Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis – Beale Street

The property looks like a standard Hampton Inn from the outside -- a beige-and-red-brick exterior emblazoned with the Hampton Inn logo -- and it delivers on all of the standard comforts of Hampton Inns around the country. Its prime location and indoor pool mainly draws tourists, but the location and services available also attract business travelers. The inviting lobby and common areas, which include a flagstone fireplace and flat-screen TV, are decorated in warm earth tones, with plenty of rust- and rose-colored couches and armchairs offering guests places to sit and mingle. The open, pleasant breakfast area and 24-hour coffee bar are right off the lobby.

With the numerous bars, restaurants, and music clubs of Beale Street just around the corner, this Hampton Inn is conveniently situated for taking in Memphis' entertainment and sights. A park sits across the street and the FedEx Forum sports and entertainment complex is within a five-minute walk. B.B. King's Blues Club is three minutes from the hotel on foot and there are several museums covering various aspects of the area’s history nearby, including the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum (about a one-minute walk), the Cotton Museum (a seven-minute walk), the National Civil Rights Museum (a 10-minute walk), and the Railroad and Trolley Museum (a 15-minute walk). The beautiful Overton Park and Memphis Zoo are about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while Graceland and Memphis International Airport are about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

The 144 guest rooms, some of which have balconies offering views of the Memphis skyline, are spacious and have a neutral color scheme offset by deep red and green hues. Some of the furniture looks a bit dated in a suburban, inoffensive way, with the ubiquitous swirl-patterned carpets found in plenty of mid-range chains throughout the country. Rooms include 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, coffeemakers, desks, ironing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have separate livings areas and kitchenettes with microwaves, sinks, full-size refrigerators, counters with stools, and dishwashers. White-and-beige bathrooms have large mirrors above granite vanities, shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Be aware when reserving that some rooms pick up traffic noise and the sounds of music and buzz from Beale Street late into the night -- light sleepers might want to inquire about quieter rooms.

The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs, while the modest fitness center features treadmills, a cross trainer, an exercise bike, and free weights, and overlooks the pool. A business center has computer stations, printers, and offers photocopying, faxing, and shredding services, along with two meeting rooms. A coin-operated laundry is on-site, as well a vending machine and an ice machine. The gift shop sells a wide range of snacks and drinks. An unaffiliated bar and grill on the ground floor delivers to rooms, and free tea and coffee are available in the lobby 24 hours a day. Breakfast is included in the room rate and includes eggs, sausages, waffles, fruit, and pastries -- there's a take-out option too. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but on-site self parking comes with a daily fee.