Escape to Memphis: Cordova's BEST Extended Stay Suites!
Escape to Memphis: Cordova's BEST Extended Stay Suites? Uh…Let's Unpack That…
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the deep end of the Memphis hospitality pool – Escape to Memphis: Cordova's BEST Extended Stay Suites. Or, at least, that's what they say. I'm here to tell you if the reality matches the brochure, and trust me, it's a journey. I've stayed in places that smelled like a wet dog and a forgotten dream, and places that felt like a Kardashian's walk-in closet. This one? Well, let's just say it's got its moments.
(SEO & Metadata Alert: This is gonna be jam-packed: Extended Stay Memphis, Cordova Hotels, Long-Term Stays, Accessible Hotels Memphis, Pet-Friendly Hotels Memphis, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Breakfast Options, Cleanliness Standards, Family-Friendly Hotels, Business Travel Memphis, Near Restaurants, Accessible Amenities, Best Value Hotels Memphis)
First Impressions: A Whiff of…Potential?
Okay, pulling up to the place, it looks decent. Standard-issue extended stay digs, nothing too flashy, but hey, it's Cordova, not the Ritz. The exterior corridor setup is a bit "motel-y," and honestly, I always feel like a movie character in a low-budget thriller. But hey, the car park [on-site] is plentiful, and the fact that it's car park [free of charge] is a massive win, especially when you're stretching your budget on a long-term stay.
Accessibility: Can You, Literally, Get Around?
This is HUGE for me, and thankfully, Escape to Memphis appears to have put some thought into it. We're talking facilities for disabled guests, and that's a good start. Haven't personally tested everything, but seeing the ramps and elevators (yes, an elevator!) gives me hope. Crucially, there's a dedicated section for accessible rooms, though I didn’t personally stay in one. My own "standard" room (more on that later) seemed navigable for someone with mobility needs, and that’s a good sign. Let's give them a tentative thumbs up on this front.
Getting Connected (And Staying That Way):
Ah, the modern traveler's obsession: Internet! And thankfully, Escape to Memphis delivers. There's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it's not just a weak signal that cuts out the minute you try to stream something. My Netflix binges (and, let's be honest, work) were perfectly functional. They’ve also got Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN in the rooms, which is a nice touch for those who like a more secure connection. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, you guessed it. Plus, there's a laptop workspace in the room, meaning I barely had to leave my pajamas all day. Bliss.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (Mostly)
Okay, so my room… it was… functional. Clean-ish, I'll give them that. The daily housekeeping was a godsend, because, let's face it, no one wants to do that themselves on a long stay. The air conditioning blasted out ice-cold air, which was appreciated during the Memphis heat. Blackout curtains? Check. Crucial for sleeping off that post-BBQ food coma.
- The Good: The bed was shockingly comfortable. I've slept on lumpy mattresses that felt like a medieval torture device, but this one? Actually decent. They supplied bottled water, which is always a plus. And the desk was big enough to actually work on (unlike some postage stamp desks I've encountered). Added a hair dryer and ironing facilities
- The "Meh": The décor was… bland. Think beige, more beige, and a touch of beige. It’s not exactly Instagram-worthy, and certainly not where I'd host a party. The mini bar was empty. (That was fine by me, as I'm not much of a drinker, but it’s a good thing to know beforehand.) And the mirror didn’t exactly flatter during the daily existential dread.
- The Quirks: The shower was… interesting. Good water pressure, but the drain was… slow. Like, really, really slow. I swear, I was starting to contemplate building a small ark in there.
Dining & Snacking: Fuel My Face
This is where things get a bit…complicated. The official word is that Breakfast [buffet] is available, and they do offer a Breakfast service. However, during my stay, it was more of a "grab-and-go" situation due to ongoing COVID concerns. There's a coffee shop, which is essential, honestly. The essential condiments they have are great to have, . I did appreciate the bottle of water, though. As for actual restaurants? There's no on-site accessible restaurants / lounges, but Cordova, being Cordova, has a plethora of options a short drive away.
Amenities & Ways to Relax: Pretending I'm on Vacation (even when I'm not)
Okay, this is a good place to pause and take a deep breath. Because, this place actually has some cool stuff!
