Luxury Memphis Escape: Courtyard East/Park Ave. Oasis Awaits!
Luxury Memphis Escape: Courtyard East/Park Ave. Oasis Awaits! - A No-Holds-Barred Review (Brace Yourself)
Alright, folks, gather 'round. I've just emerged, blinking and slightly bewildered, from the Courtyard East/Park Ave. Oasis in Memphis. And let me tell you, this ain't just a hotel review; this is a full-blown experience report. Prepare for the good, the bad, and the slightly-greasy-looking-but-surprisingly-delicious… well, you'll see.
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Meta Description: Dive into a brutally honest review of the Courtyard East/Park Ave. Oasis in Memphis! We'll cover everything: accessibility, dining, amenities (pool! spa!), cleanliness, services, and those crucial in-room details. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, personal anecdotes, and the REAL scoop.
(Let the Chaos Begin!)
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not personally using a wheelchair, but I did spend a good chunk of time scrutinizing this aspect. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and yes, they technically have ramps and elevators. But, and this is a big but, maneuvering around the hallways sometimes felt like navigating a particularly aggressive game of Tetris. There were a few tight squeezes, especially when the cleaning carts were out. (Accessibility Rating: 3.5/5, room for improvement, folks!) It wasn't terrible, but it's not a seamless experience.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't see anything that screamed "ultra-accessible lounge," but the main restaurant (which I'll get to later – we had issues) seemed navigable. (Rating: Could be better, more specific details/reviews needed.)
Internet – Wi-Fi, LAN, Oh My! Thank GOD for Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Praise the internet gods! And, hey, they even have Internet [LAN] for you dinosaurs who still believe in wired connections. I tested the Wi-Fi (because, you know, priorities), and it was… acceptable. Not blazing fast, but good enough for streaming some terrible reality TV while trying not to think about the existential dread of choosing the right breakfast cereal. The little details matter, you know?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (aka, the good stuff!)
Okay, let's talk about the real reason you book a "Luxury Memphis Escape": the relaxation!
Swimming Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. Seriously. Picture this: a perfectly clear pool, shimmering under the Memphis sun, and a Pool with a view. Pure bliss. I spent a solid afternoon there, floating on my back, pretending I was a wealthy, carefree socialite. It. Was. Heavenly. (Unless you’re me, and forgot your sunscreen, then the next day just consists of peeling skin and regret.)
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Now, I love a good spa. And, the Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom here… were… present. They existed. I got the Massage and that part was actually quite wonderful, the masseuse seemingly knew exactly where and how to get those knots out. She was a lifesaver. I did try the Sauna, but it wasn't quite the transcendent Finnish experience I was hoping for. Felt a bit… generic. And the Steamroom? Honestly, it felt like I was in a fog machine at a bad rave. Decent, but nothing earth-shattering. (Spa Area Rating: Good, but not world-class. The massage was a highlight.)
Fitness Center/Gym: Yep, there's a Fitness center/ Gym/fitness. I peeked in. Looked functional. Probably had the usual treadmills and weights. I, however, was too busy recovering from my pool-sunburn to engage. Let's be real.
Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap: They offer these. If you're into that, go for it! I, personally, am more of a "lounge by the pool with pizza and judge everyone's swimwear" type of person.
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID Era
Okay, this is where things get interesting. In the era of COVID, I'm all about the Cleanliness and safety. I noticed they had Anti-viral cleaning products, which is a huge plus. They also have a Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Plus, the staff seemed well-versed in Staff trained in safety protocol. All good signs!
I did notice the Hand sanitizer stations were generously placed. And, the Safe dining setup in the restaurant felt relatively safe.
Now, there was an option to Room sanitization opt-out available, which makes sense if you're eco conscious or something.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Food Adventure
Restaurants: This is where things got… entertaining. The main restaurant offered a Breakfast [buffet], and a Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant. They also had a Coffee shop, and Poolside bar.
