Ok location but convenient for flying in and then easy to get where you need to go. New lunch buffet has good good and they told me bar opens soon.

The Clarion has had many names = it was The Clarion for years, then became The Memphis Plaza and this year became Cedar Hotel and now is returning to The Clarion, each name I am sure had different management or influences and there are always changes to be made and because this is a long standing hotel in Memphihs of course updates and remodeling. I have read many reviews of this hotel, most of them are not favorable when I first started checking into the possiblity of booking there. I have stayed twice and both times luck gave me the same room so I can't claim every room is perfect but both times this one was great. Many of the complaints were about not feeling safe here. I never was uncomfortable here. There was a security guard walking in the parking lot or at the door everytime I returned. As with anywhere even the Peabody you have to watch where you go and be alert in your surroundings, yes this neighborhood is not bright and busy but it was close to where I wanted to be. One of the trips was to spend time at Graceland during Elvis Week, It is maybe 5 mins from there in good traffic. During this week this hotel was hopping, there were shows there most of the day, there was also an exhibition conference of Elvis Memorbilia. It was not unsual to return at night to find a couple Elvis Tribute Artist in the Lobby waiting for their show and visiting with the fans.
The hotel was going thru remodeling and I did see changes from the first trip this year to the second time but during my visits there wasn't any inconviences I experienced. It wasn't important to my comfort that some areas were being reorganized or painted and not yet finished. The price that I paid was excellent and I could overlook things that did not effect my safety or comfort directly. I have heard complaints about people who might have less that family oriented values and making money with them, at any hotel you never know what the next room is doing and or plotting behind their doors, I never saw anything like that on either time I stayed there. My room was next to the elevator so I wasn't having to walk down long hallways so my encounters might have been less than others. The staff was very friendly and I saw them go beyond just yes ma'am, no sir, if they could they tried to help you. Check in was quick, and when we asked if there was a fridge or microwave in the room, she wasn't sure and didn't know if there were any available to put in the room, it was a very busy week, but after sending someone to check and make sure the room was ready when they came back and spoke to her she was very happy to tell us there are those items in your room and it is ready. The staff were friendly with the guests if they saw them in the hallway. They offered a very affordable breakfast and lunch - I think they were buffets but I didn't eat at any of them but did not hear of any complaints. Yes there are things that need some work and from what I have heard there will be lots of upgrades coming soon, I hope that it doesn't put it out of the reach of the average person. I had a great week and enjoyed the stay. The room was big and spacious, the king size bed had good walking space around it, a sitting area with nice chair and ottoman, a large table/desk for laptop or other work space. The restroom also spacious and the hanging clothes area had an iron and ironing board and lots of room and there were plenty drawers for storage. I couldn't have asked for a better place to live for a week. We did not ask for room service during the week and because many of the people seemed to sleep later, the cleaning staff would be in the hall looking for the available rooms and once asked us as we left which room we were in and we told them we didn't need anything, we were told if we needed new towels to bring the old ones to the lobby or give to the cleaning staff for fresh ones. I did not see the pool but I know several people did use it and did not have a problem. The lounge in the lobby and a facility inside of Dad's Place which was being used for the shows were not open for service but there were plans after the remodeling to again open these. From my experience yes I would recommend this to anyone and if I can get a room and a good rate I will be back.