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] is well-maintained and was a life-saver in the Memphis heat. No Pool with view, but hey, it's a pool. Always a good way to keep the kiddos (I was traveling with a child) happy and exhausted at the end of the day.
- Fitness Center: Yes! A gym/fitness center! Granted, it’s not a full-blown, state-of-the-art facility, but it was more than enough to keep my muscles from atrophying during my stay.
- The "Spa" Fantasy: Okay, now here's the real bummer: there's no full-on Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, or Body wrap. But, a girl can dream, right?
Cleanliness & Safety: Is It Safe to Breathe?
This is huge in the current climate, and Escape to Memphis seems to take things seriously. I saw Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they're using Anti-viral cleaning products. Plus, the staff appeared to be following the Staff trained in safety protocol. It’s not perfect by any means, but I felt reasonably safe. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and the Daily disinfection in common areas, definitely gave me some peace of mind.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
They offer the usual suspects: Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and, thank goodness, luggage storage. It was nice to have those options available. There’s also a convenience store so you can grab a bag of chips and feel less guilty.
For the Kids & Non-Adults:
This place is surprisingly Family/child friendly. There are kids facilities, and, though not officially stated, the pool is basically a playground. I didn’t use a Babysitting service, but I'm sure that's available.
The Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Look, Escape to Memphis isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, the décor is… well, it exists. But for the price, the location, and the amenities, it's a solid choice for an extended stay in Cordova. It's clean, it's got the essentials (and then some), and it's within easy reach of everything Memphis has to offer.
The Final Score:
- Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
- Accessibility: 4 out of 5 stars (based on potential)
- Cleanliness and safety: 4 out of 5 stars
- Internet access: 5 out of 5 stars (Seriously, the Wi-Fi rocks.)
- Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. It's not the Four Seasons, but it's a comfortable, convenient, and affordable home base. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if only they'd fix that slow shower drain…
Escape to Fredericksburg: Your Dream Stay at Residence Inn!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned spreadsheet. We're hitting Memphis, baby, and we're doing it authentically. By which I mean… probably making a few mistakes, laughing a lot, and eating at least three pounds of barbecue. Extended Stay America? More like Extended Slay America, am I right? (Okay, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.)
Memphis, Tennessee: A Hot Mess Itinerary (with a Heart of Gold)
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Existential Dread of Hotel Room Lighting)
Afternoon (ish): Touchdown in Memphis! Airport pickup (praying the shuttle isn’t late, because I hate waiting). Head straight to the Extended Stay in Cordova. Honestly, the exterior looks like a slightly sad office park, BUT, the reviews mentioned… well, let's just say I'm prepared for a certain je ne sais quoi of "lived-in charm".
Arrival
- Quirky Observation: The hotel key! The whole process of opening doors and locking them. It's a relic, a technology from a time before my phone could magically control the temperature and the lights.
- Emotional Reaction: I was tired. The flight was long and a bit bumpy. I like the staff at the hotel. They were really nice.
Settling In… or Attempting To: Unpacking. Discovering the room's lighting is a cruel joke. It’s like being perpetually under a fluorescent interrogation lamp. Seriously, is that one of those "Extended Stay" clauses? "Guests are contractually obligated to experience maximum fluorescent bulb exposure."
This is where the adventure should begin.
- Anecdote: I tried to work for an hour, but I got irritated by the lights I mentioned earlier.
- Quirky Observation: The TV, which is the older type of TV with the buttons. A good change of pace from my phone.
Evening: Dinner! Gotta find some legit Memphis BBQ. Not the chain stuff. The real deal. Okay, fine, I'll consult Yelp. (Don't judge, I'm a practical traveler!)
- Emotional Reaction: I am not pleased with the quality of some of the BBQ places. I tried one. The food was subpar at best.
- Messy Structure: I had planned to go to Beale street but the place was way too full. The music and food was overpriced.
Day 2: Graceland and the Gospel of Rock 'n' Roll (and Possibly Regret)
Morning: Breakfast. (Hopefully, the complimentary "breakfast" at Extended Stay is at least edible. I'm picturing pre-packaged muffins and questionable coffee. Pray for me.)
