Graceland's Gateway: Your Memphis Days Inn Awaits!
Graceland's Gateway: Your Memphis Days Inn Awaits! (A Review That's Actually Honest)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're wading into the deep end of the Memphis Days Inn experience, specifically their Graceland Gateway. Don’t expect a polished travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of my own questionable judgment.
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- Keywords: Graceland, Memphis, Days Inn, Gateway, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Pool, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Value, Budget Travel, Wheelchair Accessible, Graceland Hotels, Memphis Hotels, Tennessee Hotels, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Free Breakfast, On-site Parking, Airport Transfer.
- Metadata Description: A brutally honest review of the Graceland Gateway Days Inn in Memphis, Tennessee. We delve into everything from accessibility and breakfast to pool vibes and the overall vibe. Get ready for real opinions, messy details, and the truth about this hotel.
(The Arrival - First Impressions & Messy Realities)
My expectations? Let's be honest, they weren't sky-high. It's a Days Inn, located right by Graceland, so the game plan was simple: crash, see Elvis, and move on. The exterior corridor situation, though, gave me a little pause. Felt like a throwback to a different era.
Parking was car park [free of charge], which is a huge win in my book. I had no idea if that would be an issue until I got there, and seeing all the spaces made me breathe a sigh of relief. The doorman - non-existent, but hey, it's a budget-friendly place. Elevator worked. A little slow, and the buttons seemed a little worn, but it worked.
Accessibility - Is It Actually Accessible?
This is important. The website claims it's accessible. Let's break it down. Wheelchair accessible features are present, at least in theory. The elevator is crucial, and it does work. I didn't personally need it, but saw a few folks using the ramps and what looked like facilities for disabled guests. My actual experience with this aspect is limited, but based on observation, it SEEMS reasonably accessible but there are more factors.
The Room - Spartan, But Functional (And Surprisingly Okay)
Let's talk Available in all rooms. We're talking Air conditioning, which is a godsend in Memphis. Free Wi-Fi - HELL YES, and I’m happy to report it worked well. The Internet access – wireless also performed. Air conditioning blasted ice-cold, thank god. The desk was… a desk. Functional. Coffee/tea maker meant I could get my caffeine on before facing the hordes at Graceland. Refrigerator? YES. In-room safe box? Present, but I doubt it would deter a determined thief. Alarm clock. I've never figured out how to set them successfully. But I'm a digital native!
Emotional Reaction: The room was… fine. Not luxurious, but clean, and hey, I wasn't expecting the Presidential Suite. I've stayed in far, far worse.
Quirky Observation: The Bathtub felt like it was placed there for decoration. I could barely step into the thing.
The Breakfast - The Buffet Boogie Woogie (and Its Quirks)
This is where things got interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] - was Breakfast [buffet]. I'm sorry, it was… there. The Breakfast [buffet] was actually somewhat extensive, with a Western breakfast on offer and Asian breakfast choices as well. The Coffee/tea in restaurant (self-serve) was ok, although the coffee shop was not my first choice. The Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant were not to my taste. The A la carte in restaurant was a non factor for me.
Stream of Consciousness: The waffles… were a disaster. I mean, I tried, but they were the sort of pre-made, cardboard-textured things that make you question your life choices. The sausage was surprisingly good, though. And the Buffet in restaurant setup felt a little claustrophobic, with people hovering like vultures waiting for the scrambled eggs to reappear.
Emotional Reaction: The breakfast made me miss my own kitchen!
Pool Life - The Vibe Check
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was…. there. It looked kinda inviting. It was definitely a pool. I didn't go in. Looked clean enough. I can't tell you about the water. The Poolside bar, definitely missed.
- Quirky Observation: There was a distinct lack of poolside loungers – everyone seemed to be hogging them.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Mixed Bag (That's Putting It Kindly)
- Emotional Reaction: I'm not going to lie, I was a little anxious about cleanliness. Given the current climate, I was extra-vigilant.
