The James Lee House — Hotel in Memphis

I must say, when I logged on to put my review on line for public consumption, I was startled by the only other review. Surely, this customer could not be writing about the same B&B I stayed in last night. I have stayed at many B&Bs all over the country, and this is absolutely the cleanest and loveliest, which provided the best service of any we have ever stayed in.

Last night, I was able to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday at the James Lee House with some friends. I had heard about the house through Facebook and local friends. After reading the stellar reviews on Trip Advisor (please see), I decided to surprise him with a night of luxury. I went into the evening with high expectations, and I must say, the Velazquez's (the proprietors) delivered.

We were warmly welcomed into the home (it is not just a house) by the owners and shown to our room, the Lee Suite. This is a large room that wreaks with luxury. The bed has a Tempurpedic mattress with dual controls to accommodate each of us. We had been contemplating this type of mattress for our own home; they sold us on the benefit. The large well-appointed bathroom included a soaker tub and a shower which boasts three separate shower heads and a steamer. As my husband unfortunately had developed a nasty cold but two days before our reservation, he immediately decided to take advantage of the steam. This rejuvenated him and cleared his head for the evening ahead.

In each room is a drinks cabinet with a Large variety from which to choose, not just your ordinary Coca-cola products, and a Keurig. I did not end up using the Keurig, for in the morning fresh French press coffee awaited with the option of espresso, if desired. Actually, to make it clear, the Velazquez's provided anything we could want, if desired. From our interaction with them, they literally would correct any problem and provide any preferences if within their ability (and if notified). We had his cell phone number, which he provided upon check-in and only had to notify him with our needs, within reason. He has owned this business as an extension of himself, and he aims to please the discerning traveller.

For breakfast, the meal started with freshly baked croissants, made by a local pastry chef from Tart, a great eatery in mid-town. I learned that the croissants are made from scratch from that chef and double proofed with final proofing and baking done at the Lee House just prior to breakfast being served. I can vouch for this as I awoke to the amazing smell of their baking making it's way to my room. I was not disappointed when I bit into that little taste of heaven. The croissants were served with strawberry preserves and the French press coffee, already mentioned, and Greek yogurt served with the hostess's homemade blood orange marmalade and homemade granola. Next came the smoked gouda grits, applewood smoked bacon and eggs made to order. I was stuffed and could not have wanted for anything else.

I truly could not find anything lacking in our stay. The owners were so kind and accommodating to all of our needs, even minor ones. I needed a nail file and had one within 5 minutes. My husband needed Ibuprofen and had it in no time. I truly felt like I was staying with family (or friends) and hated to leave.

I will be making this stay at least an annual occurrence, if not more often. Since we had the benefit of enjoying this stay with our friends, we were able to see the other rooms, and although the Lee Suite is their top of the line room, we would love to secure accommodations in any of the rooms. They are all lovely and have the same amenities except for the steam shower.

I can with a clear conscience recommend this B&B to anyone wanting first class service and a comfy yet...

I stayed here on October 24 -25, 2014. The James Lee House is an AMAZING structure and has been restored beautifully,the neighborhood questionable at best, but it seems to be an area Memphis is investing money into and in the future could be a great area.

I contacted the Owner Jose, upon my return to Tulsa. Since it is a new Bed & Breakfast and Jose and Jennifer new Inn Keepers I assumed that they would appreciate input from recent paying guest. I shared some things about the room, the bathroom etc.

My BIGGEST complaint, was that Saturday night there was a wedding in the court yard area that adjoins The James Lee House and the property next door....the wedding and the reception were outdoors and went until well past 1 AM....the guest were drinking in the court yard, loud voices, and music etc. This did not allow for a restful nights sleep, nor a peaceful evening in the room for relaxation.

I assumed that the Owner and Host Jose would make mention or apologize for this upon our arrival at our scheduled time for breakfast Sunday morning. He and his assistant made no mention of the disturbance the night before....nor did he make himself available that morning for casual conversation, or make ask for any input about my stay.

When I contacted the Owner & Host Jose through email upon my return, he did the same thing through email, he mentioned he would use my input to make FUTURE guest have a better stay, but totally avoided any and all communication about the Saturday evening, night and early morning disturbance next door.

In fact, he has yet to reply to my last email. I paid over $700.00 for two nights stay....I got about $20.00 breakfast , and AVERAGE room, and a bottle of water.

The James Lee Bed & Breakfast website BOAST of its five-star amenities, and service...I travel extensively and I frequent five-star hotels, etc. I know and understand the term five-star....but TRUST a RECENT guest. This is NO five -star bed and breakfast, nor do they offer five-star amenities, nor does the Inn Keeper get five stars in his...

My wife and I were looking for a unique place to spend the weekend for a wedding in downtown Memphis. I was hesitant about staying at a B&B instead of a hotel, especially since it was just a little more expensive than a luxury hotel room. We've had hit-or-miss experiences with B&B's, BUT James Lee House did NOT disappoint. The property is located in an up-and-coming neighborhood very close to downtown and had safe, secure off the street parking.

The building was lovingly restored by Jose and Jennifer back to its original glory (bought for $1, but more than 2 million poured into it) and the attention to detail and cleanliness cannot be overstated. I loved the detail of the original flooring, moldings, mirrors and period furnishings in the huge common area, which was tastefully contrasted with the huge modern kitchen from which scrumptious breakfasts were served. Everything was first-class, from the fresh French-press coffee to the homemade scones and full seated breakfast.

My wife is notoriously persnickety about staying and sleeping where others have slept, but this place felt like it was built brand new just for us. It was immaculate and clean, clean, clean. Jose and Jennifer were gracious, knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming hosts; interested in us and our trip, but not nosy or intrusive.

Although it is located downtown and central to everything, it was quiet. I heard no street noise or noise from other guests. Internal house noise is minimized by the layout of the rooms and entrances. The structure is solid and secure and we felt like it was worth every penny for the opportunity to experience a little bit of Memphis history. First floor room is wheelchair accessible. This place sets the standard of excellence for...