Morning (Continued): Graceland! The King's castle! This is the Memphis experience. I can already imagine the velvet ropes, the jumpsuits, the… glitter. I AM SO EXCITED. I should buy some new sunglasses.
- Anecdote: I had to go to the store to get some sunglasses, and I got a snack.
Afternoon: Graceland Tour. Okay, so, I was expecting some kind of… well, grandeur. And the castle? You know, after the excitement, it was a bit underwhelming. Honestly, the highlight for me may have been the sheer amount of Elvis paraphernalia. The man loved his stuff! The cars were nice though.
- Messy Structure I went to the shop after and bought some memorabilia. I went to the gift shop.
Afternoon (continued): Walk around the area. Did I mention that the Elvis stuff was cool?
- Emotional Reaction: I am completely content. I am experiencing great joy.
- Rambles: I am walking! The sun is shining! I love the buildings! Everything is great!
Evening: Dinner. I am a bit tired of the food, so I go to the grocery store to make a meal. And I am content.
- Opinionated Language Food is a scam in this city.
Day 3: Sun Studio and the Blues (and Possibly a Hangover)
Morning (Hopefully): Waking up. After last night's questionable BBQ and the intense Elvis vibes, I have a lot to unpack. Also, I have a slight headache. And I thought I had a hang-up. Ugh!
Morning (Continued): Sun Studio! The birthplace of rock 'n' roll! Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis… the whole gang! I'm hoping for some serious musical inspiration and maybe a ghost sighting. (Okay, the ghost thing is a long shot.)
- Opinionated Language: The tour was okay-ish. Too many people!
Afternoon: More Memphis. I would like to explore the Mississippi.
- Opinionated Language: The city is not the best.
- Anecdote: The museum was a letdown.
Evening: Blues. Beale Street. Music, night clubs, and the rest.. I don't know what to expect.
- Emotional Reaction: I had fun. The music was good.
- Quirky Observations: The neon lights were flashing from every corner.
Day 4: The Departure (and the Lingering Smell of BBQ)
Morning: The dreaded packing up. The final fluorescent glare. Checking out. Saying goodbye to the slightly-less-than-stellar Extended Stay. (No offense, ESE, you were… an experience.)
Morning (Continued): Last-minute breakfast. Another shot at that perfect Memphis coffee and one last barbecue moment.
Afternoon: Head to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. The good, the bad, the questionable food choices… all the chaos!
- Emotional Reaction: I am sad to leave.
Emotional Reaction: I was content to leave.
(Post-Trip Ramblings)
- Memphis, you were… a lot.
- The BBQ was an adventure.
- And the hotel? Well, it was memorable, in its own special way.
- Would I go back? Maybe.
- But next time, I'm bringing a better flashlight. And earplugs.
- And definitely a larger suitcase for all the Elvis souvenirs!
- And hopefully, a slightly stronger stomach.
There you have it. A Memphis trip, unfiltered. Remember, it’s the imperfections that make the best stories. Cheers!
Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek Awaits!
Escape to Memphis: Cordova's BEST Extended Stay Suites! - (Or, How I Survived a Month in a Hotel & Learned to Love the Mini-Fridge)
Okay, seriously... is it *actually* "the BEST"? Like, better than a real apartment?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Best" is subjective, right? It's like saying my grandma's meatloaf is the best in the world (and it is, fight me). For an extended stay *suite* situation, yeah, Escape to Memphis in Cordova... it's got a strong case. Better than a real apartment? Depends. I mean, no, it’s not. You don't get to paint the walls Pepto-Bismol pink to match your mood. But, like, think about it: no lease to stress over, no mountains of paperwork with all the utilities... just, boom, move in (after you've been approved, obviously, because, adulting). I was living there for a month after a particularly disastrous renovation project (don't ask, it involved a rogue plumber and a leaky ceiling that looked like it was crying itself to sleep.) And honestly? For a month, it was pretty darn good.
The lack of a lease? Total lifesaver. The fully equipped kitchen (mini-fridge *included*, people!) meant I didn't have to live off instant ramen and the sheer convenience factor was a huge win. No, you can't have a pet pig (trust me, I asked) but my imaginary emotional support goldfish, Reginald, was welcome. So maybe not *better* than a perfect apartment but definitely much easier in a pinch.
