Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown: Your Perfect Memphis Getaway Awaits!
Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown: My Memphis Meanderings (and a Few Minor Gripes)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I've just emerged from a Memphis adventure, fueled by BBQ, blues, and, you guessed it, a stay at the Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown. Now, I'm not the type to gush unreservedly about hotels. I've seen things. I understand the subtle art of the slightly-too-firm mattress and the breakfast buffet that, bless its heart, tries. But did the Hyatt Place Germantown deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I'm going to get real.
The Setup: Accessibility & Ease (Mostly)
First things first: Accessibility. This is important. The hotel boasts wheelchair accessibility (a big thumbs up!), which, let's be honest, should be a given but isn't always. I found the entrances and common areas to be easy to navigate, which is massive for anyone with mobility issues. They've got an elevator, which is essential, and apparently, they have facilities for disabled guests, though I didn't specifically test them (a note for future reviews!). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (That's a big win, and I'll get to that in a sec).
Internet: The Lifeline (and the occasional dropout)
Ah, the internet. Our modern-day oxygen. Internet access is available. Free Wi-Fi is indeed in all rooms! (Praise be!). Internet [and LAN] access are also noted, so if you're a wired kinda person, you're covered. The Wi-Fi in the public areas was a bit patchy, though. More of a weak stream than a roaring river, occasionally causing some frustration if you're trying to upload those perfect Instagram photos of your BBQ feast (which, let's be honest, we all are).
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (ish)
Look, these are uncertain times. And the Hyatt Place Germantown clearly understood the memo. I noticed elements addressing Cleanliness and safety, including anti-viral cleaning products, and professional-grade sanitizing services. The staff were sporting masks (and seemed genuinely happy, a rarity!), and they had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Plus, they're doing room sanitization between stays which is comforting. Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. And the holy grail: Individually-wrapped food options. The presence of sterilizing equipment, a first aid kit, and a doctor/nurse on call adds to the peace of mind. They even have hygiene certification. They also do hot water linen and laundry washing. I saw they have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property A couple of notes: I didn't opt out of room sanitization, you have the Room sanitization opt-out available. and the shared stationery removed is another plus.
Okay, Let's Talk Food (and My Personal Tragedy)
The food situation is… complicated. Dining, drinking, and snacking are available, and they have a restaurant. The Breakfast [buffet] is a thing, and you also can get Breakfast takeaway service. They've got Asian breakfast too! However, let me tell you about the true heartbreak. I was desperate for a truly epic meal. I'd dreamt of pulled pork, ribs practically falling off the bone, coleslaw singing with vinegar… and well, the hotel’s own cuisine didn't scratch that itch. They have a la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement available, some Asian cuisine in restaurant, breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, and a vegetarian restaurant, but I longed for more authentic Memphis flavor. That was my downfall. They have a bar and a poolside bar, so at least you can drown your sorrows there! Also, let me know those who don't drink for they have a bottle of water.
They have Happy hour offered as well, and a snack bar. They do room service [24-hour], which is cool. I just didn’t utilize it, and the menu didn't scream “Memphis Experience”. Seriously, I spent a whole day searching for a decent BBQ joint.
And finally, if you just want your salad or soup, the salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant are available too. They also serve Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant, to please everyone.
Ways to Relax (and Did I Find My Zen?)
This is where the Hyatt Place tries to shine. They offer ways to relax. There's a fitness center. And even though I was more focused on eating, the hotel provided some options. They have a swimming pool [outdoor] and a spa, spa/sauna, with a sauna. Sadly, I did not experience the whole spa package. No body scrub or body wrap for me. No massage. My relaxation mostly involved staring at the clouds, contemplating the meaning of life (and how I still hadn't found the perfect ribs). There's a pool with view, which is pretty nice.
There's even a steamroom and a foot bath listed, though again, I failed to fully experience the zen provided..
Services & Conveniences: The Little Niceties
The services and conveniences were decent. They have air conditioning in public area. They offer airport transfer, which is very convenient. The business facilities includes audio-visual equipment for special events, and meetings. They do cash withdrawal, and contactless check-in/out, and have a concierge. They provide daily housekeeping, and an elevator. They’ve got a doorman, and dry cleaning. There’s a gift/souvenir shop which I completely forgot to use. Indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, luggage storage, and meeting/banquet facilities are also part of the deal. They also offer on-site event hosting, as well as outdoor venue for special events. A safety deposit boxes, and smoking area available. Finally, they have a terrace. Also, they have Xerox/fax in business center.
