FAQs & Policies

 
 
 

How many of us Can stay in a room?

With four king-bed suites and one queen-bed suite, we have a strict two person per room maximum. (A roll-away air bed can be added for a $50 fee for those who prefer separate beds). Note that for everyone’s safety, only registered guests are granted access to the property, unless prior arrangement has been made with our innkeeper.

How accessible is the james lee house?

Our historic Victorian home is over 175 years old and, while renovated to include many modern luxuries, there is no elevator. Four of our suites are on the second floor, only reachable by stairs (with railing). We have one first-floor suite, The Crosley, adjacent to our guest entrance, which is reachable by stairs or ramp. Please consider this when you reserve with us. Guests with mobility issues may want to choose the first floor suite or find other, more suitable accommodations to fit their needs.

What is the best way to make a reservation?

Our website provides the most convenient, secure way to make a reservation and safely process your credit card in just a few clicks. While we are happy to assist you by phone, reserving online allows you to view our room gallery, choose a suite appropriate for you, indicate any special accommodations needed and immediately receive a reservation confirmation.


How does payment work? Do you require a deposit?

Payment is by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover) and gift certificate only. To redeem a certificate online, enter the number on the payment page and choose “Apply.” For verification and security, a valid credit card is required for all reservations. Your payment will be securely processed in just a few clicks. For reservations made:

  • more than 14 days before arrival, we charge a 50% deposit per room, per night (taxes included). Your remaining balance will be automatically billed to your credit card 14 days before your arrival date, at which point your reservation becomes non-refundable.

  • 14 days or less before arrival, we charge in full at time of booking. These reservations are non-refundable.


When is my balance due?

Any remaining balance is automatically billed to your credit card 14 days prior to arrival, when your reservation becomes non-refundable. This is not an uncommon policy among small bed & breakfasts and hotels. Given the preparations and cost necessary to provide our high standard of personal hospitality and the reality that with only five rooms, your suite could have been occupied by another paying guest, we need a financial guarantee that you will be staying with us.

what if we change our mind? What is your cancellation policy?

We understand plans change. Give us a call. Depending on timing and availability, we’ll see what we can do! We’re not fond of terms like “non-refundable” and “cancellation fee,” either, but the simple truth is that our unique 5-room inn and event venue can’t afford to hold a room for you that may end up going unused when we’ve turned other paying guests away.  We appreciate you understanding that it takes some planning for our innkeeper to prepare your suite and a breakfast you will love. As Elvis would say, “Have mercy!”

If you must cancel, please contact us directly at: hello@jamesleehouse.com or 901.549.0513 for confirmation of:

  • cancellation 30 days or more before your arrival date. We will refund your full deposit without fee.

  • cancellation between 30 and 14 days before your arrival date. We will refund your deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee per room per night.

  • cancellation 14 days or less before your arrival date. Your balance is non-refundable.

Wait, there’s hope! To avoid forfeiting your payments, ask us to put your deposit toward a future stay or a gift certificate for The James Lee House, and we’ll waive any cancellation fees. Yes, we really want you to stay with us!

When can WE CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT?

Check-in is between 3 and 6 p.m. Check-out is by 11 a.m.

In order for our inn & event venue to operate smoothly and our very busy innkeeper to provide for the comfort and needs of all of our guests, we ask that you adhere to these times. While we realize that unexpected travel delays can be unavoidable, any other arrival or departure times must be requested and agreed to by our innkeeper prior to your arrival. We regret that we may not be able to accommodate some requests.

Where can we park?

All overnight guests have access to our private, gated parking lot. For access, text us when you arrive. Once checked in, you will receive a remote for the gate to use during your stay. The remote is necessary ONLY for access to the lot; the gate will open automatically when you depart. TIP: Please be patient with our gate. It moves slowly, but it will open and close for you if you’re patient! Remember to return your remote at the end of your stay.

What’s For BREAKFAST? when and where is Breakfast served?

Breakfast at The James Lee House is an indulgent 3-course treat not to be missed! It’s served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in our bright and airy Breakfast Room, just off the kitchen. Let us know your preferred breakfast time on your reservation or at check-in. Need to depart early? Arrangements can be made ahead of time with our innkeeper, and she will provide a “grab and go” breakfast for you.

We ask you to provide any dietary restrictions or food allergies when you make your reservation so that we can plan a menu that you can enjoy. If we are not made aware or your restrictions ahead of your visit, we may not be able to alter our breakfast plan to accommodate you.

Can we bring our CHILDREN or PETS?

While we love kids and furry friends too, we regret that due to the historic nature of our property and furnishings, we cannot accommodate either children or pets at The James Lee House. We are an adults-only bed and breakfast.


Can WE smoke, vape or light a candle?

No! Please don’t or we’ll be forced to fine you $250 and end your reservation! Due to the historic nature of our property and furnishings, our insurance requires us to be a smoke-free property, inside and outside. That means no smoking, vaping, candles or open flames of any kind are permitted. We encourage smokers to enjoy an off- property walk in our beautiful neighborhood. For guests or event hosts who want the ambience of candlelight, the battery-operated, flameless kind can safely create that same romantic vibe! (Yes, we really mean it. Any guest or event host (if applicable) responsible for allowing smoking, vaping, burning candles or any other open flame on the premises will be charged a $250 penalty and forfeit their remaining reservation without refund.)


Can I purchase a gift certificate to the james lee house?

Yes! Visit our gift certificate page and purchase a unique present for that special someone.


Is it true that you are a fabulous event venue too?

Yes! In addition to being a historic Bed and Breakfast, The James Lee House is now proud to be a special event venue, open to hosting everything from wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and showers to family reunions, private parties, corporate meetings and fundraisers. With several different event packages to choose from, you can reserve event space for a half or full day or rent the entire house for a weekend. Some packages include the use of overnight suites while others provide them at a great discount. We are an ideal setting for intimate gatherings of 50 people or less, but we can also comfortably accommodate 75 to 125 people when utilizing our outside areas (courtyard and porch). We are happy to work with you to determine the best event package for your needs. Contact us at 901.549.0513 to learn more.

will you share my information?

We respect your privacy and will not share or sell your contact information.

What is your ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT?

The James Lee House is committed to providing services and products accessible to everyone and is in the process of making every effort to meet evolving accessibility standards. We are committed to making our website accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. We believe in access to knowledge, no matter what sort of physical barrier a user may have. If you find that something on our website is not accessible, we welcome your concerns, questions, and suggestions.

How do we CONTACT The James Lee House?

Here’s where you can find us:
The James Lee House
690 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
901-549-0513
hello@jamesleehouse.com