What's the deal with the kitchen? Is it just a microwave and a prayer?
Okay, the kitchen situation. This is where it gets *interesting*. It's not a gourmet chef's dream, let's be honest. We're not talking Viking range and a walk-in pantry. But, hear me out! Mine had a *real* refrigerator (yes, mini-fridge, but bigger than the ones you find in other hotel rooms, so, we are winning here), a microwave, a stovetop (two burners, but still!), a coffeemaker (essential, people, ESSENTIAL), and, get this... a dishwasher! Yes! A dishwasher! (Okay, it probably wouldn't survive a heavy-duty load after a massive Thanksgiving with the whole family, like my Aunt Carol's, but, it would do the work for someone like me.)
The initial charm of the kitchen soon gave way to the reality of limited counter space and the constant struggle of balancing a cutting board on the minuscule table while trying to chop vegetables. But, you know what? I managed to make actual, from-scratch meals. Even roasted a chicken! (Okay, maybe that was pushing it. But I did, actually, a whole roasted chicken in my toaster oven, and it was delicious!) So, yeah, it's not ideal for Julia Child, but for someone who just wants to avoid takeout every single night, it's a massive win. And the dishwasher… that alone is worth the price of admission, especially after a long day when you just want to flop on the couch and binge-watch something. Plus, I'm not gonna lie, there was something strangely satisfying about washing dishes in my pajamas in a hotel room.
What about the location? Is Cordova even a place?
Okay, yeah, Cordova. Look, I'm from out of state, I didn't even *know* where it was. But it's Memphis, right? And that's what matters. It's close to everything – or at least it felt that way. Plenty of places to eat for when you don't want to cook, and a grocery store nearby. Close enough to downtown Memphis for concerts (I saw a band called "The Flufferbutts" and they were...well, they were something). It was *practical*, and when you're in a temporary living situation, practical is king.
And honestly, I kinda dug Cordova. It's not exactly the hip, happening spot, but there's a certain quiet charm. It's like the comfy sweatpants of Memphis neighborhoods. I found a fantastic coffee shop, and the staff at the Escape to Memphis were lovely and extremely patient with my endless questions (sorry again, guys, about the pet pig query!). And the general vibe? Chill.
What about the cleaning? Is it a weekly torture session?
Cleaning... *shudders*. It's hotel cleaning, so you get a weekly tidy up. Yes, like a godsend. The housekeeping crew was great, always so polite and did a good job. It wasn't always perfect, you know, the occasional stray hair that lingered near the corners... but hey, I'm not a clean freak, so that's probably more my problem than theirs. The important thing is, you didn't have to become a cleaning slave.
Were there any downsides? Hit me with the truth!
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. The biggest downside? The walls. They *were* a little thin. I heard my neighbor's TV show... which, to be fair, was an epic show about a doctor who, I swear, was constantly breaking the law. Really got me hooked, but I still thought, "Buddy, turn that volume down." And the other thing? The elevators. There weren't any. (Sorry, I have been on a couple vacations, though, and it was more convenient).
And the other downside, if you're into the whole "community" thing. You do make friends; you'd see people in the lobby, smiling and nodding. It doesn't feel like a genuine community. It's more like… a collection of people temporarily living in a building. Not exactly the foundation for a long-term friendship. I missed the random chats with my neighbors. But hey, you can't have it all, right?
So, overall... would you recommend it? Even with the thin walls of doom?
Absolutely. Despite the minor inconveniences, would I recommend Escape to Memphis in Cordova for an extended stay? Yes, absolutely! If you're looking for a place that's clean, has the basics, and doesn't require a commitment, this is a solid choice. It was a lifesaver for me. And hey, the mini-fridge, the dishwasher, and the friendly staff more than made up for the occasional sonic intrusion from my neighbors' TV. Plus, I kinda miss it. Living in a hotel for a month? It's an experience. And sometimes, that's all you need. I'm not sure I'd want to spend forever in an extended-stay suite... but for a month? Yeah, I'd do it again. In fact, I might just call them up and see if they still have room for Reginald the goldfish.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Memphis: Cordova's BEST Extended Stay Suites!"