Unbelievable Memphis Getaway: The Westin Beale Street Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Memphis Getaway: The Westin Beale Street Luxury Awaits! - A Memphis Experience, Not Quite Perfect, But Definitely Memorable
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't your cookie-cutter hotel review. This is me – exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and fuelled by copious amounts of Memphis BBQ – giving you the lowdown on The Westin Beale Street. Did it live up to the "luxury awaits" hype? Well, let's just say it was a journey.
First Impressions & Accessibility - A Mixed Bag…and a Near-Sneeze
The location? Chef's kiss. Right smack in the heart of Beale Street. That energy? Infectious. The hotel itself? Gleaming. The lobby? Gorgeous, all gleaming marble and… bless you… a near-miss from a fellow guest! Anyway, the design is sleek, modern, and attempts at wheelchair accessibility are obvious. The elevators are spacious, which is a huge plus. However, I did see a couple of areas where the ramps could be a touch smoother. Overall, good intentions, room for improvement.
- Accessibility: Elevators, ramps present but not perfect. Needs another look-over.
- CCTV in common areas.
- CCTV outside property – always a good thing for peace of mind.
- Doorman: Welcoming and helpful, especially with my mountain of luggage.
Rooms – Cozy, Comfortable, and… Let's Talk About That Wi-Fi.
My sanctuary for the next few days. My room was… well, it was lovely. Seriously, those Westin Heavenly Beds? Heavenly. Seriously, I could have legitimately napped there for a week. The air conditioning blasted ice cold, which was a godsend in that Memphis heat. And the blackout curtains? Life-savers. Slept like a log.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Seating area.
- Internet Access – LAN: This is where things got a little…patchy. The “free Wi-Fi” was fine for basic browsing, but when it came to streaming that crucial game… crickets. The LAN internet option? Apparently, I needed to summon a tech wizard. Not ideal.
- Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Yeah, well kind of. it's there but it has its quirks.
- Bathroom: Separate shower/bathtub… very appreciated.
- Soundproofing: Mostly worked. But, and this is the Beale Street effect, occasionally you'd hear the faint, intoxicating wail of a blues guitar creeping in.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Alarm clock: Useful!
Food, Glorious Food…And the Struggle to Choose!
The dining options at the Westin? Abundant. And, oh, the decisions!
Restaurants:
- A la carte in restaurant Always a winner.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant The menu sounded amazing, sadly didn't get to try it
- Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was a masterpiece of temptation. Scrambled eggs, sausage, pastries galore…just…wow.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I might have spent a small fortune here.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. The struggle was real.
- International cuisine in restaurant So much to choose from
- Poolside bar: Definitely a highlight, especially for a sunset cocktail!
- Vegetarian restaurant Great to see a good choice here.
- Western cuisine in restaurant Always a great balance.
- Room service [24-hour]: Handy after a late night on Beale Street.
Breakfast:
- Breakfast [buffet]: Hearty, delicious, and dangerous for my waistline.
- Asian breakfast Didn't try this one.
Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite
Bar: The cocktails were, shall we say, potent.
The biggest issue? Choosing! There was simply too much good food. My only regret is not having enough stomach space.
Relax & Revive – Spa, Pool, and (Maybe) a Near-Death Experience?
The Westin is geared towards chilling out. Let's be real, after a day walking Beale Street, you need some relaxation.
- Pool: A gorgeous outdoor pool with a view. Sunbathing heaven achieved.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a sunset cocktail!
- Spa: I indulged in a massage. Amazing. The woman was a pro. Total bliss.
- Fitness center: Yup, I used it. Attempted to atone for the buffet.
- Sauna: Glorious. Sweat it out.
- Steamroom: Even better.
I was thoroughly relaxed and almost ready to take on the world.
Cleanliness & Safety – A Modern Priority
The Westin, very clearly, takes hygiene seriously. Which is exactly what you want these days.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Reassuring.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient and safe
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely noticed.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Made me feel super safe.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Appreciated.
Honestly, they're ticking all the right boxes.
Things to Do - Entertainment, Sightseeing
Memphis is a city bursting with…well, stuff. The Westin is perfectly positioned to take it all in.
Walking Distance: Beale Street is right there. Graceland is a quick cab ride. The Mississippi River is lovely to stroll along.
Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and booking tours. Very appreciated.
Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for a quick memento.
Service & Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
- Concierge: Super helpful, provided great local guidance.
- Contactless check-in/out: Efficient and safe
- Elevator: Appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: Stellar. My room was spotless.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: A lifesaver! Especially after my BBQ-induced food coma.
For the Kids - Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
Didn't see any real evidence of this, but then again, I wasn't looking.
The Verdict?
The Westin Beale Street is a great base for exploring Memphis. It's a stylish, comfortable hotel with excellent dining options, a fantastic location, and a commitment to safety. While the Wi-Fi could be better and accessibility has room for improvement it still does a great job! Overall, I had a wonderful time, and I'd recommend it.
