Luxury in Memphis

Southern Living, Mar 2004 by McKinney, Wanda

This 110-room splurge hotel in the heart of downtown combines European style with Southern charm.

Many visitors to this Tennessee city might be happy just to sit in the lobby of the Madison hotel. The two-story, Art Deco space positively oozes good taste. Furniture is both bright and comfortable, inviting guests to linger.

I longed to explore every inch of the Madison. Surely the rest of this renovated 1905 bank building, just a few blocks from Beale Street, couldn't be as grand as the stunning lobby.

Managing partner Mohamad Hakimian agreed to take me on a tour, starting from the top of the 16-floor beauty. The sweeping vista of the mighty Mississippi and downtown Memphis was breathtaking. Then I visited one of the well-appointed guestrooms. It was unexpectedly largeespecially for such an old building.

"While the whole exterior was kept intact during the renovation, we gutted the insides," Mohamad said. "A standard room has a king-size bed or two double beds and a sitting area. There are only eight rooms on each floor."

I loved the luxurious linens and the down pillows and comforters. Light poured through the large windows and illuminated the European-style furnishings. Other amenities include high-speed Internet access and 24-hour room service.

The real surprise was in the basement. A 50-foot lap pool makes it easy for guests to get their strokes in after wining and dining. And what was once the bank vault now serves as an exercise room, complete with treadmills and other fitness equipment.

Another treat awaited at the hotel's restaurant, Grill 83. I enjoyed the Grilled Atlantic Salmon ($25) and Horseradish Mashed Potatoes ($4) and just barely had room for the hot Chocolate Cake ($8).

Though it's been open for less than two years, the Madison has already played host to such luminaries as Cher, Sean Penn, Steven Tyler, and Benicio Del Toro. "Two things people say they like about this hotel are the design and decor of the building and the friendliness of the staff," Mohamad said.

It's true. The hotel employees are welcoming and remember guests' names with Kreskin-like ability. No wonder Cher stayed here. The beat goes on at the Madison.

WANDA MCKINNEY

Madison Hotel: 79 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103; (901) 3331200, toll free 1-866-446-3674, or www.madisonhotelmemphis.com. Rates: Begin at $219 and include Continental breakfast.