The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Central Station Memphis is the coolest place to stay in the city and our pick for music lovers and couples. It occupies the historic Central Station on South Main, a landmark for more than a century, restored so that the old railway details remain: neon track signs, the original arrival and departure board and the grand proportions of the station halls. Music runs through everything. The hotel was designed around the city’s sound, with a curated vinyl collection and live DJ sets in the lounge, and the restaurant and bar, 8 and Sand, serves contemporary American food and cocktails from breakfast to late. The 123 rooms come in king, double, loft and specialty suite styles, with a clean, modern look that suits the industrial building. Outside, the South Main Arts District has galleries, bars and restaurants, the trolley runs past the door, and the National Civil Rights Museum is about a five-minute walk. Expedia rates it wonderful from more than a thousand reviews.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at 545 South Main in the South Main Arts District, at the southern end of downtown. The National Civil Rights Museum is about 0.3 miles away, the ghost tour finishes nearby at Earnestine and Hazel’s, and Beale Street is a walk of about fifteen minutes or a short trolley or rideshare ride. Graceland and the airport are about twenty minutes by car, and there is no airport shuttle.

Rooms: rooms are contemporary and comfortable, and the loft rooms and suites give more space. Some rooms face the railway side of the building, so light sleepers should ask for a quieter room.

Who it suits: couples, music lovers and design fans who want a boutique feel and a lively neighborhood rather than the busier Beale Street blocks.

Good to know: breakfast at 8 and Sand is charged separately. Secured self-parking costs a nightly fee, with no valet. Pets up to 60 pounds are welcome for a non-refundable fee. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at noon.