You may have heard about this place -- it used to be the black hospital where Bessie Smith died, and since 1944 has been a hotel. In the Jim Crow days, it was one of the few places that blues musicians could stay in the area. The outside of the hotel is really funky, but inside is like going back... More

Although the history of this place is great, it has seen better days; the shared bathroom is ok but I was quite itchy after my stay in the bed of room 6. Rat and his daughter were very friendly and accommodating hosts however, and you can't beat this for blues enthusiasts experiencing the same space as many famous musicians who... More

May not be a posh hotel with all the amenities but it is dripping with history! Not many places can say a blues great stayed in this room or a Kennedy stayed here but this place can. The real joy is sitting listening to Rat tell you the stories that he saw first hand in Clarksdale! Clean, comfortable, and walking... More

Do not be put off by the inauspicious exterior. This hotel is a time capsule of the 1930's Mississippi Delta run by Frank "Rat" Ratcliff. Rooms are clean and warm and Frank will tell you stories that you will not forget: including the time when JFK jr brought fast food along and ate a meal in bed with Frank's Mom... More

If you're visiting a town like Clarksdale you may be interested in more than a stamped out motel room that is exactly the same in every town. The Riverside is not like any other hotel. It is living history presented by a gracious host. In addition, it is clean, very comfortable, and safe, even if it might not appear so... More

This hotel is one-of-a-kind. A historic and cultural experience, and Rat is amazing. So welcoming and knowledgeable and frankly, hilarious. The location is great, right near all the sites of Clarksdale. Easy to find, good street parking, overall very seamless booking and stay experience. Can't beat the value either, we paid $65 a night. But be aware this property is... More

The good stuff: Rat is a genuinely sweet and accomodating host. He is an expert on music and Clarksdale history. The rooms and bathrooms are clean. Antique furnishings with new and comfortable bedding. Lots of international travelers, great conversations. The crummy stuff: The building is in disrepair, strange wiring and a rickety foundation. God help if there is a fire.... More

I read about the Riverside on trip advisor and it did not disappoint. Do not let the exterior of the property fool you though. Me and my friends were looking for the authentic experience and it was everything that we imagined. If you are a 5 star hotel kind of person, who needs room service, mints on the pillow and... More

I would totally reiterate everything said by reviewer Nomad_2010. I too was on the Mississippi Blues trail and stopped by the Riverside Hotel just to have a look. Rat was out on the front porch. I had the opportunity to talk to him as well. What a font of blues knowledge!! I hadn't planned on staying in Clarksdale--just came down... More