Escape to Memphis: Your Red Roof Inn Awaits!
Escape to Memphis: My Red Roof Inn Adventure (and the Unexpected Blues)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because getting to the Red Roof Inn in Memphis was its own little adventure. Forget pristine travel blogs, this is real life, messy hair and all. I booked it figuring, "Hey, cheap and cheerful, I'll be fine." And you know what? I was mostly fine. But let's be honest, it wasn't exactly a five-star experience, and honestly, sometimes that’s what makes a trip memorable, right?
First Impressions & the Accessibility Rundown (Because, Let's Be Real, This Matters)
Right off the bat, the exterior corridor was a bit of a letdown. Felt a little… motel-y. But hello, you got what you paid for. The good news? The elevator (thank the travel gods!) meant I could avoid lugging my suitcase up a flight of stairs (I'm getting old, okay?). And, blessedly, there were facilities for disabled guests. Now, I don’t use those, but it's HUGE that they're there, ready and waiting. This place actually tries to accommodate everyone, and that scores major points in my book.
Accessibility wasn't perfect, I’ll admit. I didn't see any detailed maps of the property and it could be argued that things could better indicated. I did not note any of Wheelchair accessible. But, for the basics, it was doing a decent job.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitized Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the pandemic. Red Roof Inn, bless their hearts, were trying. I noticed the hand sanitizer stations strategically placed, and the anti-viral cleaning products at work, I think (I really hope so!). The room sanitization opt-out was a nice touch, letting you decide how much intrusion you wanted.
More importantly, the rooms sanitized between stays seemed to be a real thing. I didn’t feel like I was walking into a petri dish, thank goodness. And I saw the staff, who were all wearing masks (hallelujah!). The staff trained in safety protocol seemed like they were trying, although I did notice a few moments where my heart skipped a beat. But they were all professional and nice.
Rooms – My Little Memphis Bunker
Now, the rooms. Let's be real, this wasn't the Ritz. But it was clean enough, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I mean, I’m a light sleeper, so the soundproofing was a godsend. The extra long bed was cool, and the air conditioning was cranking, which was crucial because Memphis is a sweatbox in the summer.
I was happy to have free Wi-Fi, though it wasn't lightning fast. And the desk was comfy enough for me to work.
Internet Access: The Digital Lifeline
The internet access was pretty good, to be honest. The Wi-Fi [free] was easy to connect to, which is a huge win in my book. I'm all about not having to call IT to get my emails. There wasn't any internet [LAN] that I could, but the Internet services were solid because the was the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Things to do, ways to relax: Spa Day? Maybe Not…
Okay, so you're not going to the Red Roof Inn for the spa experience. This place is not a spa, and the closest you'll get to a sauna, or a steamroom is probably the Memphis humidity. This is strictly a place to rest your weary head.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Blues
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They offered breakfast [buffet] but I didn’t try it. There was a coffee shop. I stuck to the bottle of water from the counter, because that was the extent of my dining experience.
I was surprised that there were no Restaurants or poolside bar, or really much of anything else. The room service [24-hour] was probably not an option, and there wasn’t any food, I could see.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
The front desk was 24-hour so I was able to check-in without any issues. There was a concierge which was nice. The daily housekeeping seemed to be on point–the room was clean, and the towels were replaced daily. There was luggage storage, which I used, and the laundry service was handy, if you needed it.
The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus, and I saw some Car power charging station options. The doorman was always friendly, and the exterior corridor was well-maintained. There was also a convenience store, for things you could need, at the counter
For the Kids: Not Exactly Disney World
The Red Roof Inn is not a place where you can take the kids. They didn’t have any real kids facilities to talk about.
Getting Around: Mobility Matters
I didn’t use the Airport transfer, and wasn’t sure what to expect. There was taxi service and the Car park [on-site] was easy to access.
The Verdict: Budget-Friendly Blues with a Side of Surprise
Look, the Red Roof Inn in Memphis isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it's clean, safe, and the staff are genuinely nice. And there are amenities that make it a good stay overall. I felt pretty secure there, which is a huge deal.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is life, hitting Red Roof Inn Memphis East, and trust me, it’s going to be…something.