- Hotel chain
- Pets allowed unavailable
- Non-smoking rooms
- Couple's room
- Exterior corridor
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Hotel chain
- Proposal spot
- Room decorations
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoking area
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and possibly slightly tequila-fueled world of my Memphis adventure at The Westin on Beale Street. Forget bullet points and sterile itineraries – this is real travel, folks. Prepare for tangents, triumphant moments of accidental genius, and the occasional existential crisis over a plate of BBQ.
Day 1: Memphis, My Memphis (And My Hangry Stomach)
Morning (More Like Late Morning, Let's Be Honest): Arrive at Memphis International Airport (MEM). Now, I’m usually a seasoned traveler, but finding the rental car? Pure comedy. Apparently, "follow the signs" doesn't translate into "immediately see the rental car place." After circling the airport like a lost pigeon for a solid 20 minutes, I finally found it. Lesson learned: always book the GPS, even if you think you're a navigational wizard. (I’m not).
- First Impression:* Memphis feels… humid. Like, "I'm already sweating just thinking about BBQ" humid. And a hint of barbecue wafts in the air even at the airport. A good sign, a very good sign.
Afternoon: Check-in, and the Hunt for a Legit Lunch: Checked into The Westin. The lobby is gorgeous, all polished wood and soft lighting. Okay, I need to lie down, but the hunger pangs are sending actual warning sirens.
- *(An aside: How do hotels always get the air conditioning so *perfect*? I’m actually cold).
- Lunch Debacle: I figured, "Beale Street! Surely, I'll find some amazing food immediately." HA. Lesson Two: do some damn research. The first place I randomly wandered into? Tourist trap. Food was…meh. I ordered a "Memphis-style" pulled pork sandwich that tasted like sadness on a bun. The music was…not really Memphis. My disappointment was immeasurable, and my day was ruined…for a few hours.
Afternoon/Evening Recovering/Beale Street Blues: Okay, I need to reset. Head back to the hotel. The Westin pool looked beautiful. The problem is I forgot my swimsuit. The shame. Luckily, there is a gym with a treadmill.
- Beale Street Exploration (Take Two): After a quick shower and a mental pep talk (because let's be real, a bad sandwich can really knock you off your game), I was back on Beale Street, determined to reclaim the day. This time I had a plan… sort of, but I was now determined. I knew I wanted to hear some blues music.
- The Blues: My Soul Is Rejuvenated: B.B. King's Blues Club - the vibe was perfect. The blues music was everything I’d hoped for. The bar was a little too pricey, but I am not complaining!
Dinner: Rendezvous BBQ (and the Ribs of Glory): I know, I know, I’m going to be the most basic traveler ever, but I had to get BBQ, and Rendezvous is the legend. And I was not disappointed! The ribs… oh the ribs. They melt in your mouth and they were all I had ever wanted. The dry rub? Genius! The line was insane but worth it. I ate way too many, but I have zero regrets. Honestly, this meal alone almost wipes away all the travel-related frustrations.
Nightcap: Walking back to the hotel, a little tipsy from the blues and the glorious ribs, I stopped by Silky O’Sullivan’s (the one with the goat!). It was pure chaos, and the dueling pianos were great fun. The people-watching? Even better. Memphis, I think I might be falling for you.
Day 2: Sun Studio, Graceland, and Elvis… Every Damn Where
Morning (The Aftermath of the Ribs and a Late Night): Okay, confession time. I woke up needing more sleep and feeling a bit… delicate. But the sun was shining, and Memphis was calling.
Sun Studio: This. Was. Amazing. Walking into that tiny studio, knowing that Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins had all stood in the same place, was a truly special moment. The tour guide (a grizzled, wonderful man with a voice like gravel) was fantastic. He told incredible stories. It’s the stuff that makes travel memorable.
Afternoon: Graceland (Elvis Has Left the Building… My Heart Too, Maybe?): The hype is real, folks. Graceland is overwhelming, in the best possible way. Elvis's house is opulent, a little bit kitsch, but also surprisingly… relatable. I mean, who doesn't want a jungle room? The whole experience is beautifully curated, and feels like stepping back in time. I could have easily spent half the day. The planes! The cars! It was a sensory overload.
Late Afternoon/Evening: After Graceland, I knew I needed to sit and process. I mean, I was practically floating on the Elvis-shaped cloud.
Dinner: Central BBQ (Another BBQ fix!): Yep, I'm a glutton for punishment. My diet is officially out the window. Worth It. The pulled pork sandwich was perfect. The sides were great.
- Night: Ghost Tour (Because Why Not?) Okay, this was a total whim. I’m not even a huge believer in ghosts, but I’m also a sucker for a spooky story. Turns out, Memphis is full of them. The tour took us through some of the older buildings. I didn’t see a ghost, but I saw a whole lot of history and heard some truly wild tales.
