Elvis Presley's Memphis Getaway: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Airport Deal!
Elvis's Memphis Getaway: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Airport Deal! - A Review From a (Mostly) Happy Camper
Alright, folks, buckle up. You're about to get the unvarnished truth about my recent stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Airport in Memphis. This wasn't just a trip; it was an experience. And as a self-proclaimed travel enthusiast with a soft spot for the King (duh!), I was ready to rock and roll. Let's get this Graceland-adjacent review started!
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First Impressions (and Parking Woes):
Pulling up, okay, it's a Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill. Clean lines, somewhat generic, but hey, it’s Memphis, not Monaco, right? The car park [free of charge] was a major win from the get-go. No circling the block like a lost hound dog! Though, and this is a minor gripe, maneuvering my enormous suitcase through the entrance felt a little like wrangling an angry alligator. The exterior felt safe with CCTV outside property and Security [24-hour], which always makes this nervous Nelly feel a bit better.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Now, I didn't need accessible features, but I always check them out because, you know, karma and all that. The elevator was a definite plus. I poked around a bit, and it looked like they had decent considerations for guests with mobility issues. I'd rate it a B+ for Facilities for disabled guests, but it's hard to say for sure without actually needing them.
The Room: My Little Memphis Sanctuary
Okay, room time. The Air conditioning was a godsend in the Memphis heat! I flipped that thing on the moment I hit the door. My room, bless its cotton socks, had Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. Whew! That’s a lot of check boxes! Alarm clock was a lifesaver, even if I did accidentally set it for AM instead of PM and nearly missed my Graceland tour. Oops. The bed? Ah, the Extra long bed was amazing, I swear I slept like a baby, and the Blackout curtains? Forget about seeing a sliver of light – pure darkness, perfect for recovering from a day spent channeling my inner Elvis.
Wi-Fi: Praise Be!
The Wi-Fi [free] was a gift from the digital gods! And, praise the travel gods, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'm talking fast, reliable internet (for the most part!) and the Internet access – wireless gave me the ability to livestream my terrible karaoke attempts in the privacy of my room. Bonus points for the Internet access – LAN as well for those who prefer a wired connection.
Cleanliness & (Relative) Safety: Doing the Right Thing
This is where the hotel really shone. Being a bit of a germaphobe, I paid close attention. They were clearly serious about Cleanliness and safety. There were Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. My room had been Rooms sanitized between stays, and I felt safe knowing they used Anti-viral cleaning products. I also liked the fact that the staff were Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had Sterilizing equipment in use (presumably) and offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a great touch. They put in place Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and the Daily disinfection in common areas felt reassuring. The Front desk [24-hour] was always there if I needed anything. They offered Cashless payment service too, which is another bonus.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Lack Thereof):
Breakfast. This is where things got… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was advertised, but in reality, it was more of a… pre-packaged grab-and-go situation. Individually-wrapped food options were the name of the game. While I appreciate the safety precautions, I missed a good, hot breakfast. The Breakfast takeaway service was available, though. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent but not spectacular. I did not try the Restaurants, or what and how they provide, or the Poolside bar so can't say much about those. The Snack bar was a godsend for those late-night cravings, I gotta say!
The Fitness Center (and My Lack of Effort):
Okay, I have to be honest. I peeked in at the Fitness center and the Gym/fitness, but I’m pretty sure my suitcase saw more action than I did. It looked clean, with the usual treadmills and weights. I’d give it a solid C for effort on my part. Perhaps next time I'll utilize the Pool with view.
Pool, Spa, and Relaxation (for Elvis Impersonators):
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, perfect for cooling off after sweating my soul out on Beale Street but I didn't get a chance to use it. They also advertise Spa/sauna and a Steamroom. All sounds amazing. But honestly… no. I spent my time chasing down Elvis sightings.
Services and Conveniences: They've Got Most Things Covered!
The hotel had a good range of services. There was a Daily housekeeping service, as expected. The Concierge was useful for directions and recommendations. Laundry service and Dry cleaning were useful too. The Convenience store was great for buying forgotten essentials. I appreciate that they provided Essential condiments as well. The Elevator was a godsend with my luggage. And bless the Luggage storage! The Cash withdrawal service in the hotel was also super-convenient.