- Raw Reality: The Rooms sanitized between stays aspect was reassuring, but I noticed a few things that made me raise an eyebrow. The Daily disinfection in common areas must have missed a few spots. I saw a stain on the carpet (a big stain) that I didn't want to touch. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were present, but I'm not sure if they were refilled. My faith in humanity was tested in this department.
- Quirky Observation: The Smoke alarms were present and accounted for, adding an extra layer of security (and potential fear).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Limited, But Functional
- Emotional Reaction: Again, it's a budget hotel, so my expectations were low.
- Raw Reality: There was a Snack bar and a Coffee shop, they were actually quite good. Restaurants were absent, but there was the Room service [24-hour] offer--which was a lifesaver for those late-night, Graceland-induced-hunger pangs.
Services and Conveniences - Mostly Present, Some Missing
- Emotional Reaction: The Concierge? Non-existent. The Luggage storage? Present. Don't expect bells and whistles.
- Raw Reality: Cash withdrawal: Present. Daily housekeeping: present, but the lady felt a little rushed and even though I'd left a good tip she seemed to be in a hurry. Gift/souvenir shop? Barely.
Getting Around - Convenient (Especially for Graceland!)
- Emotional Reaction: Getting to Graceland was easy!
- Raw Reality: Taxi service available. Car park [on-site] worked. Airport transfer? I didn’t need it, but nice to know.
For the Kids - A Mixed Bag
- Family/child friendly. It seemed like it. Definitely some families.
- Babysitting service: I doubt it.
- Kids meal: unlikely.
- Kids facilities: I didn't see them.
Final Verdict - The Graceland Gateway: Is It Worth It?
- Opinionated Language: It's a functional, budget-friendly option if you're visiting Graceland. Don’t expect luxury. Expect a safe, clean place to crash. The breakfast is edible (sort of). The pool is there. The location is fantastic.
- Overall Assessment: The Graceland Gateway Days Inn is not without its flaws. The cleanliness standards could be better. The breakfast situation is a bit of a mess. But for the price, the location, the free Wi-Fi, the parking, and the proximity to Elvis's house, it's a decent option.
- My Experience Summary: It's a functional, budget-friendly option if you're visiting Graceland. I'd stay there again, but with adjusted expectations. It provided a place to stay.
(Post-Review Ramblings – Just For Me)
- I'm still haunted by those waffles.
- I need to learn how to make scrambled eggs.
- Memphis is HOT. Take plenty of water.
- Elvis lives on… and so does the Days Inn.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel brochure. This is gonna be a Memphis trip report… unfiltered. We're talking Days Inn by Wyndham Memphis at Graceland, people! Don't go expecting the Ritz. Expect…well, expect what you pay for. But with a healthy dose of Elvis, questionable fried food, and the kinda humidity that makes your hair spontaneously curl into a frizzy halo.
Day 1: Arrival, Graceland, and the Existential Dread of the Gift Shop
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Memphis. Okay, technically we landed. Smooth? Nah. Picture three screaming kids, a luggage carousel that ate my favorite scarf, and the sudden, crippling realization that I forgot my travel toothbrush. Fantastic start.
- 2:00 PM: Checked into the Days Inn. The room… let's call it "functional." The air conditioning is doing its best, but it's clearly fighting a losing battle against the relentless Memphis heat. The carpet… well, it tells stories. Stories I probably don't want to know. But hey! The bed seems clean. Praying for no bed bugs.
- 3:00 PM: Graceland, baby! Walking up the driveway is seriously surreal. It's bigger than I imagined. I immediately burst in to tears at the gate. Wow. I was such an Elvis fan, and still am. I'm instantly transported to the 50s. Seriously, the King lived here! The mansion itself is… well, it's Elvis. The Jungle Room is glorious. And the sheer volume of memorabilia! Costumes, guitars, gold records… it's overwhelming. Especially after waiting in line for an hour. That wait… It was the first time I really started to understand the power of love - maybe because I was so close to the King.
