Timeless Building, Thoughtful Stays: Kingslane Group Breathes Life Into Hotel Napoleon

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Memphis’s skyline just welcomed a powerful new story. The historic Hotel Napoleon, a century-old landmark in the heart of downtown, has officially reopened under the voco by IHG brand, thanks to the forward-thinking support of KingsLane Group (KLG). The transformation represents not just a restoration of one of Memphis’s treasured buildings, but also a strategic move for voco as it expands into the U.S. market.

This is the only voco hotel in the Memphis area, and it carries weight beyond its 58 guest rooms and suites. It signals the arrival of a European-born brand that has been redefining premium hospitality across the globe and is now making its presence felt in America. For Memphis, this means international recognition, an infusion of fresh energy into the downtown hospitality scene, and a hotel experience that blends history, charm, and sustainability.

A Historic Landmark, Preserved and Renewed

Hotel Napoleon was originally built as the Scimitar Building in 1902. Over the decades, it housed a printing company, a bank, and offices, standing as a silent witness to Memphis’s evolution. For KingsLane Group, the building’s legacy was the foundation of the project.

The renovation retained the hotel’s distinctive stone façade and architectural details while reimagining its interior with modern design, thoughtful amenities, and welcoming common areas. The result is a boutique hotel that celebrates Memphis’s heritage while feeling undeniably contemporary.

Why voco?

The decision to bring the voco brand to Memphis was not accidental. Known for its unstuffy premium style, voco blends the reassurance of an international brand with the individuality of a boutique stay. Its very name means “to invite”, a philosophy evident in how each property offers warm, thoughtful touches, cozy spaces, and a personality that reflects its local setting.

At voco Hotel Napoleon, guests can expect signature voco hallmarks: plush bedding made from sustainable materials, vibrant social spaces that encourage conversation, menus inspired by Memphis’s local flavors, and eco-conscious practices woven into daily operations. From energy efficiency to responsible sourcing, sustainability is not an afterthought but a defining element of voco’s guest experience.

A Bold Initiative in Memphis and the U.S. Market

For voco, the Napoleon project aligns with its ongoing expansion in the United States. Since its launch in 2018, voco has expanded rapidly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and is now growing its presence in the Americas through conversions and new openings. The decision to enter Memphis underscores KingsLane Group’s confidence in the city, and highlights the potential for a locally rooted boutique hotel experience under the voco brand.

This milestone means more than just another hotel. It strengthens Memphis’s hospitality infrastructure, draws attention to the city from international travelers loyal to voco, and preserves a landmark that might otherwise have faded into disuse. The result is a win-win: a historic property revitalized, a community asset protected, and Memphis placed firmly on voco’s global map.

What It Means for Memphis

The opening of voco Hotel Napoleon is a turning point for the city’s tourism and cultural economy. Located steps away from Beale Street and the Mississippi Riverfront, the hotel acts as a gateway to Memphis’s arts, music, and culinary scene. For visitors, it offers the kind of upscale yet approachable boutique experience that resonates with modern travelers. For locals, it represents pride, a historic treasure preserved, adapted, and celebrated.

By attracting business visitors, tourists, and leisure guests from around the world, voco Hotel Napoleon strengthens Memphis’s reputation as a vibrant, forward-looking city. It also creates local jobs, drives foot traffic to surrounding businesses, and demonstrates the power of blending preservation with innovation.

A Partnership of Vision

This project is also a testament to the strength of collaboration. KingsLane Group brought operational expertise and a deep commitment to community-focused development. voco contributed its brand philosophy of warmth, sustainability, and individuality, along with global reach and recognition. Together, they created a property that is true to Memphis while connected to the world.

As voco Hotel Napoleon opens its doors, it stands as more than a hotel. It is a symbol of bold vision, cultural preservation, and international hospitality excellence, right in the heart of Memphis. It is where the city’s past and future meet, and where every guest is invited to be part of a new story.

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