Residence Inn Memphis Downtown

The Residence Inn Memphis Downtown was built in 1930 as a hotel, metamorphosed into an apartment house, and back into a hotel now owned by Marriott. It has retained many of its original Art Deco features -- in evidence mainly in the lobby and mezzanine --  which blend nicely with its more contemporary styling. A lot of dark wood plus blue-green and gray accents predominate, and a double-face fireplace in the breakfast room/hearth room give this Residence Inn a cozy, homey vibe. Free coffee, tea, and newspapers are available in the lobby, making it an inviting place to linger. Guests also gather in the billiards room for pool, and over free wine, beer, and appetizers at evening socials held a few times a week in the lobby or outdoors. Couples and families make up most of the clientele here, but the hotel could suit any guests on extended stays, including business travelers.

The hotel is on a busy corner in the heart of downtown Memphis. The renowned BBQ joint, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, is within a minute's walk, and several other well-known restaurants, such as McEwens and Felicia Suzanne's, are right around the corner. Beale Street, with its music clubs and even more restaurants, is less than 10 minutes from the hotel on foot, and it’s about the same distance to the Memphis Cook Convention Center and the FedEx Forum Arena. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. The vintage cars of the Main Street Trolley stop right outside the hotel. Elvis Presley's Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, and Memphis International Airport are within a 15-minute drive.

Each of the hotel's 90 rooms are suites, and include Studios, and One- and Two-Bedroom accommodations. All have kitchens with ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers, separate lounge areas, separate working and seating areas with sofa beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Two-Bedroom Suites have views over the Mississippi River. Decor is modern, with shades of brown and gray brightened up by attractive teal accent walls. There are peeks of dark blue in the patterned carpets, and warm wood veneer furniture has simple, clean lines. Historic black-and-white photos of Memphis hang on the walls, giving the rooms even more personality. Wallpapered bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries plus spacious granite vanities. A reminder that the hotel's smoke-free policy is strictly enforced here, and guests who smoke in their rooms will be charged $250.

The hotel serves a free breakfast, which includes a wide range of hot and cold items, and there's a waffle maker for guests to use. The hotel also offers a free grocery shopping service, an unusual touch -- guests simply fill out their grocery lists and the hotel's staff purchases and delivers the items to rooms. Evening receptions with appetizers and free wine and beer are held several nights throughout the week. The hotel has no restaurant, but some of the nearby restaurants will deliver dinner to rooms. There is an on-site business center and meeting rooms, a library, barbecue grills, a laundry room, billiard room, and a fitness center with treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, and weights. The rooftop terrace is a popular gathering spot in the warmer months, and offers seating and great views over Memphis. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.