River Inn of Harbor Town

The hotel offers a distinctive retreat, celebrated for its majestic river views and its serene location on Mud Island, providing a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Memphis. This charming boutique hotel is ideal for couples seeking a romantic and quiet getaway, leisure travelers desiring a relaxing base for sightseeing, and business travelers who appreciate a safe and comfortable environment after work. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, the comfortable accommodations, and the delightful complimentary breakfast. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a room with a direct river view to enjoy the stunning sunsets, and be sure to explore the highly walkable and picturesque Harbor Town neighborhood.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel for its thoughtful amenities that enhance the stay. A welcoming touch often mentioned is the complimentary champagne or wine offered upon arrival, setting a luxurious tone. The hotel features a charming lobby with a piano and bookshelves on each floor, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Guests also appreciate the convenience of multiple on-site restaurants and a rooftop bar with scenic views, providing diverse options for relaxation and entertainment. Some rooms include special touches like sherry and chocolates, adding to the sense of pampering. Free Wi-Fi is available, and ice machines are present, though one guest noted a broken one.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The majority of guests find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. Many rooms offer beautiful river views, contributing to a pleasant ambiance. While some rooms are described as spacious, a few guests noted that certain rooms can be small or feel cramped. Common in-room amenities include fluffy towels and makeup mirrors, with some rooms featuring robes and large bathrooms. However, there is mixed feedback regarding maintenance and specific room features; some guests reported issues such as flickering bathroom lights, non-working lamps, insufficient electrical outlets, dust, loose toilets, and an occasional musty smell or moldy smell in some areas. Noise levels are generally considered quiet, though some guests mentioned hearing conversations from the hallway.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at Paulette's, included with the stay, is consistently praised as a major highlight, described as delicious, made-to-order, and served in a beautiful dining room with attentive service. Guests particularly enjoy the variety of options, including dishes like veggie omelets and eggs Benedict, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers several on-site restaurants including Paulette's for fine dining, Tug's Casual Grill, and The Terrace rooftop bar. While many guests enjoy the food quality and atmosphere at these establishments, some experienced slow service or found the food to be bland or overly salty. The Terrace is noted for its beautiful river views and cocktails, making it a popular spot for evening drinks and appetizers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location on Mud Island, within Harbor Town, is a significant draw, consistently described as excellent, safe, and quiet. It offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and is situated in a walkable neighborhood with a charming community feel, including nearby shops, restaurants, and a boutique grocery store. Guests appreciate being close to downtown Memphis attractions, typically a short 10-15 minute drive or Uber ride, while still enjoying a peaceful setting away from the city's hustle. Free parking is readily available both in front and behind the hotel, which is a considerable convenience for guests. The riverwalk directly outside the hotel provides a lovely area for strolls and enjoying sunsets, further enhancing the appeal of its tranquil setting. Its position on a small island, accessible via a bridge, contributes to its unique, secluded yet connected feel, making it a true hidden gem for many visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviews highlight instances of staff going "above and beyond" to assist guests, from accommodating early coffee requests to helping locate lost items and arranging shipping. The check-in process is generally described as welcoming, often including a complimentary welcome drink. Housekeeping is noted for maintaining clean rooms and providing fresh towels. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, some guests reported disappointing front desk service or inconsistent service recovery when issues arose, such as power outages or maintenance problems, leading to frustration regarding unresolved concerns.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several unique touches that contribute to its charm, such as a welcome drink upon arrival and in-room sherry and chocolates for a nightcap, creating a sense of luxury. Guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast served in a full-service restaurant, which is a significant value add. The hotel maintains a classic, timeless atmosphere with a focus on elegance. Some guests noted that while the hotel is charming, certain aspects of the decor might feel dated to some, suggesting a need for minor updates. There were isolated reports of significant operational disruptions, such as a lack of hot water for extended periods or power issues, which impacted guest comfort and led to dissatisfaction with how these situations were managed. The hotel also provides free parking, a notable convenience in the area.