Memphis' BEST Kept Secret: Sonesta Simply Suites Review!
Memphis' BEST Kept Secret: Sonesta Simply Suites - A Rambling, Honest, and Mostly Positive Review
Okay, folks, lean in close. Forget Graceland, Beale Street's blues, and that darn (but delicious) BBQ. I'm about to spill the beans on a Memphis secret, a hidden gem that surprisingly delivered more than I expected: Sonesta Simply Suites. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical hotel review. This is a journey, a messy, wonderful, and slightly obsessive deep dive.
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- Keywords: Sonesta Simply Suites Memphis, Hotel Review, Memphis Tennessee, Accessible Hotels Memphis, Family-Friendly Hotels, Pet-Friendly Hotels, Free Wi-Fi, Extended Stay, Budget Hotels Memphis, Clean Hotels, Sonesta Hotels, Hotels with Kitchens.
- Categories: Accessibility, Cleanliness, Dining, Services, Rooms & Amenities, Family, Safety & Security, Getting Around.
Let's Start with the Good Stuff (Because I Need to Build Up to the Rambles):
Accessibility (Mostly a Win!): I was traveling with my Aunt Mildred, bless her heart, who uses a wheelchair, and I was genuinely impressed. The hotel is wheelchair accessible throughout. The lobby, elevators, and common areas felt spacious and easy to navigate. The access was amazing. I mean, truly. They went above and beyond, like ramps, wide doorways… well, you get it. The room we got was also perfect. No issues.
Cleanliness & Safety: This is HUGE right now, right? And Sonesta Simply Suites truly shines here. Let's be real, I'm a germaphobe, even before the current crisis. The anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services gave me serious peace of mind. They advertise room sanitization opt-out available. They clearly understand the importance. My room felt spotless. The daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, and the staff all wore masks, which always helps. There were even hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Okay, maybe not everywhere, but frequently enough for me to feel safe (which is saying something!). Staff trained in safety protocol was good and well executed.
Free Wi-Fi in ALL Rooms! Hallelujah! (I need to emphasize this more… it's a win in this day and age. Plus, I also confirmed they had internet and internet access - wireless).
The Rooms: My Fortress of Convenience (and Snacks): Okay, so the rooms are basically studio apartments. Spacious! The air conditioning worked like a charm (thank GOD, it's Memphis, not the North Pole!). Wi-Fi [free] was a beautiful thing. The refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker were lifesavers. I'm a big fan of the mini-bar, and this one was particularly well stocked. They even had a complimentary tea and a coffee maker. And that my friends is a win! We actually ended up eating most of our meals in the room because we had the fridge.
The Kitchenette: This is the secret weapon! Forget expensive room service. Being able to make coffee and heat up leftovers was a game changer. We got a suite with a kitchenette and I was able to cook a mean breakfast, even if I do say so myself. This is ideal for families too, because you don't have to rely on restaurants.
Getting Around (Easy Peasy): Free car park [free of charge] and airport transfer and *taxi service made the entire trip easy.
Now, the Messy, Human, and Slightly Opinionated Bits:
Location, Location, Location (It's Fine): Sonesta Simply Suites isn't right downtown. It's a little bit outside the main hustle and bustle. This is generally a plus for me, because I like to feel a little distance. The tradeoff is that you might need to drive a bit for the prime attractions. But Uber is easy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Let's Talk, Okay?): This is where we encounter some… limitations. There's no full-blown restaurant on-site. They offer breakfast service with a breakfast [buffet], but… it was a continental breakfast. Now, I like continental breakfasts, but this one wasn't exactly inspiring. More importantly, it felt safe. The individually-wrapped food options were a definite plus. I'd gladly take "safe" over "gourmet" any day.
Services and Conveniences (the Little Things Matter): The Front Desk staff were generally helpful. Daily housekeeping was a blessing. The concierge was friendly. Also there was dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage and a convenience store.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect):
- One day, the elevator acted up, and we had to wait a bit. (But they fixed it quickly!)
- The lighting in the hallway was a little dim, but honestly… it was fine.
- I wish they had a better coffee selection at breakfast.
- Okay, I wanted a spa. I do love a spa/ sauna
For the Kids… (Meh): There's no dedicated kids' club or splash pool. They say they're family-friendly, but more in the "accommodating" sense than the "entertainment" sense.