They did have a convenience store. They also conveniently provide currency exchange, essential condiments, food delivery, ironing service, laundry service, and meeting stationery. Plus they provide Wi-Fi for special events.
For the Kids (and Families):
Family/child friendly is a big plus with kids facilities. They do have a babysitting service, and a kids meal. This is good info for families.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The car park [free of charge] is a huge win for those who drove in, so very convenient. They also offer car park [on-site], and a car power charging station. The taxi service is available, as is valet parking. They even have bicycle parking.
In-Room Amenities: The Essentials (and the Minor Annoyances)
The available in all rooms provides you with additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, and bathrobes. They have a bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, and the necessary carpeting. They offer closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, and daily housekeeping. In addition you receive desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, and hair dryer.
They have a high floor, in-room safe box, and they have interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, and ironing facilities. They also offer laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, and a reading light. You have a refrigerator, and safety/security feature, and satellite/cable channels. Scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, and slippers are accessible. You also get a smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, and soundproofing. A telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, and wake-up service will also be in the room. And finally, you have Wi-Fi [free], and window that opens.
Now here's the honest truth: The non-smoking rooms are a godsend. Those soundproof rooms, though? Bless. I could sleep through a hurricane. The bed itself was comfy enough, but not luxurious. The bathtub was smallish. The air conditioning worked like a champ. The mini bar was there, but devoid of anything truly exciting. All the basics were covered, sure. But the room felt… functional. Clean, yes. Comfortable, sure. But not exactly wow.
Escape to Paradise: Wichita's Spark by Hilton Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're heading to Memphis, Tennessee, baby, and specifically, to the… drumroll… Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown! (Which, let's be real, sounds like the place to be, but I’m already judging the parking situation.) Let's get this messy, emotional, and probably slightly disastrous show on the road:
Day 1: Arrival and the Blues… Maybe? (Or Possibly Just Exhaustion)
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVE at the Memphis Airport (MEM): Ugh, airports. The fluorescent lights, the crying babies, the sheer existential dread of being crammed into a metal tube with hundreds of strangers… deep breaths. Found my checked luggage miraculously intact (a small victory!). Praying the rental car isn’t a death trap. Let’s be real, I'm probably already behind schedule.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I thought I'd be so clever and packed a bag of granola bars for the flight. Halfway through, I realized I’d accidentally bought dog granola bars. I swear, the looks the lady next to me gave…
- 2:00 PM - PICK UP Rental car: Cross fingers it's not a bright yellow PT Cruiser (I'm not doing that again). Praying that my GPS doesn't lead me into a swamp. Driving in the South – I'm picturing gentle, polite drivers. Famous last words.
- 3:00 PM - CHECK-IN at Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown: Ok, let's address the elephant in the room. Germantown is a suburb. Is this where I want to be in Memphis? Probably not, but hey, hotel points! Hopefully, the front desk person isn’t too chipper. They’re either overly friendly or dead inside. No in-between. Gotta get a good room. I need a working coffee maker. And a pillow that doesn’t feel like a brick.
- Quirky Observation: The lobby better have free coffee. It’s a legal requirement, in my book. And maybe some fresh fruit. Because I'm trying to be healthy.
- 4:00 PM - UNPACK, Assess the Damage, Nap (Maybe). Room looks ok. Maybe a little… sterile? Okay, the bed seems comfortable, which is the real test. The urge to immediately collapse on it may be overwhelming. Considering a power nap. Decisions, decisions… Do I risk messing up my sleep schedule further, or embrace the inevitable jet lag and push through? The siren song of the mattress is strong…
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already starting to feel that travel-induced anxiety clawing at me. The feeling of being both excited AND utterly overwhelmed with the next few days.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner in Germantown? Ugh. I had big plans. I wanted to hit Beale Street tonight, soak up the blues. But Germantown? Okay, let's see what they got. Maybe I'll succumb to the siren call of a chain restaurant. Or… maybe I can find a hidden gem. A place where the locals actually go. Gonna check Yelp. (Spoiler alert: Yelp reviews are often lies.)
- Rambling Moment: Okay, fine. Dinner in Germantown. But I'm making a promise to myself: Tomorrow, Beale Street or bust. I will find the blues. I will find BBQ. And I will not be deterred by the blandness of suburban restaurants.
