Memphis' Shelby Inn: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Memphis' Shelby Inn: Your Dream Getaway? Let's Talk Truth, Not Just Tourist B.S.
Alright, alright, so you're looking at the Shelby Inn in Memphis, huh? “Your Dream Getaway Awaits!” they chirp. Okay, let's…unwind this yarnball, shall we? I've been there, I’ve checked out the…well, everything. And let me tell you, "dream" is a strong word. Let's call it a "pretty decent, potentially dream-adjacent getaway" – we’ll see. Buckle up, because this isn't going to be your typical, bland hotel review.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle - Crucial Stuff!)
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I do pay attention. The website says they’ve got facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. There's an elevator, that’s a must for a modern hotel, and essential if you require it. The exterior corridor is something to consider, as it means you might be walking outside a bit to get to your room. But what about the specifics? I wish their website delved deeper into that. I’m talking: are the paths smooth? Are the bathrooms truly accessible with grab bars and enough space? And are there automatic doors everywhere? I'm leaning on the hope that they are, and the website did not describe it, so… it’s more of a maybe than a yes. They NEED to be clearer on this. Seriously, Shelby Inn! Detail is key!
The COVID-19 Circus: Cleanliness and Safety (and Did Someone Say "Obsessive?")
Okay, so that old chestnut… Cleanliness and safety during this post-pandemic world. They talk a lot about this. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere like it’s the new air, and a room sanitization opt-out available (smart, especially if you’re a germaphobe like yours truly). They also have professional-grade sanitizing services, so hopefully they are doing their job. Hygiene certification is a plus; it goes a long way in reassuring nervous travelers. They also have individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup – which, honestly, is just sensible nowadays. Daily disinfection in common areas… they mention it a lot. Is that because it’s really good, or because they think it’s the only thing people care about? Hmm…
Rooms: Functionality vs. Flash (and the Eternal Struggle for a Good Night's Sleep)
Let’s get into the actual rooms which, let’s be honest, is where you’ll be living/sleeping/existing. They have non-smoking rooms, which is perfect. Air conditioning, obviously. Blackout curtains? HALLELUJAH! Seriously, those are a LIFESAVER. Coffee/tea maker, yup, essential for me. Otherwise, I WILL be cranky. It’s the law. They have a desk (useful), internet access – wireless, and Wi-Fi [free] – another must. Extra long bed? YES PLEASE. In-room safe box, good to have. Refrigerator, sweet! Separate shower/bathtub, a bonus. Slippers (luxury!), and soundproofing (please, oh please!). Now, I’m a stickler for comfort: the pillows, the quality of the sheets… you get it. I desperately hope they have both a decent pillow and a functional window that opens for fresh air! The website doesn’t detail those particular essentials, it’s a missed opportunity. The Bathroom: I love the fact they have additional toilet. It may be a must especially for group travelers, or if you just really love having multiple toilets.
Internet - The Lifeblood of Modern Travel
Okay, so Internet access – wireless is available, and thank god it’s Wi-Fi [free]. They’re also offering Internet access – LAN. That’s fine, but in today's world, I'm assuming the Wi-Fi is good, or it's a complete dealbreaker.
Food, Glorious Food, and the Restaurant Rundown (Where My Sanity Often Departs)
Alright, let's dive into my personal favorite zone: Dining, drinking, and snacking. The Shelby Inn claims to have a bit of everything. They have restaurants, a bar (obviously), AND a poolside bar. Now, the pool bar… that’s where you’re likely to find me. If they have a halfway decent cocktail menu, I’m sold. They also have restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. I do love a mix of cuisines (but I hate when they're all terrible so…), but let's see how they actually execute it. Breakfast [buffet] is available, which can be either a blessing or a curse. A la carte in restaurant too. I’m hoping for a decent coffee/tea in restaurant in the morning (or I am, as mentioned, a grumpy beast). The options for alternative meal arrangement would hopefully be of great benefit, depending on the situation. Snack bar, yeah, that’s always handy for those mid-day cravings. The fact that they have a buffet in restaurant, that’s a good touch. And they have a Vegetarian restaurant, which is great! They even have Happy hour. If they have good food, and decent prices, I'm in.
The Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & the Big "Ahhhhhhh" Factor
Okay, the whole "dream getaway" part? This is where it should start. They have a pool with a view, which is already a good starting point. A Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool in general (because, sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate). Spa/sauna? Fine. But I personally crave a good massage. They've got it! Body scrub? Sure. Body wrap? Sign me up! Sauna? A great addition. They have a Steamroom, too. Fitness center? Not really my thing, but good for the health-conscious among us. I'm not usually the spa type, but after a long day of… well, existing, a decent massage is a game changer. And if the pool is actually as nice as the pictures suggest… well, maybe then we’re talking "dream getaway."
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (And Sometimes Drive You Crazy)
Okay, so what else do they have? Concierge? Always helpful for tips and reservations. Daily housekeeping? A standard, thank goodness. Doorman? Nice touch. Dry cleaning? Great. Elevator, absolutely essential. Laundry service? Perfect. Luggage storage? Yes, please. Meeting/banquet facilities? If you're on business, that matters. Cash withdrawal? Convenient. Facilities for disabled guests? (Again, we wait for more details!). Food delivery is always a plus, depending on location. They also have front desk [24-hour], which is important. Gift/souvenir shop? Eh. Ironing service? Useful. Safety deposit boxes? Good for peace of mind. Taxi service? Excellent. Valet parking? Again, good. And it’s very important to have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]
For the Kids (Or How to Keep the Little People Happy)
Family/child friendly? Good to know. Babysitting service? Helpful. Kids meal? Nice!
Getting Around (Or, How to Escape With Minimal Fuss)
Airport transfer? Yes. Bicycle parking and Car park [free of charge]. Car power charging station? Nice touch.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool, Hopefully)
The website doesn’t go crazy with things to do. It focuses on the hotel itself. But, hey, I can also find something to do. Ways to relax? Yeah, they have pool, spa, sauna.
Anecdote Time! My Hotel Hell Experience (So You Don't Repeat My Mistakes)
Okay, so I’ve got a little story. One time, I stayed at a hotel that said it had a "dream spa." Turns out, the "spa" was a glorified closet with a lukewarm Jacuzzi and a guy who clearly hadn't touched a massage table in years. The lesson? Always read reviews (which you are doing!), and always double-check those promises. Let's hope the Shelby Inn doesn't pull a spa-closet trick on us.
Quirky Observation I am really, really hoping the **pool with a
Lawrenceville Getaway: Unwind at Country Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of Memphis, Tennessee, and the humble (but hopefully not too humble) Shelby Inn. This ain't gonna be your "perfectly curated Instagram feed" travel guide. This is the real deal, folks. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Memphis Meanderings: A Shelby Inn Odyssey (and a Bit of a Nervous Breakdown, Frankly)
Day 1: Arrival & the Fuzzy Logic of Check-In
1:00 PM (ish): Touchdown in Memphis! Landed at the airport, ready to conquer the city. Or, you know, at least find the Shelby Inn. Already regretting not wearing comfy shoes. The airport smells vaguely of BBQ and desperation. A promising start!
1:45 PM: Uber struggles to find the Shelby Inn. "Is this the right address, driver guy?" "Yep… it's… well, it's around here somewhere." This is Memphis, I guess, everything is "around here somewhere." Finally, after a near-miss with a rogue barbecue sauce tanker, we arrive. The sign out front looks like it was hand-painted by someone who'd had a little too much sweet tea. Promising.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Check-in. Oh boy. The front desk clerk (bless her heart, she looks like she's seen things) is incredibly nice. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get the room key. There's a slight problem with the computer. A minor hiccup involving possibly the printer being out of ink. It is what it is, as they say. I keep having a mental image of that very polite clerk silently screaming on the inside.
2:30 PM: The room! Oh, the room. Okay, bear with me, it's not the Ritz. But hey, it's got a bed, right? And a TV that doesn't seem to be from the Stone Age, the most important thing! It's… functional. Let's just call it "rustic charm." Seriously, they probably call this place “rustic” on the website.
3:00 PM: Unpack. Everything is just… there. No real order, no rhyme, no reason. It is what it is.
3:30 PM: I take a nap, I guess, because it's hot and Memphis is already kicking my butt.