More About the Accessibility (Rambling, I Said!): Look, I can't stress enough how impressed I was with the accessibility. The ramps were perfect, not too steep, not too shallow. The elevators were wide, with clear buttons. The bathrooms had grab bars and plenty of space. This might not mean much to some, but for me and my Aunt Mildred, it made a HUGE difference in the overall experience. It was a relief.
Overall Verdict: Is Sonesta Simply Suites Memphis a "Best Kept Secret"?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a clean, safe, affordable, and accessible hotel that offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes, then yes, it's a fantastic choice. Don't expect a luxury resort experience, but do expect a comfortable and convenient stay. It's great for extended stays, families (especially those who want to cook), and anyone who values cleanliness and safety. The staff are friendly, the internet is fast, and the free parking is a bonus.
Would I stay there again? YES! I'd go back in a heartbeat, especially with my Aunt Mildred. It was a win.
Final Emotional Verdict: Highly Recommended!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is life, Memphis-style, and we're doing it Sonesta Simply Suites style. Expect the unexpected. Expect me to get distracted by a squirrel. Expect… well, expect a little bit of everything.
Sonesta Simply Suites Memphis: A Messy, Memphis Rhapsody (with a side of questionable decision-making)
(Day 1: Arrival - The Promise of BBQ and the Utter Chaos of Check-In)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Memphis International Airport (MEM). Okay, so I thought I'd be uber-organized and grab a Lyft. Nope. Apparently, my phone's decided to stage a revolt and just…died. Stranded. Thankfully, a sweet elderly lady, bless her soul, helped me sort it out and I got it all working (phew!).
- 1:45 PM: Lyft to Sonesta Simply Suites. The driver, a guy named Earl with a hat that clearly hadn't seen daylight in a decade, regaled me with stories of Elvis, Graceland, and… his love for competitive pigeon-flying. Who knew?
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Oh. My. God. Don't even get me started. The check-in line was longer than the Mississippi River. It involved someone yelling about a missing hairdryer, a screaming toddler, and a desk clerk who looked like she hadn't slept since the invention of the blues. Finally get to the window, and of course the room wasn't ready. I can't even. I think I need a drink.
- 3:30 PM: Finally, ROOM! (And a little nap). My room is… well, it's a room. Clean enough, I guess. The air conditioning is working, which is a huge win in this Memphis heat. I sprawl on the bed, contemplating a quick power nap before diving headfirst into the Memphis experience. Wake up two hours later, with vague guilt.
- 5:30 PM: BBQ Pilgrimage - Rendezvous. This is the thing. Everybody raves about Rendezvous BBQ (well, almost everybody, I've heard murmurings of dissent in online forums). Now, finding the place and navigating the downtown area? That was a mini-adventure in itself. The parking garage felt like a maze, and I swear I saw a ghost of a blues musician lurking in the shadows.
- The Experience: Ah, the dry-rub ribs. The legendary ribs. The…spicy ribs. My mouth is still tingling. Let me clarify: it's not just the BBQ. It's the atmosphere! The dimly lit dining hall, the checkered tablecloths, the aroma of smoked meat hanging in the air… It felt like a proper rite of passage. I did, however, accidentally drop a rib on my shirt. And the people there? Oh those Memphians, they are something else. I was surrounded by people from all walks of life - families, solo travelers, college kids, old timers - all united by their love for BBQ. I ordered too much, of course I did. But! I've got the leftovers for the fridge.
- 8:00 PM: A Wandering stroll down Beale Street. Oh, Beale Street. The beating heart of Memphis. The lights! The music spilling out of every doorway! It's overwhelming, in the best way possible. I listen to live music, buy a cheap souvenir, and get thoroughly hustled by a street performer who somehow convinces me to give him a dollar for nothing more than a questionable dance routine. Worth it.
- 9:30 PM: Retreat to the safety of Sonesta Simple Suites. Maybe the long day is getting to me, but the energy of Beale street is… a lot. I need to recharge for tomorrow.
(Day 2: Graceland, Ghosts, and My Questionable Taste in Souvenirs)
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (or attempted breakfast). Free continental. Think stale bagels, weak coffee, and the lingering scent of despair. Scour the local shops for something and return with some biscuits. Breakfast sorted, I think.