For the Kiddos and the Family (Who Need Fuel for a Road Trip):
While I don’t have kids, I noticed they had Family/child friendly features. I saw a Kids meal menu, and they offered Babysitting service which is a great touch for families.
Getting Around (From the Airport to Graceland and Beyond):
Airport transfer was available, which is a huge plus for a hotel near the airport. I opted for a Taxi service to get around and it was easy to arrange. They had Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. I didn't need the Car power charging station, but it's there if you do.
Extras, Quirks, and Anecdotes:
- The "Elvis" Factor: Sadly, there were no Elvis impersonators in the lobby, but the proximity to Graceland did give the whole experience a certain Memphis vibe.
- The Elevator Drama: I witnessed a hilarious 15-minute stand-off between a family of five and a particularly stubborn elevator. Good times.
- The Complimentary Tea: That little touch of complimentary tea in the room was just chef’s kiss after a long day of walking and taking in the sights.
- The Soundproofing: I gotta say, the Soundproofing in my room was amazing. You could have a full-blown jam session and no one would know! (Hypothetically, of course…)
The Verdict (Finally!)
Look, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Airport isn't the Ritz. But for a convenient, clean, and reasonably priced hotel near the airport, it’s a solid choice. It ticks most of the boxes, especially regarding the Cleanliness and safety. I felt safe, comfortable, and ready to explore Memphis. The free parking, decent Wi-Fi, and the convenience of the location were big wins.
Would I go back? Absolutely! Especially if they improve the breakfast situation and maybe add a tiny Elvis statue to the lobby. (Just a thought, management!) Rating: 4 out of 5 Elvis Pelvises (because, you know, Memphis).
Unveiling Colombo's Hidden Gem: The Opulent Rococo Residence!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly planned travel itinerary. This is my Memphis, and we're gonna get messy, real fast. I'm talking Elvis-sized portions of chaos and charm, all fueled by lukewarm coffee and a deep-seated fear of bad hotel breakfasts. And yes, this all starts at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Arpt Elvis Presley Blv By IHG. Let's go:
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Anxiety, and the Elvis Presley Boulevard Shuffle
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Landing & Luggage Lunacy: Okay, lemme be real. Air travel is my nemesis. I'm pretty sure my blood pressure spikes the second the plane doors close. Arrive at Memphis International (MEM)…after surviving a TSA experience so pathetically disorganized, they made a rookie mistake (I won't tell you, I don't want to get flagged or into trouble), and after surviving that I realized the luggage was delayed, the airline didn't help much and I had to wait with other passenger to figure out my lost luggage… finally getting to the car rental at the airport I had to wait on even more lines, they were short-staffed, the customer service was terrible. Luckily, I reserved a hotel room close to the airport to get some rest.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in and Room Rumble: Found my chariot (a dinky rental car), fought my way through the traffic (Memphis drivers, bless their souls), and finally arrived at the Holiday Inn Express. The lobby? Standard. The front desk person? Surprisingly chipper, which felt like a godsend after the travel day from hell. Check-in was smooth…or at least, smoother than expected. Got my room key, prayed for a clean bed, and made my way to what I now hope is a sanctuary of relative peace after a long day and it's a decent room, I mean, it's clean and comfortable, I'm just exhausted.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Elvis Proximity Effect: Alright, I have to do it. I have to see something Elvis-related today. It’s the law, isn't it? A quick Google maps check later…and the hotel’s location is perfect, it puts me in the heart of all the "King" activity. I decide to dive right in and find the very near local spot, in a bar, grab a drink, maybe get a bite and feel like I'm actually here!
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma & Hotel Happiness: I'm famished. The fridge has the sad remains of a late-night gas station snack, so no snacks. What to do? Head out. I ask about recommendations at the hotel and found that my choices were poor. I decided to eat at the hotel, in a place that was nice. Food was good, but I'm just tired. After that went back to the room for a night's sleep.
