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Story •••

Memphis Original

The Central Station has stood watch over South Main Street in downtown Memphis for more than 100 years, a direct reflection of the success, struggle, and spirit of the city that grew up around it. It was built simply for arrivals and departures, but the life that churned through on its rails gave South Main a vitality that turned it into one of the most iconic and dynamic neighborhoods in the city. Today, Central Station Hotel lets you experience the verve of this town in ways unlike any other, just like a real Memphian would. We invite you to depart from the city you think you know and arrive in the Memphis that is. Welcome to The Central Station Memphis.

Building History

Memphis Central Station, referred to as Grand Central Station prior to 1944, opened in 1914 and was built on the site of a former station known as Calhoun Street Station. Both stations were owned by the Illinois Central Railroad and now service Amtrak's City of New Orleans route and the MATA Trolley system.

The Central Station Memphis

Opened on October 4th, 1914 on what was then the corner of Calhoun and Main, Memphis’ Grand Central Station was built by the Illinois Central Railroad for $1.5 million dollars as their primary headquarters and station for all IC passenger lines.

“The building is of the Roman Doric type of architecture, the main motive consisting of a colonnade of Bedford stone three stories high, from the sidewalk to the first cornice, above which the office portion of the building, in brick walls with terracotta trimmings, continues an additional five stories. Above the second floor of the building is devoted to offices of the Illinois Central and Yazoo & Mississippi Valley roads, including those of the passenger and freight traffic departments, the general, division and terminal superintendents, the superintendent of motive power and the claims department.” - Illinois Central Magazine, February 1915.

Central Station also served the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley, Rock Island, and Frisco Lines until the late 1960s. The station thrived for decades during the height of the passenger rail travel in the 20th century, boasting more than 50 arrivals and departures daily at its height. Central Station’s success lead to a marked rise of the surrounding neighborhood, with stores, dining, and hotels springing up to capture the volume of traveler traffic coming to and from Memphis. You can still see physical evidence of this boom time all around the station, such as the world famous Arcade Restaurant just across the street and still in operation since 1919.

Due to the drastic decline in passenger train travel in the 1960s, Amtrak remained as the only rail tenant by 1971. Central Station fell into disrepair over the next two decades, its downfall evident in its effects to the surrounding South Main neighborhood. Then, in 1995, the Memphis Area Transit Authority gave Central Station new life, leading a $20 million renovation to save the building and resolidify Central Station as the lynchpin of the South Main neighborhood. The investment paid off, bringing new generations to the South Main area and giving birth to Memphis’s very first arts district.

Today, The Central Station Hotel remains an active train station, served daily by the City of New Orleans and the local Main Street trolley line.

Guest Rooms & Suites

Sleep well in one of the hotel’s 123 meticulously-designed and spacious king or double queen guest rooms with plush bedding, custom artwork and lavish amenities. Enjoy the hotel's early 20th century charm and take in views of the historic South Main neighborhood or Mississippi River through the oversized windows. With modern amenities including complimentary WiFi, a 49" HDTV, functional workspace, easy access USB outlets, premium cable channels, and Keurig® coffeemaker, you'll easily be able to relax and stay connected. Refresh and renew with refined amenities from the William Roam Steam Collection. 

Relax and enjoy a little room service while listening to The Central Station’s daily curated playlist on custom-designed EgglestonWorks speakers available in every guest room.

• The Bar •

Eight & Sand

A true Memphis Original, Central Station's bar & lounge is the best-sounding music room in town and home to a one-of-a-kind, Memphis Inspired vinyl record collection. Savor the Memphis sound as you never have before, while sipping on fine craft cocktails alongside locals and visitors alike.

Breakfast: Daily 7am - 11am • Dinner: Sunday-Wednesday 4pm - 10pm • Dinner: Thursday-Saturday 4pm - 11pm • 

• Events Space •

The Grand Hall & Event Space

The Grand Hall speaks for itself with soaring 33ft ceilings and natural light from all angles. The Grand Hall, originally built in 1914, has been transformed into an elegant ballroom, combining its historic architecture with contemporary design, including custom chandeliers, acoustic engineering and the painstakingly-restored arrival/departure board from the original train station. The Grand Hall and adjacent Waiting Room are perfect for large galas, stunning weddings, corporate events or any event you are envisioning.

Full-Service Catering • Flexible Event Spaces • 

The Grand Hall & Event Space

Reservations

The Central Station Memphis is now accepting reservations.

• Location Info •

545 S. Main St.
Memphis, TN
38103

Parking

The Central Station offers Self Parking for $24 (Daily) and Valet Parking for $29 (Daily) in the lot on the South side of the hotel. Visitors can also be dropped off and picked up from the South side of the hotel in the Main lobby located on the upper concourse.