Priceline Hotel: 3* Memphis (Downtown) Marriott

[BradMcCormick]

$47.

The Downtown Memphis Marriott (careful... multiple full-service Marriotts in Memphis area!) is a well-located, fine property. List price is way too high, of course... the card on the back of my room's door gave the full price at $350. My experience in shopping Marriott for this property is that most nights you're looking at $150s.

So, I don't want to complain too much, since I saved 2/3rds off what I otherwise could have paid.

But my goodness... it's time for Marriott to do something about its beds!

The "bed wars" are fabulous for the typical hotel guest, and I swear by Westin's Heavenly Bed offering. But whether or not Marriott adopts the "Heavenly" model, they ought to at least sock some money into "post-80's decor" and "reasonable standard of comfort."

I've now stayed in both the Chattanooga and Memphis "flagship" Marriott properties, and I am just generally not impressed.

If you're seeking luxury in the Memphis area, at an incredible price, bid for the East Memphis area at 3.5 stars (it could possibly be just 3), bid about $50, and you ought to win a room at The Hilton Memphis. This property has changed hands several times over the past several years, but with Hilton's acquisition came an extensive renovation. This property is beautiful. It's not nearly as well-located but the quality of sleep will leave you totally refreshed.

My verdict on the Marriott Downtown Memphis: Unless you just MUST stay centrally, opt for The Hilton Memphis instead.

[BradMcCormick]

CORRECTION:

If you choose to bid for The Hilton Memphis, it's in Memphis Southeast, not East.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I have moved your post to its own thread since it is for different dates than the post you replied to... can you please add the dates of this stay? Thanks!

I also recommend users do a bit more research than "bid about $50" as rates are generally a function of supply vs. demand and without researching rates doing this could be 1) a wasted bid, or 2) an overbid for a hotel that accepts at lower prices.

[ravinia]

Actually, the current Memphis Hilton (formerly Park Vista) IS in the Priceline East zone, as is the former Memphis Hilton, (now Doubletree). In the PL Southeast zone is the other "Memphis Marriott", a nice place to be sure, with free parking surrounded by a spikey 10 foot fence-- must be a reason for that, or maybe just decorative. We used to get them on PL a lot, but recent bids up to $59 Southeast during periods of low occupancy (Marriott.com for $89) came up empty. Looks like bidding "East" likely gets you the Doubletree.

While on the subject of Memphis East, the Belmont Grill serves a nice menu 'till pretty late; it's close to most of the "East" hotels.

[skelman]

Even if you don't get to -- or prefer not to -- stay at the Downtown Marriott, its glass elevators provide a great view of Memphis downtown and the river, particularly at night.

Also, while downtown, don't miss the Peabody Place Museum, perhaps the best Chinese decorative art collection in the country.