Day 2: Graceland, Guitars, and Greasy Spoon Glorification
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Blues Okay, let’s talk about hotel breakfasts, shall we? I'm hoping it's better than the airport breakfast. I'm not expecting miracles, but I'm hoping for something that doesn't resemble what I imagine cat food tastes like. (Turns out, it was EXACTLY what I think cat food looks like!). The coffee was weak. The sausage patties… well, let's just say my stomach is already protesting. Made a quick run to a fast food cafe to get real coffee and a real breakfast.
- 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Graceland Pilgrimage: The main event. Graceland. And let me tell you, the hype is real. It’s…impressive. I mean, it's a mansion. A very Elvis mansion. The sheer scale of the King's success hits you right in the face. The tour itself is well-done. The jumpsuits are something else! The feeling inside his home is weird, I'm walking in a place where a legend lived, and at the same time, I have the feeling of walking in a very expensive museum. The gardens are stunning. And then the planes. I walked around in awe. I'm not particularly religious, even though I grew up catholic…but Elvis is a Religion!. I bought a cheesy key chain too. Don't judge me.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Sun Studios & Sounds: Drove around for a little, and went to Sun Studios. It's small. Tiny, even. But… it's like being bathed in the echoes of history. Imagine Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis… standing in that very room, creating music. It’s genuinely moving. The tour guide, a grizzled old guy, was hilarious. Telling stories.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Arcade Restaurant. This place…it's a time capsule. Diner food, 60s decor, and a whole lotta history. I took a seat, ordered a burger and fries, and soaked it all in. It was perfect. Pure, unadulterated, greasy perfection.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and a Downtown Stroll: Ok, so I'm not gonna lie, by this point, I'm kind of fried. Headed back to the hotel to rest and recuperate, but then got bored and decided to go to the Beale street!
Day 3: The Blues, Brunch & Departure Dread
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Reprieve: Today the hotel breakfast was better! Actually ate something, even the coffee was better!
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: The National Civil Rights Museum: This place… it's not easy to visit. It's gut-wrenching. But it's necessary. The history, the stories, the weight of it all… It's a humbling experience, but a powerful one. We must remember.
- 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Brunch and Beale Street Bliss: I heard good things about a brunch place, and went there. The food was good. Went to Beale Street. The street itself is a bit touristy. The music is great. So many different places. It feels fun. But it's also got that feeling of trying to be cool. It's a bit much for me today.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Souvenir Scuffle & Goodbye Guilt: Bought some last-minute souvenirs (yes, more Elvis stuff. Don't judge!). The airport dread is starting to creep in. I'm not ready to leave.
- 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Airport Anxiety, Part Deux: Time to catch my flight. The anxiety returns. I'll say goodbye to Memphis as the plane takes off, promising myself I'll return.
So, there you have it. My Memphis journey. Messy, imperfect, and wonderfully human. I hope you enjoyed the ride. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go lie down. My feet hurt, my wallet is lighter, and my heart is full. And let's not forget the cat food breakfast. Gross.
Escape to Luxury: Delhi's Stunning Townhouse Sky Rise Inn!
Elvis in the Air...and Your Wallet? Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Airport Deal - FAQ (Because You Gotta Ask!)
Okay, spill it. Is this actually a good deal, or are we talking about a rhinestone-encrusted letdown?
Alright, let’s be real. “Elvis in Memphis” and “good deal” don't always go hand-in-hand, right? I mean, think of those crazy Elvis impersonator concerts... some good, some...well, let’s just say they tried. This Holiday Inn Express deal? Honestly? Pretty decent. Especially if you're flying in and out. Airport hotels can be soul-crushing, but this one is surprisingly… okay. It *is* a Holiday Inn Express, mind you. Don't expect Graceland South. But for the price, the free breakfast (more on that later), and the proximity – it’s a solid choice if you're keeping an eye on your budget. I'd say, yeah, good value, especially if you're using it as a jumping-off point for your Elvis adventures.
The “Elvis” connection… is there anything *actually* Elvis about this place? Besides, you know, being in Memphis?
