Hu. Hotel

This 1905 Beaux-Arts bank building has been painstakingly converted into what may be Memphis’s most elegant small hotel. The renovation makes the most of the building’s heritage, with original features like the foyer’s ornate tiled floor or the lobby’s double-height windows lending a measure of dignified charm. And what’s new is splendid as well, from the vivid colors and contemporary furnishings of the public spaces to the spectacular views from the rooftop garden.

The guest rooms are sophisticated in style, with bold modern colors against backgrounds of cream and grey, and a classic look to the luxurious furnishings. The beds are immersive, standing tall with Italian linens and down duvets, and the bathrooms are like mini-spas. Amenities include the basics like high-speed internet access and cordless phones, and some unexpected extras like a fully stocked wet bar.

The business and entertainment districts are close at hand, as is Beale Street, Memphis’s answer to Bourbon Street. And if you’re too busy to get outside, the old bank vault provides a unique backdrop for the hotel’s fitness center.