Here’s the thing: I went down for the Breakfast [buffet] bright and early. The promise of Western breakfast and some Coffee/tea in restaurant kept me going. But, it was… chaotic. A little understaffed, a little disorganized. The food wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece either. Think scrambled eggs that tasted vaguely of sadness and bacon that was cooked to the consistency of shoe leather.
I decided to try the Desserts in restaurant later in the day, after a nap by the pool.
Drinking, Dining, and Snacking: The Verdict?
The bar was okay. The Poolside bar was better. The service was slightly erratic, but the staff was friendly. The Happy hour was a definite highlight.
Services and Conveniences – The Extras
They have all the staples: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, etc. All par for the course.
- Business facilities are also available, with Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Meeting stationery available. They say they have Projector/LED display too, but I didn't need that for my "research."
I also appreciated the Contactless check-in/out. It's the little things, you know? I was also glad to see Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Nice to have a place to park without extra charges.
Important Note: The Gift/souvenir shop was a little… meh. But hey, at least it had one!
For the Kids (If You Have Them)
They have Kids facilities and offer Babysitting service. So, if you're traveling with the little monsters, it seems like they're covered.
Access & Security
They've got the basics: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Makes you feel safe, right?
Available in All Rooms
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around – The Great Escape
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service. They have you covered.
Final Verdict – The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth (Probably)
The Courtyard East/Park Ave. Oasis is… a solid choice. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. The restaurant needs some serious work. But the pool is fantastic, the rooms are decent, and the staff is generally friendly, even with my constant questions. It's a good base for exploring Memphis, especially if you're happy to eat your breakfast elsewhere
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Alright, strap in, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-formatted travel brochure. This is real life, Memphis style, coming at you from the likely-slightly-too-beige walls of the Courtyard Memphis East/Park Avenue. Let's do this.
Memphis Mayhem: A Courtyard Couch Surfer's Chronicle (aka, My Totally Unprofessional Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival, Elvis, and the Agony of the Luggage Carousel
Morning – The Great Luggage Labyrinth: Alright, so, the idea was a smooth flight into Memphis. Reality? Let's just say my checked bag decided to take a solo vacation. Lost luggage is a top-tier travel anxiety, right up there with “will this plane actually land?” Anyway, after a minor meltdown (mostly inside my head, thank God), I'm finally at the Courtyard. It's…Courtyard-y. You know? Clean, efficient, slightly soul-crushing beige. But hey, at least the air conditioning works! I’m pretty sure I saw a woman wearing a fanny pack, so yeah, already a win.
Afternoon – Graceland, Baby! (And Maybe a Slightly Too-Eager Tour Guide): Okay, Graceland. It's huge. The sheer audacity of Elvis’s…everything… is staggering. The Jungle Room? Trippy as hell. The tour guide? Well, let's just say she knew everything. I swear, she even knew what Elvis ate for breakfast on Tuesdays in 1968. I felt bad rolling my eyes, but after the third "Elvis loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches!" I think I went a little cross-eyed. The line for the gift shop was insane. I grabbed a cheesy Elvis bobblehead and got the hell outta there.
Evening – Beale Street Booze (and a Questionable Decision): Beale Street. The heart and soul of Memphis. The music, the neon lights… the potential for making spectacularly bad decisions. I'm happy to report I embraced that potential. A few beers, some seriously delicious ribs (I mean, Memphis ribs, come on!), and I may have attempted to sing along with a blues band. My voice is clearly not meant for the blues, but the band seemed to appreciate the effort (or maybe they were laughing at me, who knows?). This is when I should have called it quits. But I didn't. Cue… well, let’s just say I’m waking up with a faint memory of a karaoke bar and a particularly aggressive rendition of "Hound Dog." God help me.
Late Night – The Courtyard Lobby – or more accurately, a desperate hunt for an open vending machine. Turns out I'm still hungry…and thirsty… and slightly ashamed. The chips were stale. The soda lukewarm. This is the life, baby.