10:00 AM: Graceland! The King's Castle. Okay, this is happening. Graceland. Elvis. The legend. I’ve got the ticket, audio tour, and a slightly overwhelmed sense of excitement. The tour was… well, it's Elvis. You can feel the spirit of Elvis throughout the whole property. I'm pretty sure I teared up a little at the end.
- The Experience: I was obsessed with everything - the Jungle Room, the pool, the cars, the outfits, the… the peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich. Actually, I really wanted a bite of that, but I couldn't find them. Who knew that Elvis was a gourmet chef in his own right (sort of).
- The Imposter Syndrome: I kept thinking, Am I worthy? Am I truly appreciating the King? I have a feeling that Elvis will never be a man I'd know, but I am grateful to understand the roots of his music.
1:00 PM: Lunch at an offbeat diner. No names. Just a recommendation from a local. It was a greasy spoon with the best damn burger of my life, and some really, really bad coffee.
2:30 PM: A Haunted Tour. I'm a sucker for a good ghost story. I booked a walking tour of downtown Memphis (and I'm a believer, really). The guide was an eccentric character who knew the history and the stories, and made up some along the way. We saw some of the most haunted places in all of Memphis. The stories were chilling, and the tour was good, if a bit long.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Reflect. Nap. The sun is starting to set, and the hotel is looking more appealing all the time. More walking than expected for today, even if it provided a good experience.
7:00 PM: Dinner and a Deeply Unsatisfying Shopping Spree. I went looking for a decent dinner. Found a place that was okay. Then, I decided to walk in a shop that sold Elvis's memorabilia. Found (and bought) an Elvis-themed… something. A key chain, I believe. I’m not proud.
8:30 PM: Back at the Hotel. The city is asleep, and I'm ready to take a much needed rest for tomorrow.
(Day 3: Sun Studio, Blues, and the Road Back Home - Ish)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (Same as yesterday, with slightly lower expectations.) Yep.
- 10:00 AM: Sun Studio - The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. This is a must. The tour guides are passionate, the studio is small, and the history is powerful. Standing in the room where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so many others recorded… it’s a goosebumps-inducingly good experience.
- The Experience: The sound of the echo chamber. The stories. The sheer vibe of the place. It was magic, and it made me feel alive.
- 12:00 PM: Blues Lunch and the feeling of being "in the know". Another recommendation of a local. It was great.
- 1:30 PM: The National Civil Rights Museum. This is a stark, powerful, and essential experience. The museum is housed in the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Heavy subject matter, but handled with dignity and urgency. I left feeling humbled, inspired, and more aware.
- 4:00 PM: A final Memphis Memory. I drove off on the road that went outside of the city, to where I had to go. It was a trip, and I never expected it to be like this (in the best way possible).
- 5:00 PM: Pack. Double-check for souvenirs. I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting something. (It's probably the hairbrush I left in the bathroom. I'm getting old.) Now, it's time to go.
- 6:00 PM: Check-out. See ya, Sonesta Simply Suites!
- 7:00 PM: Goodbye Memphis!
- Goodnight.
- Postscript: I'm pretty sure I left a sock in the hotel room. Oh well. Memphis, you wild, beautiful, messy place. I'll be back. (Maybe.)
(Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on whims, hunger, and the unexpected appearance of a street musician with a banjo. Some events may be skipped, others may be duplicated. It's Memphis. Embrace the chaos.)
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Sonesta Simply Suites Memphis: Real Talk Edition (Because Let's Be Real, It's Not a Ritz... But Is That a Good Thing?)
Okay, spill it: Is Sonesta Simply Suites ACTUALLY a "best kept secret" or just… a secret?
Alright, alright, lemme unload. Look, the "best kept secret" thing? It's *mostly* true. Like, if you're expecting luxury, go find Graceland, honey. This isn't it. But for the price, the space, and the whole "I just need a place to crash and maybe eat Pop-Tarts in peace" vibe? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Think of it like a comfortable, slightly worn-in pair of jeans. Reliable, chill, and you won't feel weird spilling your coffee on the slightly stained carpet (which, by the way, mine may or may not have had a stain already. Just sayin').
What's the *vibe* like? Because "budget hotel" can mean anything from "slightly dingy" to "abandoned asylum."