Okay, here's the truth bomb. Don't go expecting a life-sized Elvis statue in the lobby. You're probably not gonna be humming "Hound Dog" in the elevator. And NO, the beds aren’t shaped like guitars. It's a relatively normal hotel. However, there's the *idea* of Elvis. The proximity to Graceland is fantastic! Like, practically spitting distance. You can practically smell the fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (maybe even *wish* you could). And the staff? Bless their hearts, they're used to the Elvis pilgrims. They're always super friendly and helpful, which really makes a difference after a long day of hoofing around the King's mansion. Okay, well not every single person working there might be overly enthralled, but hey, everyone is trying their best, right?
Tell me about the free breakfast. Because, carbs. And Elvis.
Ah, yes, the breakfast. The most important meal of the day, especially when you're preparing for an Elvis-themed odyssey, am I right? Okay, let's get this out of the way: it's a *free* breakfast. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. You've got your usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes… questionable), sausage (the same), waffles (make your own!), some sad-looking fruit, and enough sugary cereal to send a small child into orbit. Now, I'm not gonna lie, the waffles are the highlight. They're freshly made, you control the syrup, and honestly, it’s pure joy! It's exactly what you need to fortify yourself for the day. I remember one morning, I loaded up my plate, and then... I saw this guy... dressed in the full Elvis jumpsuit, hair perfectly quaffed, devouring waffles like his life depended on it. I almost choked on my own. Seriously, it was like he was channeling the King himself. I’m pretty sure he had a whole stack. That's the Memphis spirit right there. And, hey, coffee is hot and plentiful, a godsend.
Is the hotel clean? Because nothing ruins the Elvis experience like a dusty room or a questionable stain.
Look, I'm going to keep it brutally honest here. It's a *Holiday Inn Express*. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s not a roach motel, either. I've found the rooms to be generally clean. The beds are comfy enough, the sheets were crisp, and the bathroom was…well, a bathroom. No horrors. It is, however, still a hotel, and you know how those things go. I did spot a stray hair in the shower drain once, which made me wince a little, but hey – life, am I right? The cleaning staff, bless them, work their butts off. I mean, after dealing with a constant stream of tourists, you gotta give them credit. Overall, I'd say the cleanliness is perfectly acceptable. For a hotel like this. Don't go looking for imperfections, you will probably find them!
What about the airport shuttle? Because I'm not driving, and I don't want to Uber.
Yes! This is a big plus. The free airport shuttle is a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. The wait times are generally reasonable. They run pretty regularly, and the drivers are always super friendly and helpful. It's a huge convenience, no question. Now, you've got to be prepared. Sometimes the shuttle is packed like a sardine can. And sometimes the driver might have a slight... disregard for the rules of the road. I’m kidding (mostly). But honestly, it's a far better deal than having to cough up for a taxi or a ride-share. Just remember to tip your driver! They deserve it. I did, even if it was to my own detriment. Always a bargain.
Any downsides I should be aware of? Besides the inevitable singing telegrams?
Okay, here’s the catch. No place is perfect. First, the location. While it’s great for the airport and Graceland, it’s not exactly in the heart of downtown Memphis. You’ll need a car or ride-sharing to get around. Secondly, the rooms, while fine, can be a little… generic. Nothing truly memorable about the decor, other than the absence of any Elvis memorabilia. Thirdly, and this is a minor one: the wifi. It works, but sometimes it’s a little… sluggish. Don’t expect to stream HD movies. And hey – get ready for some airplane noise. It’s an airport hotel, remember? But honestly, the positives outweigh the negatives.
My final question: Would you stay there again?
Honestly? Yeah, probably. If I’m flying in and I need a convenient, affordable base for my Elvis explorations? Absolutely. Look, it’s not a luxurious experience, but it’s clean, convenient, and the free breakfast waffles are worth their weight in golden syrup. Plus, the staff are genuinely nice, and the proximity to Graceland is unbeatable. It's a solid, reliable choice, and sometimes that's all you need. Just go in with realistic expectations, pack your appetite for waffles, and prepare to embrace the Memphis spirit! If I am being honest, yes, every time I stay there, I have the same sort of thought "What am I doing", then after i'm thinking about it, I think "This is just fine!". Definitely consider it.