Day 2: History, Soul, and the Glorious, Sweaty Heat
Morning – Stumbling into History (and a Really Good Breakfast): The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Gut-wrenching. Powerful. A complete must-see. I spent a good chunk of time just…absorbing it. It sticks with you. Afterwards, I was desperate for some serious comfort food. Found a little diner down the street and inhaled a plate of biscuits and gravy the size of my head. Fuel for the emotional battles, ya know?
Afternoon – Sun Studio – The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll (and a Slightly Awkward Sing-Along): Sun Studio! Another heavy hitter in the Memphis music scene. The tour was fantastic. Learning where legends like Cash and Presley recorded their music. I did a quick and awkward solo song - "Heartbreak Hotel". The guide, bless his heart, just smiled and nodded.
Late Afternoon – The Pyramid and a Whole Lotta Water: I went to the Pyramid - the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The building itself is awe-inspiring - a shimmering spectacle. But after that, I just didn't know where to go, so I sort of wandered out towards the river. It was hot. Like, really hot. Sweat was pouring off me. I'm not sure if it was the humidity or the sheer size of the thing. (I was so tempted to rent one of the boats). Anyway, I went back to the Courtyard, and went straight for the AC.
Evening – Soul Food and a Potential Case of the Hangry: I tried to find Rendezvous. But no luck, they kept closing on me. I ended up at a little soul food place. Everything was fantastic. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens…pure bliss. Then, the inevitable crash. Sleep. I think the food will last me a while.
Night – Back to the beige! Back to the Courtyard. It’s clean, it’s bland, it’s boring. But. It's my boring, clean, and comfortable (ish) crash pad for now.
Day 3: Departure (and the Hope My Luggage Finally Arrives)
Morning – Quick Breakfast and Reflections: Grabbed a sad little breakfast at the hotel. Seriously, I'm starting to bond with the oatmeal packets. Packed what I had, and then had a moment to process everything. Memphis is a city that hits you right in the feels. The music, the food, the history… it's intense. It’s messy. It’s real.
Afternoon – Airport Anxiety, Part Deux (and a Prayer to the Luggage Gods): Heading back to the airport. Crossing my fingers that my luggage has miraculously reappeared. If not, I'm embracing the minimalist lifestyle. Maybe I can start a new chapter - a wardrobe consisting of only a bobblehead and a t-shirt that says "I survived Memphis".
Departure – Goodbye, Memphis! (Until next time!) Sayonara! Until next time.
Final Thoughts:
Memphis, you beautiful, messy, sweaty, musical, historical, rib-tastic city, you. I loved you. I hated you (occasionally, when the humidity was at its peak). I learned a lot. I ate a lot. I may or may not have made a fool of myself. But I left a piece of my heart there. And hopefully, my luggage will eventually follow.
Now, bring me a Bloody Mary. I'm gonna need it.
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So, like, "Luxury"? Really? What's so fancy about this place?
Okay, okay, "luxury" is a loaded word, isn't it? Listen, I'm from Memphis. We're not exactly known for being… understated. Let me put it this way: It ain't the Ritz, alright? But after a week of trying to wrangle toddlers, or dodge the rogue air conditioning unit at a certain local brunch spot (I’m not naming names!), a clean, well-appointed room with a *working* shower and actual *peace and quiet*? That's luxury, baby. Especially when you're comparing it to some of the… let's just say "eclectic" accommodations you find in this city. Park Ave. Oasis? More like Park Ave. *Relief* from the everyday chaos. The courtyard? Charming. The beds? Comfier than sleeping on a cloud made of… well, you get the idea.
Park Ave. mentioned a few times, tell me about the location
Right, Park Avenue. It's… fine. Look, you're not going to stumble out of your hotel room and into a world-class museum (though, hey, Memphis, the world's waiting!). You're also not exactly in the heart of the crazy Beale Street action, which, honestly, can get exhausting after the third night (or the first, depending on your tolerance for flashing neon and questionable cover bands). It's more… residential-ish. Safe-ish. Convenient-ish. But the BEST thing? You're not *far* from anything. Graceland's like a hop, skip, and a jump. Downtown? Short Uber ride. And, crucially, there's a freaking *Target* nearby. That, my friends, is true luxury. Because if you need a forgotten item, a snack, or just some peace of mind with a purchase, Target wins.
