Memphis has long had the kind of food and music—Central BBQ, the Hi-Tone—that makes us want to book a trip. But when it comes to places to stay, the only hotel game we really talk about involves some ducks. That's about to change: The 110-room Hu. Hotel will open in late summer/early fall 2018 in the former Tennessee Trust building, a Beaux Arts icon in downtown Memphis at the corner of Madison Avenue and South Main Street, not far from Memphis Park, Gus's Fried Chicken, and the all-too-famous (or infamous) Beale Street.
Developed by Aparium Hotel Group—yep, the same company that brought us the Hot List–worthy Detroit Foundation Hotel—Hu. will have the same vibe: a sleek, throwback look that makes you want to actually hang out at the hotel. Hu. will also have an all-day ground level cafe, an “elevated diner” concept restaurant, and a year-round rooftop lounge with views of the Mississippi.
But back to that rooms-you’ll-actually-want-to-stay-awhile-in thing: Interiors have been designed by Brooklyn-based HOME Studios Interior Designs, and mix modern touches representing the city’s bright future with vestiges of the building’s—and Memphis’s—past: think paintings from local artists and mini bars with snacks from the city (here's hoping for caramels from Shotwell Candy Co.), all housed in grand guest rooms done in stained oak, brass, copper, and white Carrara marble. (That beautiful Beaux Arts exterior, thankfully, remains.) Want to check in? All you have to do is walk up to the coffee shop bar and grab your room key from a barista—there’s no formal “check-in” here, and perhaps it’s just as well. Why follow tradition in a place that’s anything but traditional?