Day 2: Graceland & the Blues (and the Realization I Need Socks)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. I’m pretty sure my socks have vanished. Where the heck did my socks go? Ugh. Time for Graceland.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at a local diner. The grits are a revelation. I’m officially a breakfast grits convert.
- 10:30 AM: Graceland. The line is long. I buy a giant Elvis-shaped cookie, because clearly, self-control has packed its bags and flown. The sheer gaudiness of it all is overwhelming and wonderful. The house is smaller than I expected, for some reason. Maybe it's just how much Elvis lived in it.
- 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Wandering around Graceland, I'm overwhelmed. The cars, the jets, the outfits! So much Elvis! Listening to my headphones I get completely wrapped up in Elvis's life, and have a moment of "Wow, fame is weird." It's a bizarre mix of sadness and awe. The Jungle Room? Iconic. The fact that he really lived there? A bit melancholy.
- 2:30 PM: Feeling the need to process the Elvis experience. Sitting in a nondescript (but air-conditioned) coffee shop.
- 3:00 PM: Strolling down Beale Street. The blues are everywhere. It's hot. The music is loud. The atmosphere is electric. I feel like I should be able to play the guitar, but I don't even know how to begin.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a barbecue joint. Oh, the barbecue. Succulent pork, tangy sauce, creamy coleslaw. My jeans are officially one size smaller. No ragrets.
- 8:00 PM: Live music on Beale Street. A blues band is wailing. The air is thick with anticipation. I get to my feet to find a drink, when I can't help but notice the music slowing to a crawl. I turn just in time to watch a fight between two drunk guys. The music goes back to normal, and everyone seems to forget it ever happened.
- 10:00 PM: Crawl back to the Shelby Inn. Exhausted, but pleasantly so.
Day 3: River, Museums & the Ongoing Sock Mystery
9:00 AM: Breakfast, AGAIN! I’m starting to think I can eat a whole cow, but still haven’t found my socks.
10:00 AM: A walk along the Mississippi River. The river is HUGE. It's a reminder of how insignificant I am.
11:00 AM: The National Civil Rights Museum. This is heavy. The exhibits are incredibly moving, and the history is heartbreaking. I walk around feeling a mix of disbelief, anger, and a renewed appreciation for the struggle for equality. It's a must-see, but bring tissues.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Something light. To soak up all the emotions from the museum.
2:00 PM: I give up trying to find the socks. I just can't do it.
3:00 PM: More Beale Street! One does require to have more Beale Street in their system. There are some pretty good shops with some very interesting things.
7:00 PM: Trying to eat dinner, but feeling a bit exhausted.
9:00 PM: Bed. Good night, Memphis.
Day 4: Departure & Last-Minute Reflections (and the Stubborn Socks)
8:00 AM: Last breakfast. Okay, the Shelby Inn's continental breakfast is a bit…tired. But hey, coffee! I found the socks in a drawer. Mystery solved!
9:00 AM: Check out. The friendly (and probably overworked) clerk beams.
9:30 AM: Final reflections. Memphis is a city of contrasts. It's gritty, beautiful, heartbreaking, and full of life. A complete and total enigma. Yes, the Shelby Inn wasn't perfect, but it was part of the experience.
10:00 AM: Head to the airport. I've got the Memphis blues, alright. But in a strangely positive way.
1:00 PM: Plane takes off from Memphis. Bye, Memphis! You were a trip!
Final Thoughts: So there you have it. My utterly unedited, somewhat messy, and entirely human Memphis experience. Go. See Graceland. Eat the barbecue. Feel things. And for the love of all that is holy, bring extra socks.
Daphne Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Suites Deals!
Shelby Inn: Your Dream Getaway... or Maybe Just Memphis? Let's Figure It Out! 🤔
Okay, Shelby Inn... Sounds Generic. What's the Actual Deal?
Is it close to the action? I *need* Beale Street.
The Rooms... Are they *actually* clean? I've seen some things.
Breakfast? Free? Because I'm *starving* in the morning.
Parking: Is it a nightmare? Or just a mild inconvenience?
What about the Pool? I need to unwind somehow.
Seriously, is the staff decent? I can't stand grumpy people after my flight!
Anything I should be *really* wary of? Any hidden downsides?
So... Would you stay there again?