OPERATION: MEMPHIS MAYHEM (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Elvis Impersonators)
Day 1: Arrival…and the Unintentional Odyssey of the Mini-Bar
- 1:00 PM - Touchdown, Baby! (Sort Of). Arrived at Memphis International (MEM) after a flight where the guy next to me, bless his heart, snored like a caffeinated chainsaw. Found the rental car (a slightly dented, but functioning, “economy” car – more on that later). The drive to the Red Roof Inn… well, it was a drive. Saw a whole lotta strip malls and felt a strange sense of… familiarity? Like, I’d been here before, even though I hadn't. Was it the Tennessee air? The overwhelming smell of BBQ wafting from who-knows-where?
- 2:30 PM - Check-in… and the Great Room Key Mystery. The lobby at the Red Roof Inn was… well, it was a Red Roof Inn. Functional. Someone had spilled coffee in the elevator, and the lingering smell of stale air freshener was… unique. Check-in was painless, except my room key didn't work. Twice. The desk clerk, a woman with a Mona Lisa smile and eyes that could see right through your soul, just calmly said, "Happens. Go back, I've reset it." Third time’s the charm!
- 3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & the Mini-Bar Debacle. The room was… standard. Two beds, a TV that looked like it was from the stone age, and the faint, but persistent, odor of… something. I won’t dwell on it. I immediately did what any sane person would do: I checked the mini-bar. Empty, except for… wait for it… one solitary, slightly warm, bottle of water. One! I’m pretty sure I saw tumbleweeds rolling through that tiny fridge. "This," I muttered to myself, "is going to be a long trip."
- 3:30 PM - Snack Run… And a Revelation. Okay, I’m a snacker. A serious snacker. So I hit the gas station around the corner. Found a convenience store. Oh dear god… The selection! It was a symphony of sugary, salty, and… let's just say, "questionable" delights. I grabbed a bag of Memphis-style BBQ chips (when in Rome, right?), a giant soda, and a candy bar the size of my head. As I paid, the cashier, a guy with a handlebar mustache and a grin, asked, “First time in Memphis, huh?” I laughed. “How’d you know?” He winked. “The chips. They always get ‘em.” This felt… right.
- 4:00 PM - Settling In… and the Emotional Rollercoaster. Back in the room, I finally collapsed. The sheer ordinariness of it all, it was almost… comforting. I'd been running ragged lately. This was a reset. I watched some mindless TV (the one with the Elvis impersonator, who turned out to be hilarious, and his jokes, were so bad, they were good!) and just… rested. Then, a wave of loneliness hit, the kind that creeps in when you're alone in a strange place. I called a friend. We laughed. It helped.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a "Local Joint" (and a Catastrophic Ordering Error). Found a BBQ place nearby called "Hog Heaven." The smell of slow-smoked meat was practically intoxicating. I envisioned myself, a connoisseur of all things grilled. I ordered the "Pulled Pork Platter." I was asked, "Do you want it dry, medium, or wet?" I thought I knew the answer but I ordered it dry. It came, a mountain of meat. I'm pretty sure I had to drink a whole glass of water, then another. I ordered a beer just to wash it down. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but a whole lotta BBQ.
- 8:30 PM - Evening Entertainment (or, the Triumph of the Remote Control). Back at the Red Roof Inn, I wrestled with the TV remote for a solid ten minutes. Finally, I found a channel playing reruns of a show about… well, I’m not sure what it was about, but I was transfixed. The rhythm of the show soothed me. It was a low-stakes, comfortable ending to a day that started in… well, that started in a place I'd like to forget!
Day 2: Graceland and the Search for the King (and Decent Coffee)
- 8:00 AM - The Caffeine Crisis. The Red Roof Inn's "complimentary" coffee was the color of dishwater and tasted vaguely of sadness. I was in urgent need of caffeine. The hunt for decent joe began. Google maps pointed me towards a cafe that looked promising.
