La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Airport Graceland

For one night, it wasn't a bad stay. The room was clean, check-in was quick, the woman at the desk was friendly, the bed was comfortable, and there was a hot breakfast included. The hotel is about three miles from the airport, which is its main draw. The lot is gated, which helps you feel a little better about leaving your car there. It's a typical midscale Wyndham property, though I expected more from La Quinta. The rooms are bigger, there are more amenities, the breakfast is better, and the quality is more consistent than at budget places like Super 8 or Days Inn. Here, the furnishings looked dated, the walls were thin, the TV was basic with no smart features, and there wasn't a handy outlet by the bed. The area felt a bit sketchy, though honestly all of Memphis can feel that way. Four stars from me, I just expected a better experience. Your mileage may vary.

The locked gate behind which I could park my car was a plus, and breakfast was offered. But the neighborhood wasn't great, and the elevators smelled like weed. On my floor the hall smelled of nasty food because someone had left it in an empty bag. The shower pressure was low when I was trying to wash my hair. I'd recommend it if you need convenience and are only staying a few days. I wouldn't stay longer.

The hotel itself was good, as was the breakfast. But my daughter and I could smell weed as soon as we walked in, and most of the time the hotel smelled that way. In the middle of the night, I had to put a towel at the bottom of the door because the smell was coming through.

The shuttle made getting to and from the airport easy, provided you reserve it ahead of time. The hotel is a few miles from Memphis airport and worked well for staying nearby. The grounds were generally well kept and the lobby was welcoming, though the restaurant building nearby and the area outside it weren't as inviting. My room was clean except for one issue management said they'd address. The elevator lights flickered and flashed, which was the main maintenance problem I noticed. Snack and drink choices were limited to a small pantry, and there weren't any convenience stores a short walk away. A cement plant is nearby and may make occasional noise, depending on the time of day and which way your room faces. Light sleepers may want to consider that. It was a comfortable, clean stay with convenient airport access and a few minor issues to keep in mind.