- 8:00 PM - Stumbling Towards Sleep: Probably gonna be in bed by 9 p.m. because of the jet lag. The hotel TV better have streaming options because I'm not reading anything tonight.
Day 2: Beale Street Blunders and BBQ Bliss (Hopefully)
- 9:00 AM - BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL: Free breakfast! Yes! Gonna load up on carbs. The fruit looks suspect, but the toast… hopefully it hits the spot. Gonna try the waffles. Praying the waffle maker isn't clogged.
- 10:00 AM - SCOUR Beale Street: Alright, time to leave the the sterile world of the Hyatt Place Germantown behind. I demand atmosphere! I'm driving to Beale Street. Optimistic breathing. Parking in Memphis is a nightmare, I am prepared for possible car-related trauma.
- 11:00 AM - Beale street is already jumping: Okay, it's only mid-day, but Beale Street is already starting to come alive! Not quite the legendary, all-night-long experience, but still a good start. I am going to grab lunch!
- 12:00 PM - BBQ Lunch I'm on a mission for the best BBQ and I'm prepared to make some enemies here. I have a list of places I want to try. I'm going to devour ribs. Probably going to get grease everywhere.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to eat ribs, I ended up with BBQ sauce on my face, my shirt, and, I swear, in my hair. People were staring. I didn’t care. The ribs were worth it.
- 3:00 PM - Sun Studio Oh, baby! Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis… The birth of rock and roll! I AM GOING TO LOSE IT. I'm going to be a bad tourist and take a million pictures.
- Doubling Down: This is it. This is the core of what makes Memphis, Memphis. The stories, the music, the magic. I'm going to stand on the very spot where they recorded "Hound Dog" and probably burst into tears of utter joy.
- 6:00 PM - EVENING BLUES (OR LACK THEREOF): I will. find. the. blues. I am going to listen to live music until my ears bleed. I'm going to find a dive bar with a sticky floor and a smoky atmosphere. Maybe I'll even try dancing (God help everyone).
- Emotional Reaction: I am determined to feel the spirit of blues music. I want it to move me, shake me, and remind me why I love traveling so much.
- 9:00 PM - COLLAPSE: Possibly in the hotel room. Or possibly in the embrace of a comfy booth, at a Beale Street dive bar, surrounded by music. Either way, it’s going to be glorious.
Day 3: Graceland (and Potential Heartbreak) & Departure
9:00 AM - Graceland! (The King!) This is it. The big one. I'm prepared to be overwhelmed. It's Elvis. Graceland. I'm probably going to cry again.
12:00 PM - Graceland (the aftermath): Okay, I did it. I saw it. Graceland. The Jungle Room. The cars. The jumpsuits. The sheer, unapologetic Elvisness of it all.
- Quirky Observation: I’m fully expecting to come away with an unhealthy obsession with Elvis Presley after this.
1:00 PM Lunch Going to go to a restaurant for lunch, maybe something like the diner on the Graceland property.
3:00 PM - Souvenir Shopping (and Existential Dread): Time to get that cheesy Elvis keychain! And maybe a Graceland snow globe. Oh, the souvenir shop. It’s either pure joy and elation or an hour of regret. Let’s hope for the former.
5:00 PM - Heading Back: Alright, last night in Germantown. Maybe I’ll try that restaurant I saw on the way in. or just get take-out and watch TV in bed.
6:00 PM - PACKING UP: The dreaded moment. Packing. This is a skill I have yet to master. I can't seem to make these things work…
7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner/Takeout: Farewell, Memphis! It’s been real.
8:00 PM - A good night of sleep: I’m not sure what I'm going to do, but I have this strange feeling that I'm going to want to sleep.
Day 4: The End! (Actually, Heading Home)
9:00 AM- Depart from the hotel!
10:00 AM - Arrive at the airport!
12:00 AM - Plane ride back home (I'm not sure where.)
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. I am, after all, a human. And Memphis, with its music and its history, is bound to throw the unexpected my way. Bring it on.
Salem's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Perfect Oregon Stay
Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown: Your Memphis Adventure! (Or At Least, *My* Memphis Adventure…)
1. Okay, Okay, Spill: Where *is* This Hyatt Place Exactly?
Alright, alright, I'll tell ya. It's smack-dab in Germantown, Tennessee. Which, if you're not from around these parts (like *me* the first time), is basically a fancy suburb of Memphis. Think manicured lawns, upscale shops, and a general vibe of… well, let’s just say it's not quite Beale Street. But don't worry, Memphis is just a short drive away. Seriously, though, the Germantown location is pretty convenient. You're close to everything…ish. Okay, maybe not *everything*, but you know, the important stuff.
