Hyatt Centric Beale Street, Memphis has the most spectacular view of the city and the mighty river. Memphis is known as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll” but its position on the Mississippi River is the heart and sole of the city. And the best viewpoint to take it in is from the Beck & Call at the Hyatt Centric — the only rooftop whisky bar in Memphis overlooking the river.
Photo: Expedia
This Memphis Rooftop Bar Has the Best View of Beale Street
Photo: Expedia
The 8th-story bar is perfectly positioned and on a spring everning, when I arrived at the hotel, the weather was just right for taking in the skyline. But that’s not the only spectacular thing about the hotel. From the front desk which is made from repurposed materials originally part of the old William C. Ellis and Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop Building to the historic architecture, there are nods to the city’s past at every turn.
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Rooms at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street, Memphis
Photo: Expedia
During my stay, I was in the Beale Street Suite, a bright and spacious corner room looking out over downtown. Besides a comfy king bed and a rain shower, the suite had a separate living area with a couch that’s perfect for lounging after a busy day of exploring the city.
The decor in the room features shades of blue and other calming colors. Business travelers will appreciate the dedicated working desk. But I actually ended up using the lounge chair instead so I could enjoy the view from the windows while working.
All the rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of either the Mississippi River or the city. Rates start at an average of $170 per night for a standard room to $680 per night for a suite. Room amenities include bathrobes, Drybar Buttercup hair dryers, and BeeKind toiletries.
The food and drink at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Photo: Expedia
When you come to Memphis, you expect to eat well. The city is known for its barbecue joints like Rendezvous and for cafes like the Arcade where you can order a plateful of delicious Southern cuisine. The dining at Hyatt Centric Beale Street lives up to the city’s reputation.
The star dining space at the hotel is the Beck & Call Rooftop Lounge. The view from the rooftop over the Mississippi River is the perfect backdrop for an evening of sipping drinks and listening to live music.
Photo: Expedia
When Beck & Call isn’t open, or when you want a different atmosphere, you can always stop by the CIMAS Lobby Lounge. During my stay at the hotel, the lobby bar was buzzing with people every evening.
Photo: Expedia
For lunch, I headed over to Talk Shop, the restaurant next door at Caption BY Hyatt. It’s the sister hotel of the Hyatt Centric Beale Street, and the two are linked by a short hallway. Fans of fried chicken will want to try Netta’s chicken, which is coated in mustard before being fried — it will not disappoint.
How to get to the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Memphis is served by the Memphis International Airport (MEM). The city has non-stop flights from a number of destinations, including Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the airport to Hyatt Centric Beale Street.
Note that there is no direct flight between Memphis and Nashville. If you want to visit both Tennessee cities on one trip, you’ll likely need to drive or buy a bus ticket.
What to do in downtown Memphis
The hotel’s convenient location on Beale Street makes it ideal for guests who want to explore the historic downtown area. Once you’re downtown, you don’t need a car to get around. Instead, you can hop on a vintage trolley car or walk.
B.B. King’s Blues Club
Memphis has well-deserved recognition as the Home of the Blues. Head to B.B. King’s Blues Club to listen to live music and enjoy some excellent Southern cooking.
Sun Studio
No visit to Memphis is complete without touring Sun Studio. The studio is widely known for launching Elvis Presley’s career. I was surprised by how small the studio actually is. But given the impressive roster of artists from all genres who recorded there, they were clearly doing something right. For fans of music and music history, visiting Sun Studio is a must-do.
Graceland
Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion is one of the few attractions you can’t reach on foot from the Hyatt Centric Beale Street. For a chance to see the Jungle Room and pay your respects at the resting place of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, it’s worth the 15-minute drive.
National Civil Rights Museum
The city is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. As the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the museum is as much a place of reflection as it is a place of education.
Ghost Tours
On a lighter note, the not-so-faint of heart can learn more about Memphis’ history through a ghost tour. There are several tours available, and it’s an entertaining way to discover how the city has changed throughout the years. 