heat this week after Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went viral for a blunt comment about a past stay in the city. The clip spread fast, and it raised a fair question that tourists actually search before booking: are Memphis hotels really that bad?
The reality is more nuanced. Like any major city, Memphis has properties that vary widely by price, age, and management. The headline worthy quote does not represent the full hotel landscape, especially downtown and Midtown where several of the city’s most reviewed hotels consistently score strong ratings and repeat praise for cleanliness, hospitality, and walkable access to Memphis attractions.
What Anthony Edwards said about Memphis hotels
In the clip, Edwards describes checking into a Memphis hotel and being disappointed by cleanliness, specifically saying he saw “stains” on the bed and calling the hotel “dirty.” The video is widely attributed to his appearance on Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley and reposted across sports media.
Here’s what we know
1) Edwards’ remarks were shared widely on February 22, 2026 and quickly became a viral talking point.
2) The clip focuses on one bad experience and does not name the specific hotel property.
3) Memphis has multiple hotels with strong aggregated ratings and thousands of reviews across major travel platforms.
The positive truth: Memphis has hotels visitors genuinely love
If the goal is a clean, comfortable stay in a great location, Memphis has plenty of options that consistently earn strong guest feedback. Here are several of the city’s most praised and highly rated picks, plus real review highlights pulled from major travel sites. We think the Timberwolves travel department just needs some advice.
The Peabody Memphis (Downtown)
The Peabody is Memphis’ signature hotel, and it performs like one. It is frequently near the top of Memphis hotel lists on Tripadvisor and is known for service, its historic feel, and being steps from Beale Street.
What guests say: One recent Booking review calls it “beautiful,” praises helpful staff, and says the Duck March is a must do Memphis experience.
Big Cypress Lodge (Inside the Pyramid)
For travelers who want something uniquely Memphis, Big Cypress Lodge is hard to beat. It is consistently reviewed as a standout stay, with guests praising the “cabin feel,” views, and the one of one setting inside the glorious Bass Pro Pyramid. With a genuine authentic southern and outdoors vibe tucked right inside Memphis’ most iconic building, this hotel is a unique experience everyone should try.
ARRIVE Memphis (South Main Arts District)
ARRIVE Memphis hotel exterior in South Main Arts District. Credit: Arrive Hotel
ARRIVE is a favorite for people who like boutique design and being near South Main’s restaurants and vibes. Reviews often highlight clean rooms and friendly staff, which is exactly what skeptical tourists want to hear after a viral hotel clip.
What guests say: An Expedia reviewer described “clean rooms, great location, and very friendly” staff, and said they would stay again.
The Memphian (Midtown)
The Memphian is a modern Midtown pick that tends to score well for style, comfort, and service. Tripadvisor reviews frequently call it a favorite, and it is a strong option for travelers who want Overton Square nearby.
At The Memphian, the rooftop bar is Tiger & Peacock—a stylish, loungey spot up top with great views and a perfect pre-dinner drink vibe before you head into Overton Square. It’s the kind of spot you hit once and immediately get why people book it: skyline views, a grown-up vibe, and a perfect place to start the night. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s a great “Memphis at golden hour” move—grab a drink up top, take in the city, then go eat like you’re on vacation.
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton (South Main)
Set in a historic train station, The Central Station is a popular choice for location, atmosphere, and a Memphis themed experience. A top review on Tripadvisor calls it “wonderful,” highlighting friendly staff, clean rooms, and an easy walk to nearby spots.
At The Central Station Memphis, Eight & Sand is basically a love letter to what this city actually is: music, history, and good vibes. The hotel itself is a converted 1914 rail hub inside Memphis Central Station, so the whole place still feels connected to travel and storytelling. The bar leans into that identity hard: there’s a massive vinyl record wall (the famous “record wall” everyone posts), a Memphis-connected vinyl collection, and the room is built to sound right, not just look cute. It feels authentic because it is—more “South Main living room” than “generic hotel lobby bar,” with that train-station energy underneath it all.
Why tourists should still come to Memphis and stay overnight
Memphis is not a drive through city. It is a stay a couple nights city.
This is where travelers can catch live music on Beale, spend real time at the National Civil Rights Museum, eat barbecue that lives up to the hype, and explore neighborhoods like South Main and Midtown that feel like Memphis, not a generic downtown strip.
The key is booking smart. Choose well reviewed properties, prioritize recent guest feedback, and stay in the areas built for visitors. When travelers do that, the reviews show a very different story than a single bad experience.
Quick booking tips if cleanliness is the main concern
Filter for “recent reviews” and scan the latest 20 comments before booking. Pick hotels with consistently high ratings and high review volume, not just one viral TikTok clip. If staying Downtown or South Main, stick with proven names.
So, nah, Memphis hotels aren’t that bad. Maybe, somebody in the Wolves travel department just needs to be put on a performance improvement plan. 😭 Which local hotel is your favorite?
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