47th PLMA Conference

The Peabody Memphis

The South’s Grand Hotel

The Peabody Hotel in 1925 Memphis, TN

The Peabody has been the “South’s Grand Hotel” for over 145 years. Originally built in 1869, it was rebuilt at its present location in 1925.

This National Historic Landmark, a pinnacle of Southern hospitality, serves as the social and business hub of Memphis. The hotel's Grand Lobby is the “living room of the Mid-South," and a stay at the Peabody has been an imperative for many of the world's most influential and famous people. 

Everyday since 1933, the Peabody Ducks have made a home in the lobby's marble fountain and in what began as a joke between two hunters, the twice-daily march of the ducks is a highlight for visitors.

Generations of guests have made The Peabody part of their lives. Memories have been made here, business deals sealed, futures planned…The Peabody is living history.

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The Legend of the Ducks

Current DuckMaster and Ducks in the Peabody Hotel

How did the tradition of the ducks in The Peabody fountain begin?

Back in 1933 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.

The original ducks have long since gone, but after more than 80 years, the marble fountain in the hotel lobby is still graced with ducks. Today, the Mallards are raised by a local farmer and friend of the hotel. The ducks live in the fountain until they are full grown and, on retirement from their Peabody duties, are returned to the wild.

The Peabody ducks march at 11 am and 5 pm daily.


Hotel Accommodations and Dining

Chez Philippe

The most opulent dining room in Memphis enthralls gourmands who relish its Old South splendor and the classic French cuisine of Executive Chef Andreas Kisler. In addition to being the only Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond rated restaurant in the Mid-South, Chez Phillipe has been named among Food & Wine magazine’s “Top 50 Hotel Restaurants,” described as “worth special trip” by The New York Times and included on Open Table’s list of Top 100 “Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.”

Chez Philippe in the Peabody Hotel

Capriccio Grill

Capriccio Grill is known for having the best steaks in Memphis. Under the direction of Check Derek Smith, steaks and chops are flash-seared to seal in the juices and flavor producing the most succulent, flavorful steaks and chops ever. Fresh lobster and seafood are flown in daily and pasta dishes from “La Bella Italia” are cooked to al dente perfection. Breakfast offers superb American and Southern specialties while lunch offers modern Southern comfort fare.

Capriccio Grill in the Peabody Hotel

The Peabody Deli & Desserts

Stop by for morning coffee, Continental breakfast, a quick sandwich, house-made ice cream or a wide array of delicious desserts from The Peabody Pastry Shop, Official Peabody merchandise, including Peabody Duckmaster Celebriducks, are also available.

The Peabody Deli & Desserts in the Peabody Hotel

Lobby Bar

Located in the Grand Lobby, The Peabody’s famed Lobby Bar has been referred to as the “living room of Memphis” and the place to see and be seen. Sip on a hand-crafted cocktail and watch the Peabody Ducks.

The Peabody Hotel Lobby Bar

The Corner Bar

A casual and cozy spot for after-work cocktails. In addition to a menu of Jack Daniel’s-inspired upscale bar food and drink specials, The Corner Bar serves exclusively local beers on tap.

The Corner Bar in the Peabody Hotel

Feathers Spa

Never feel ruffled again. From deep tissue massage and facials to hair treatments, manicures, and pedicures, Feathers Spa at The Peabody is the ultimate spa experience. Spa packages or single session treatments are available.

Relax from the road by spending time in the heated Grecian-style indoor swimming pool or hot tub in The Peabody Athletic Club. Work out on the free weights and state-of-the-art Cybex cardio equipment, including treadmills, arc trainers, and exercise bikes.

Feathers Spa in the Peabody Hotel