Okay, the vibe is… *functional*. It's not trying to be a five-star resort. Imagine your grandma's guest room, but with better wi-fi and a kitchenette. It’s clean-ish (more on that later), generally quiet, and feels… well, *lived-in*, in a reassuring way. I wouldn't bring a date here if you're trying to impress, but if you're on a budget and just need a place to, you know, *exist* for a night or two? Perfect. I remember walking in after a particularly brutal day of driving (Memphis traffic, am I right?!), and just collapsing on that surprisingly comfy bed. It was a real "ahhhhh" moment. Like, the kind where you can finally breathe.
Let's talk about the rooms. What's actually IN them? And, more importantly, is there a microwave? (Because Pop-Tarts, people!)
Okay, the rooms are… spacious. Seriously, for the price, you get a LOT of square footage. You get a full-sized fridge (YES!), a microwave (YES, PRAISE THE POP-TART GODS!), a stovetop (rarely used by me, but hey, it's there!), a sink, and usually some basic plates and cutlery. The beds… they're comfortable enough. Not cloud-like, but definitely not back-breaking. The couch? Eh. It's a couch. Don't expect to be cuddling up for a romantic movie marathon. The TV works, though, which is essential for late-night channel surfing after a long day of exploring. And yeah, there's usually a table, which, for me, became my personal command center for snacks and laptop. Essential.
Ah, the kitchen. Is it actually usable, or just decoration? And are the dishes actually… clean?
Okay, the kitchen. Here's the truth bomb: It's USUALLY usable. The appliances are generally in working order. But cleanliness? That’s where things get a *little* dicey. Let's just say I always give the dishes a quick wash, even if they *look* clean. I'm not saying it's *dirty* dirty, but I'm also not saying I'd lick anything off the counter. Pack some dish soap and a sponge, just in case. Trust me. And, hey, it's possible the previous guest was a total slob. You never know! One time, in a different hotel, I found a half-eaten bag of chips under the couch. (Shudders). So, yeah, kitchen cleanliness… proceed with caution and bring your own supplies.
Breakfast. Is there one? And if so, is it worth getting out of bed for?
Okay, the breakfast situation is… basic. Like, really basic. Think: pre-packaged muffins, individual cereal boxes, maybe some instant oatmeal, and coffee that's… well, coffee. Honestly? Most times, I skipped it. I’m a breakfast person, but the thought of the muffins they provided gave me the heebie-jeebies. But hey, it's better than NOTHING, I guess. If you're a hard-core budget traveler and don't want to spend extra money, then sure, fill your face. But I'd suggest packing your own granola bars or hitting up a nearby diner. Memphis has some AMAZING diners. (I'm craving a biscuit right now.)
Location, location, location! How's the Sonesta Simply Suites located? Is it convenient?
Location varies depending on which Sonesta Simply Suites you're looking at; there are a few. I've stayed at a couple! Some are more central, some are a bit further out. Generally, they're in pretty decent locations. Not *right* downtown near Beale Street (which, let's be honest, can be a bit…rowdy), but usually within a reasonable driving distance of the main attractions, like Graceland or the National Civil Rights Museum. Check the specific location when you book. I always check Google Maps for the exact address and make sure it’s what I need. Memphis traffic can be a beast, so proximity is key! One time, I was trying to get to the airport from a Sonesta Simply, and it nearly gave me a heart attack. Allow PLENTY of time.
Parking? Because nobody wants to deal with parking nightmares.
Parking is usually free and easy. This is a HUGE plus. No hidden fees, no tiny parking spots, no circling the block for hours. Sometimes, it might not be the *prettiest* parking lot, but it’s there, and it's accessible. I mean, you're not exactly expecting valet, right? Honestly, I've stayed at hotels where parking cost almost as much as the room itself. So, free parking? Major win. Just keep an eye out for rogue potholes. They do happen.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or should I just expect to fend for myself?
The staff? Generally, they're perfectly fine. Not overly friendly, but not rude either. They're usually efficient and helpful. I've never had a terrible experience in that respect. I remember one time, I had a problem with my key card, and the person at the desk was super quick about helping me out. They didn't act like I was bothering them; they were just professional and got the job done. So, expect competent service, not necessarily a warm, fuzzy welcome. Which, honestly, is what I prefer. I don't need a lot of chitchat; I just need a clean room and a working key card.Book Hotels Now
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