We were a little concerned based on the reviews about renovations, but assuming there wouldn't be any construction NYE weekend, we took a chance.
I don't know how the place was before, but the renovations are quite nice. It's better than my previous experiences at Fairfield Inn.
Pros:
1) Nice, modern lobby (though simple): Fireplace, seating, free cookies, coffee, ice water. Simple "market" of convenience store food and toiletry staples
2) A better continental breakfast: I had low expectations since it's continental breakfast, but they had apples, oranges, bananas, bagels, english muffins, hard boiled eggs, waffle batter and iron, cereals, granola, yogurt, coffee, juices, microwaveable Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, corn dogs (??) and an assortment of spreads—jelly, peanut butter, honey, cream cheese, etc.
3) Clean rooms with modern decor: Admittedly it's all done in my favorite color, green, but the rooms like very modern with simple lines, the beds were comfy, nice bathroom, etc.
4) Free wifi. You have to "sign in" but it's free for your entire stay.
5) Nice free toiletries--Pantene shampoo and conditioner, vaseline intensive care lotion, and they replenished it daily.
Other notes:
It's in the middle of retail/restaurant chain hell, which is great or not great depending on your point of view. There's a Target and a Wal-Mart very close by.
We stayed here because it was easy access to head back East; it's a good 20 min from Beale Street.
Cons:
1) Chintzy towels. Honestly it didn't fit with what they seemed to be doing overall with the place.
2) The one elevator seemed slow and was crazy hot; there were easily accessible stairs, though, and it's only 3 floors.
All in all, it was a nice hotel for the money we paid and I was happy with the experience.
- Fairfield Inn Memphis
- Fairfield Memphis
- Memphis Fairfield
- Memphis Fairfield Inn