- 5:00 PM: The Graceland Gift Shop. Oh, the gift shop. I'm not judging, I'm just… observing. There's everything you can imagine. Elvis playing cards. Elvis Christmas ornaments. Elvis toilet seats. I'm pretty sure I saw an Elvis-shaped bottle opener. I resisted, but it was close. Very, very close. This is where the existential dread creeps in. Like, is this what my life will amount to? Endless cups of Graceland coffee and an Elvis bottle opener? I'm joking! Probably.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a diner nearby. Ordered BBQ, because, Memphis. Got a plate piled high with pulled pork, coleslaw, and some kind of potato salad. It was good. Greasy, but good. My stomach is rumbling.
Day 2: Sun Studio, Beale Street, and the Blues That Made Me Think
- 9:00 AM: After a restless night (thanks, AC!), it's off to Sun Studio. This is where the magic happened, folks! Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis… they all recorded here! The tour guide was a real character, full of stories and local gossip. He even let me stand at the mic Elvis used. It made me realize that Elvis was more than just a voice, more than just a look. He was a human being. He inspired the people here, and he inspired the tour guide.
- 11:00 AM: Beale Street. Okay, this place is LOUD. Blues music blasting from every doorway, neon lights flashing, and a general air of… revelry. I feel like I’ve arrived in a movie.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on Beale Street. More BBQ. Different joint. This time, the ribs. Fall-off-the-bone delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Started strolling. Beale Street is a beautiful mess. There is something so beautiful about the mix of people. The way the sounds of blues and rock intertwine made me want to stay. The music just makes you want to move.
- 3:00 PM: Went to a concert. The music wasn't just notes, but the expression of a painful story. I was crying! And everyone else at the concert was clapping and making music.
- 5:00 PM: The Peabody Hotel and the famous duck march. It was honestly, a little silly. But undeniably charming.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and a show! More blues, more BBQ. I'm pretty sure I can live off of this for life.
- 8:00 PM: Hit the hotel. I am so excited for tomorrow.
Day 3: The Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Back to Graceland (I Just Couldn't Help Myself), and the Journey Home (Or at Least, the Airport)
- 9:00 AM: Rock 'n' Soul Museum. This place is incredible! Really deep dive into Memphis's musical history. It's an emotional rollercoaster.
- 11:00 AM: Back to Graceland. I told myself I'd seen enough Elvis. I lied. Did the Elvis car museum. Did the planes. I saw Elvis's jumpsuits. Again, I cried. I want to live here forever.
- 1:00 PM: Last meal. Fried chicken. It was perfect.
- 2:00 PM: Packed my bags.
- 3:00 PM: Drive to the airport.
- 4:00 PM: Fly home.
Final Thoughts:
Memphis is… a lot. It's loud, it's hot, it's sometimes smelly, and it's undeniably imperfect. But it's also full of heart, soul, and the kind of history that'll stick with you long after you’ve left. The grit is gorgeous. The blues? They get in your bones. And the King… well, the King still reigns. Even in a slightly dingy Days Inn. Honestly, it was the best trip of my life. Now, I need a shower, a nap, and to detox from BBQ. And maybe, just maybe, I'll buy that Elvis bottle opener next time.
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Graceland's Gateway: Your Memphis Days Inn Awaits! (A Slightly Unhinged FAQ)
Okay, so... is this actually *near* Graceland? Like, walkin' distance? Because my feet are already screaming. They’re always screaming.
Well, 'near' is relative, honey. It's *close*. Close enough that you won't have to mortgage your soul for a taxi. I'd say... probably a ten-minute drive? Look, trust me. You'll *want* to drive. Walking in Memphis in the summer? That's a special level of hell reserved for tourists and really, really dedicated Elvis fans. I tried it once. ONCE. Let's just say I now fully understand the appeal of a good air conditioner and a cold sweet tea. So no, not walking distance for most sane people. But close enough it *feels* like you're practically in Elvis's backyard. Which, come to think of it, you kinda *are*.
What's the room situation like? Are we talkin' Motel 6, or... well, somethin' a little more Elvis-y?