- 9:00 AM - Graceland: A Religious Experience (Kinda). I'm not even that big an Elvis fan, but Graceland? Damn. It’s… intense. The jumpsuits, the cars, the sheer excess… My eyes glazed over. The mansion itself made me think they weren't kidding when they said, "It's a jungle out there." The sheer number of people with cameras, the constant drone of tour guides… it’s a sensory overload, but a fascinating one. I wandered around, feeling a weird mix of awe and… I don’t know… pity? For the man who lived there? Yes, I felt for the King.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Diner (and a Conversation with a Wise Woman). Found a classic diner near Graceland. Ordered a burger and fries. Was it good? Yes. Was it life-changing? No. But the waitress, a woman with the kindest eyes I’d ever seen, was. She patiently listened as I rambled about my trip, family, work, the whole lot. She said, with a smile, "Honey, you're doing just fine. Memphis is a good place to get lost, just for a while. You're not lost, you're exploring." I didn’t know what to say.
- 1:30 PM - A Very Special Elvis-Themed Souvenir. I bought a keychain. It might be tacky. But it made me smile.
- 2:00 PM - Back to the Room My own little room at the Red Roof Inn.
- 6:00 PM - The Great Search for a Soulful Meal. A decent dinner. A meal to calm the soul.
- 9:00 PM - The Second Night. Watching TV, writing, reflecting.
Day 3: The Blues, the River, and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye
- 9:00 AM - Coffee! The God-Send. I found it. A perfect coffee shop. I thanked the heavens above for decent coffee.
- 10:00 AM - Beale Street Blues. Walked down Beale Street. The blues… it's in the air, man. The gritty, soulful music, the neon lights, the smells… It's intoxicating. Walked into a tiny club, listened, and just… felt. I thought about the people who made that music. I felt a strange sadness, even happiness.
- 1:00 PM - River Cruise… and Another Unexpected Emotional Reaction. Took a cruise on the Mississippi River. The river. It’s huge. It's powerful. It made me feel insignificant, but also… connected. The vastness. It’s awe-inspiring. I teared up. Again. Geez.
- 3:00 PM - Last Call (and the lingering ghost of room 127). Back to the Red Roof Inn. The desk clerk looked at me with a mix of amusement and… recognition? I knew I'm leaving. I gave a last look at the room. I'm leaving.
- 4:00 PM - Farewell Memphis! Heading to the airport. I'm still processing everything.
The Verdict? This wasn’t a perfect trip. Far from it. There were mini-bar disappointments, BBQ-induced comas, and moments of utter bewilderment. But it was… real. It was messy, emotional, and unpredictable. And, surprisingly, I kind of loved it. Memphis, you've got a hold on me, and I'm not entirely sure I want to let go.
Next time: I’m bringing my own coffee maker, a bigger suitcase for snacks, and a better filter for my emotions. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to order my BBQ “wet.” After all, this is life, and there’s always room for a little mess.
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Escape to Memphis: Your Red Roof Inn Awaits! - (Or Maybe Not... Let's Be Real) FAQ
So, Memphis. Is it... cool? Like, actually cool?
Look, "cool" is relative, right? My first thought? The humidity hits you like a brick wall. Which, to be fair, might be a running theme in Memphis. But yeah, Memphis *can* be cool. Especially if you love music. And greasy food. And history that slaps you in the face with its rawness. Think gritty charm, not polished perfection. You'll probably leave with a new appreciation of barbecue AND a slightly sticky feeling all over. That's Memphis for ya.
Alright, the Red Roof Inn. Is it... habitable? I'm not expecting the Ritz, but...
Okay, here's the thing. The Red Roof Inn. Bless its heart. It's a **Red Roof Inn**. Let's just say your expectations need to be firmly planted in the "practical" zone. Not the "luxury" zone. My experience? One time, the door wouldn't fully latch. I had to prop it shut with a Gideon's Bible (which, by the way, felt strangely appropriate). Another time, the AC unit sounded like a dying walrus. But... it had a bed. And it (mostly) kept the bugs out. It's a place to *sleep*, you know? That's the goal.