What about the Courtyard? I mean, it promises some kind of 'oasis' right?
Okay, the courtyard. Now *this* is where they get it right. Imagine, if you will, a humid Memphis afternoon. The sun is beating down. You've spent the day wrestling with your kids in the zoo, or haggling over barbecue prices, or fighting the traffic that just moves at it's own pace. You're starting to question all your life choices. Then, you walk into the courtyard. It's… well, it's *green*. There's usually a fountain burbling quietly (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't – embrace the imperfection, people!), and maybe, just maybe, a few strategically placed chairs. It's a small thing, but… it *works*. It's a little pocket of calm in a city that can sometimes feel like a… well, a glorious, slightly chaotic symphony of sound and sensation. Don't expect tropical paradise, you're in Memphis, not the Bahamas, but the atmosphere still provides a peace of mind.
Is breakfast included? Because a grumpy stomach before a Graceland tour is a BAD look.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Breakfast? This is where things get, um… unpredictable. Some days, yes! Glorious breakfast! Scrambled eggs, maybe some sad-but-okay waffles, and endless coffee. Other days… well, let's just say you might be better off making a beeline for that aforementioned Target and grabbing a Pop-Tart. It's a roll of the dice, and frankly, I can't tell you *when* the good days are coming. Sometimes, it's a continental grab-and-go. Sometimes you get lucky with a full buffet. This hotel definitely has some inconsistencies. So, my advice? Check the website, *or* be prepared to improvise. (See: Target and the aforementioned Pop-Tarts. They’re a lifesaver, I tell you.)
I'm a big Elvis fan! Will I find a room with a theme?
Uh, no. No, you will not find an Elvis-themed room. This is not The Guesthouse at Graceland, okay? It's a perfectly fine hotel, but it's not going to overwhelm you with rhinestone-studded decor. That said, you *are* in Memphis. Elvis is everywhere. The spirit of the King is infused in the air, the food, everything. Expect to hear his music. Expect to see people wearing blue suede shoes. Expect to feel… a certain something. Just… don't expect it in the carpet of your room. Although, that’s not a bad idea, is it? I'm thinking maybe this hotel should take note! A little Elvis flair would definitely elevate the experience!
Is there a gym? Because I need to work off all that barbecue!
Yes, there's a "gym." And by "gym," I mean… a room with some treadmills and a few weights. Think of it as a place to burn off some of the guilt from all that delicious, artery-clogging barbecue you're going to consume. Seriously, Memphis barbecue is a force of nature. You'll *want* to have it. You *need* to have it. The gym is there to pretend you care about your health while you're shoving ribs in your face. It works, sort of. I've seen worse hotel gyms, and, let's be honest, I've used worse. (Remember: You’re on vacation! A little extra padding never hurt anyone.)
What about parking? Because I'm renting a car… and I'm a terrible driver.
Parking! Ah, the bane of existence. Don't worry, you won't need to parallel park on a busy street. There's a parking lot, and it's usually… well, there's *enough* space. Remember, you're in Memphis, not Manhattan. Space is a thing! It's not valet parking, so you are on your own. Which, if you are a terrible driver, is probably for the best. Unless you are a good tipper, then maybe the staff can give you a hand. It's a manageable situation generally. Just remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, because Memphis drivers... they're a breed of their own.
Okay, what's the one thing I *absolutely* need to know before I book this place?
Alright, here it is, the absolute truth: Manage your expectations. This isn't a five-star resort. It's a solid, reliable place to stay in a city that's bursting with character. It's clean. It's convenient. The courtyard is cute. The beds are nice. And for what it is, it's a good deal.Hotels With Kitchenettes
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