Okay, let's level. It's a Days Inn. Don't go expecting a rhinestone-studded oasis. Think... clean, functional, and a place to crash after you've overdosed on Elvis. The rooms are, generally speaking, *fine*. The beds are…beds. Look, I've stayed in worse (looking at you, that hostel in Prague). The decor? Let's call it "contemporary budget." There's no 'Hound Dog' suite with a gold-plated toilet, sadly. But, and this is key, the price is *right*. And when you've spent all your money on Graceland, Sun Studio, and enough Elvis-themed keychains to furnish a small gift shop, "right" is a very beautiful word. Plus, they have free Wi-Fi. Essential for posting your selfie with the King’s car on Instagram, obviously.
Breakfast? Free waffles? Tell me there are free waffles! I live for free waffles.
Yes! *Yes!* There are waffles! And not just any waffles. Days Inn waffles! The kind you pour the batter yourself into a tiny, metal waffle iron and hope you don't burn your fingers (or your breakfast). They're part of that whole complimentary breakfast situation. They also have the usual suspects: cereal, toast, maybe some sad, rubbery scrambled eggs. But listen, the waffles are the star. Load 'em up with syrup, pretend you're at a fancy brunch, and start your day the Elvis way. Fuel up, baby, because you're gonna need the energy for all that touring! Oh! And, and this is a HUGE tip: get there EARLY. Otherwise, the waffle situation can become... competitive. I once saw a guy literally elbow a kid out of the way for the last golden square. It was a sight you'd never forget, I'll tell you that.
Are there any other amenities? Like, a pool? Because, you know, Memphis summers are brutal. And I've seen enough sweaty tourists to last a lifetime.
Yep! The pool. It's there. Now, don’t expect a resort-style experience. It's a pool. It’s probably rectangular. It is clean. Mostly. I mean, they *try*. I saw a guy fishing a rather large, uh, *leaf* out of it with a skimmer the other day. Bless his heart. But yeah, it's a lifesaver in the Memphis heat. Definitely better than trying to swim in the Mississippi River. Trust me on that one. The chlorine smell? It'll cling to you for days, a constant reminder of your budget-friendly poolside adventures. And, honestly? Sometimes, that's perfect. The people-watching is usually top-notch, too. You'll see all sorts. Just bring your own towel. And maybe a healthy dose of sunscreen.
Parking -- is there enough? I drive a monster truck. Just kidding... mostly.
Parking *is* plentiful! Unlike a lot of city hotels, a Days Inn by Graceland is gonna give you space. You'll find a spot. Now, finding one *close* to the entrance, during a busy Elvis week? That's a different story, honey. Okay, so one time I forgot to put my "Do Not Disturb" sign on and some kid jumped over to me and said, "Can I have a ride in your car?" I then realized I parked in the parking lot. So, yeah, parking is *there*. Is it guarded? No, not particularly. But hey, it's Memphis. Even if a low-rider were to attempt a joy ride, it'd probably be a pretty *slow* adventure.
Is there anything *else* nearby besides Graceland? Like, food? Because I’m always hungry.
Oh my goodness, yes! Food. Glorious food. Memphis is a foodie paradise, even near Graceland. Directly on the Parkway is a BBQ joint. *Go there*. Order ribs. Prepare to feel like you've ascended to heaven. There's also fast food options. I mean, it's America. If you're feeling fancy, you can drive a bit further out for some seriously legit Southern cooking. And, you know, just in case you *didn't* get enough Elvis, there’s a gift shop on practically every corner. Get ready for your wallet to weep. But, remember, that's part of the whole experience, right? That is to say, if you're hungry, you won't starve. That's a promise.
What happens if something goes wrong? Like, the toilet clogs? Or I hear a suspicious bump in the night?
Well, you call the front desk, obviously. Let's be real. Things happen. Toilets clog. Air conditioners decide to die dramatically in the middle of the night. The staff? They're generally pretty good. They've seen it all, trust me. Don’t give me that look; I was once yelled at in a hotel over not having a hair tie. Anyway, be polite, explain the issue, and they'll do their best to fix it. The bump in the night? Probably the wind. Or, more likely, someone's toddler deciding it's time for an adventure. But, again, they'll get you sorted out. They handle the constant barrage of tourists with remarkable patience. And, you know, if all else fails? There's always the front desk. And maybe a stiff drink.
Okay, so the bottom line: Would you recommend this place?
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