Day 3: Culture, Reflection, and (Gasp!) Saying Goodbye
- Morning: National Civil Rights Museum: This is a heavy, but incredibly important, experience. The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The exhibits are incredibly powerful, and I spent hours there. It's a stark reminder of the fight for equality and a sobering look at our past. This experience makes you slow down, appreciate, and think about your current state.
- Afternoon: Riverboat Cruise (A Bit Touristy, But Still): A relaxing cruise on the Mississippi River. It gives you a different perspective on the city.
- Last Supper: I’m going to be honest, at this point in the trip, I felt like I needed some comfort food. I found a diner. After this trip I knew I could handle anything.
- Departure: Leaving Memphis, I feel a bit wistful. It's a city that gets under your skin. It's loud, it's messy, it's full of contradictions, and it's beautiful. Memphis, you've got a hold of my heart (and my stomach). I'll be back.
You'd be lucky to come along, but you'd be lucky to experience it too.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Pestana Vila Sol Golf Resort, Vilamoura
So, um, what *is* this…this whole "FAQ" thing supposed to be about, anyway?
Ugh, you’re asking all the right questions (or maybe, all the wrong ones, depending on how you look at it). I *think* the idea here is to pretend I know stuff. Specifically, stuff related to… well, whatever you're reading about, but let's not be too worried about that for now. But the truth? I mostly know how to worry. And eat chips. Preferably at the same time.
What's the hardest part of all this…stuff?
Oh, the hardest part? No question, it's the *start*. That blank page? Pure, unadulterated terror. It’s like staring into the abyss, except the abyss is judging my life choices. I remember one time, I had to write a presentation for… (Ugh, I can't even remember what the subject was. Something boring. Probably accounting.) And I literally stared at the screen for, like, three hours. Three hours of agonizing over the perfect opening sentence. In the end? I think it was something genius like: "Uh, hello everyone." Face palm. Seriously. It's a struggle, folks. It's a REAL struggle.
Is there a secret to it all? A magic potion? A cheat code?
Ha! If there *was* a secret, do you think I’d be sitting here admitting, even in a faux-FAQ format, that I don’t have it? Please. No. There’s no magic. No shortcuts. Just… well, *fumbling*. Lots and lots of fumbling. I once tried the "write badly first, edit later" approach. Disaster. Felt like I was trying to build a house out of spaghetti. It was a beautiful, delicious mess, but a mess nonetheless. Honestly though, if you find something that works, tell me. I'll buy you all the pizza.
What's the absolute *worst* thing that can happen?
Oh, the *worst* thing? Okay, let’s dive deep into the abyss of my insecurities, shall we? For me? The *worst* thing… the actual, physical-body-sweating, palms-clammy worst thing… is someone reading something I wrote and… *not caring*. Like, just skimming over it, thinking, "Meh," and moving on to the next cat video. The thought of my words disappearing into the internet ether, unloved and unread? That’s right up there with stubbing my pinky toe. Except way, WAY more emotionally scarring.
Okay, okay… What about the *good* stuff? What keeps you going?
Ah, now you’re talking! The good stuff… the *good* stuff is that tiny, fleeting moment when you actually *connect*. When you write something and someone out there reads it and goes, "Yeah. I get that." Or they laugh. Or they even throw you a virtual high-five. That feeling? It’s like finding the last slice of pizza in the box. Delicious and… momentarily, perfect. It's what makes the fumbling, the anxiety, the existential dread, *almost* worth it. Almost.
Do you ever feel, like, completely overwhelmed and want to chuck the whole endeavor in the bin?
Honey, are you even *listening*? Of course! Every. Single. Day. There are days when the words just… won't. Come. Out. It's like trying to squeeze toothpaste out of a tube that's already empty. And then I start thinking, *Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. Maybe I should stick to watching cat videos.* (Which, let's be honest is a very tempting alternative). The doubt is heavy, and some days, it almost wins. But then... then I remember the pizza.
Quick Fire: What are you working on right now?
Besides this train wreck? Oh man I'm juggling a few things. I was supposed to polish that report... yeah, that's still on the list. And a blog post idea on the best type of coffee to fuel writing. It probably won't be as interesting as the report. And I'm trying to learn how to play the ukulele. The first step is not to break the ukulele while learning. Seriously the thought of it is actually more fun. It's all a bit chaotic, much like this whole FAQ (sorry about that, by the way).
Any closing thoughts? Or are we just rambling now?
Rambling. Oh yes, definitely rambling. But… if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that the mess, the fumbling, the mistakes… that’s where the good stuff often hides. So, embrace the chaos, the doubt, and the occasional "meh" reaction. And maybe, just maybe, someday you’ll find the last slice of pizza. Or write something someone actually *likes*. Regardless, keep going. Because, what else are we gonna do?