Okay, so... What should I *actually* do in Memphis?
Okay, *now* we’re talking! Graceland is a MUST. Seriously. Get ready for the over-the-top Elvis-ness. The jumpsuits, the cars, the sheer audacity of the whole thing. It’s glorious. And sad. And incredibly moving. A whole roller coaster of emotions. Then? Beale Street. Drink some weird, colorful cocktails (seriously, what *is* a Hurricane?). Listen to some live music. Prepare for some REALLY loud music. And try to pace yourself. Those late nights on Beale can hit hard, and the next morning you're just trying to find a breakfast place that's *not* Denny's. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel? Utterly essential. Don't rush it. It's powerful. And sobering. Take your time. And... barbecue. Oh, the barbecue. Get it. All of it. Just... maybe take a shower *before* you go to Graceland after your barbecue indulgence. Trust me on that.
Is it safe? (Be honest.)
Look, anywhere you go, you use common sense. Memphis has its rough patches (like, *lots* of them). Avoid certain areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Trust your gut. If something *feels* off, then *leave*. Don't flash expensive jewelry. Be aware of your surroundings. Honestly? I felt safer on Beale Street surrounded by a crowd than I did, once, walking near my supposed "safe" Red Roof Inn. It's all about context, and knowing when to keep your head on a swivel. Don't be a dummy. But don't let fear ruin your experience either. It's a balance, and everyone has their own comfort level.
Let's talk food. Where do I get the best barbecue? Tell it to me straight!
This is a religious debate, people! I personally, after much deliberation and *several* meals, think... okay, here's the deal: Rendezvous is a classic, a must-do for the experience. The dry rub ribs? Legendary. But prepare to queue! And it's HOT in there! Maybe it's my lactose intolerance talking (probably not), but I feel somewhat... overwhelmed by the whole experience. Then, there's Central BBQ. Some folks swear by it. I'm a fan. It's reliably good, the sides are on point, and it's a bit more casual. Payne's BBQ is a favorite. It's no-frills delicious. Just pull up, get your shoulder sandwich, and prepare for a nap. A BBQ nap. And then there's Cozy Corner Restaurant. It's all about the smoked Cornish hen. I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously, research. Sample. Eat. Repeat. You WILL NOT have a bad time. Unless you, you know, eat too much and get a meat sweats situation. Which is entirely possible.
What are some hidden gems in Memphis? The *real* Memphis, not the tourist traps...
Alright, alright. Let's see... The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Gets you in the mood for a little more soul, in every sense of the word. The Peabody Hotel - don't miss the ducks! It's ridiculous, in the best way possible. The duck march is a full-on production. And feel classy for a moment, even if you just had your greasy barbecue fix. Walk along the Mississippi River. It's a beast. See the sunset. The Mud Island River Park, even though it's technically a tourist thing, offers a cool perspective on the city and the river. And honestly? Just wander. Get lost. Talk to people. The best gems sometimes find *you*.
Okay, back to the Red Roof Inn... I'm still nervous. Any survival tips?
Pack Lysol wipes. Seriously. Wipe down everything. Door handles. Light switches. The remote control (that's always the worst). Bring your own pillow, if you're fussy (which I am). Check the bed thoroughly. Don't be afraid to request another room if something's amiss. Most importantly... lower your expectations. Remind yourself it's a place to sleep. You're not there to luxuriate. You're there to experience MEMPHIS. And hey, if the AC unit is on its last leg, at least you can always open a window. Maybe. If it has one that opens. And maybe... *maybe*... you'll have a weird, slightly uncomfortable, ultimately memorable story to tell. Like me.
What's the ideal itinerary for a first-time Memphis visitor? (And can I squeeze in everything?)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you can't *really* "squeeze in" everything. Memphis is like a good song: it stretches on and on, and some of that is just because it doesn't know when to *end*. Here's a fast-and-dirty: * **Day 1:** Land, check into your (hopefully slightly less sketchy than mine) Red RoofTop Hotel Search
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