2. What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They… Clean? (Please, God, be Clean)
Okay, so, the rooms. Yes! *Generally* clean. And thank goodness for that, because I am a *total* germaphobe when it comes to hotel rooms. I mean, who *knows* what goes on in those places? Anyway, the rooms at Hyatt Place Germantown are usually pretty spiffy. You get that standard Hyatt Place setup: comfy bed (important!), decent-sized desk for working (or, let's be honest, browsing social media in your PJs), and a little seating area. I've never found any… *surprises*… in the linens, which is a win. Just, you know, check the corners. Always check the corners.
3. Breakfast: Free or For-Fee? 'Cause My Wallet's Already Crying.
Okay, breakfast. Ugh, the bane of my existence in most hotels. But! Hyatt Place typically offers a free breakfast. It's not Michelin-star worthy, mind you. Think your standard continental fare: cereals, pastries, fruit, maybe some scrambled eggs and sausage. They usually have a coffee machine with those little pods, which I'm a sucker for. It’s enough to get you going, especially if you plan on a massive lunch later like I always do. Just don't expect anything fancy. And if you *do* find fancy, let me know, because I clearly went on the wrong trip.
4. Swimming Pool? I Need to Know About a Pool!
Yes! There *is* a pool. It's outdoors, so that's a plus for soaking up some Tennessee sunshine (or, let's be real, just avoiding the fluorescent lights of your hotel room). I've taken a dip a time or two. It's…fine. Not the biggest pool in the world, but good enough for a quick swim after a long day of, you know, *doing* things. It's clean, usually. I’ve seen a few kids having a blast, so you know, it's family-friendly. Just don’t expect a fancy resort-style experience. No swim-up bar, sadly. But hey, you can BYOB (within reason, of course). I didn't, though. I was good. Mostly.
5. Parking Situation? Because Sometimes I'm a Terrible Driver.
Parking is…easy. It's free. Which is a *huge* relief, because paying for parking is the bane of my existence. It's just a big ol' parking lot. I managed to maneuver my car in and out without hitting anything. Twice! (Okay, maybe I got a little close to a curb once). So, even if you're not a pro driver, you should be alright. It’s not like, tiny, tight spaces. Plenty of room. Blessedly so, because I *swear* I get worse when I'm stressed.
6. Can I Bring My Pet? I Have a Tiny, Furry Overlord.
This is a good one, because I have a friend whose dog is the size of a small pony. Yes, the Hyatt Place Germantown is pet-friendly! (Always double-check the specific hotel's policy, of course, but generally, yes). There might be some pet fees involved, so don't be surprised. But, you can definitely bring your little (or big) buddy. I’ve seen some adorable pups wandering around. Makes me miss my cat, mostly. He’d probably hate a hotel room, though. He’s a homebody.
7. Okay, So... What's NEAR the Hotel? What Can I *Do*?
Alright, this is where things get a little… nuanced. You're in Germantown. You’re close to some lovely shops and restaurants, but let’s be real, if you’re visiting Memphis, you’re going for *Memphis*. Getting to the heart of Memphis (Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum) takes a bit of driving. Traffic can be… well, it can be a thing. I mean, I got stuck behind a snail on the highway *once* (okay, maybe it wasn't a snail, but it felt like it). But fear not! It's not *that* far. You can always order an Uber or Lyft!
8. Tell Me About Graceland! Is it Worth the Hype?
Oh. My. God. Graceland. Okay, *yes*. Graceland is worth the hype. Absolutely. If you're an Elvis fan, you *have* to go. Even if you’re not, it’s a wild experience. The opulence! The sheer *Elvis*-ness of it all! I went. I cried. I bought a t-shirt (or two…or three). The tour is well-organized (thank goodness, because I hate crowds), and you get to see everything: his cars, his jumpsuits, the Jungle Room… I mean, the Jungle Room! It's kitschy, it's over-the-top, it's everything you'd expect and more. The only downside? Standing in line in the scorching Memphis sun. Bring water. Seriously. Or, you know, bourbon. Just kidding. (Mostly.)
9. What About Beale Street? Is It, You Know, *Authentic*?
Beale Street…it's a mixed bag. It’s touristy, yes. Very. And it's loud. And sometimes, you might feel like you're being jostled by a herd of… well, tourists. But… it’s still BealeRoam And Rests
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