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Peabody Hotel

Peabody history dates back to 1869 when the original Peabody Hotel opened on the corner of Main & Monroe and immediately became the social and business hub of Memphis. In 1925 a newer, grander Peabody was built at its present location at Union and 2nd Street continuing the legacy of the "South's Grand Hotel." It was 1933 when ducks were originally placed in the hotel's lobby fountain, setting in motion an 85-year tradition that continues today with the March of the Peabody Ducks. The Peabody name has become synonymous with the 5 North American mallard ducks that are now the living symbol of the Peabody brand..

Peabody Hotel exterior

Peabody Hotel rooftop sign

Peabody Hotel lobby

Peabody Hotel foyer

Peabody Hotel bedroom

Peabody Hotel bedroom

Peabody Hotel bedroom

Peabody Hotel chandelier

Peabody Hotel duck walk

Peabody Hotel rooftop

Peabody Hotel lounge

Peabody Hotel afternoon tea

Peabody Hotel restaurant

Peabody Hotel ducks

Peabody Hotel corner bar

Peabody Hotel duck palace

Peabody Hotel rooftop at sunset

The Legend of the Ducks
How did the tradition of the ducks in The Peabody fountain begin? Back in the 1930s Frank Schutt, General Manager of The Peabody, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. The men had a little too much Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys) in the beautiful Peabody fountain. Three small English call ducks were selected as "guinea pigs," and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. Thus began a Peabody tradition which was to become internationally famous.®

In 1940, Bellman Edward Pembroke, a former circus animal trainer, offered to help with delivering the ducks to the fountain each day and taught them the now-famous Peabody Duck March. Mr. Pembroke became The Peabody Duckmaster, serving in that capacity for 50 years until his retirement in 1991.

Nearly 90 years after the inaugural march, ducks still visit the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
While The Peabody Memphis has undergone numerous redesigns and enhancements since welcoming its first guest in 1869, our luxury hotel has always remained faithful to its past while keeping an eye on the future.
Just in time for its 150th Anniversary in 2019, The Peabody Memphis will complete a renovation of all 464 guestrooms and suites. Included in the multi-million dollar project are updated ‘soft goods’ and new bathrooms. The new décor will mix traditional with modern, creating a look of timeless elegance. Soft, calming neutrals and rich textures will be accented by custom paint colors and commissioned wall art that subtly pay tribute to Memphis, the blues, Mississippi River sunsets and the Peabody Ducks. Bathrooms will feel bright and spacious with upgraded lighting, white Carrara marble tiles on floors and tub surrounds, open shelving for storage, and Quartz vanity tops.
In addition to opulent designs, décor and furnishings, each of our 464 smoke-free guest rooms and suites have two features in common: every modern amenity imaginable and unparalleled guest service that has earned us Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond ratings. Simply put, we believe in pampering our guests at every moment.

STANDARD COMFORTS IN ALL ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:

• Executive desk, chair and work station

• 42" flat screen television with premium-cable and network programming

• On Demand movies, music and Internet service

• Additional phone lines available upon request for a fee

• Accessible electrical outlets

• Hairdryer and bathrobe

• Iron and ironing boards

• In-room safes

• 100% non-smoking property

INCLUDED IN YOUR HOTEL SERVICE FEE: 

• High-speed wireless Internet

• Free calls to local and 800 numbers

• Local newspaper and choice of USA Today or Wall Street Journal

• Shoeshine

• Access to The Peabody Athletic Club and pool

• Complimentary coffee and tea in Peabody Deli & Desserts 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. 

• Bottled water in room daily

We go above and beyond to make your holiday perfect


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