Nice vs. Unsafe areas Memphis (Central, Midtown: hotels, restaurants, zip codes)

[prowler]

My husband and I are planning a short trip to Memphis for Blues and BBQ. We will be riding our Harley-Davidson and traveling light. Before we choose a hotel I am hoping for information on where is a safe, clean, comfortable area for our "home base" while we visit. We have already excluded Downtown due to garage parking isn't ideal for a motorcycle.

To give you an idea of why I am asking for your help:
Recently we took a trip to another large city and made our plans and reservations from the different websites for that particular city. We chose a fairly new hotel in our usual price range ($80+ nightly) it looked great by the virtual tour so we booked it. We ended up in a neighborhood that had only a Wendy's restaurant and a convenient store for our choice of food, there were no pubs or shopping but most importantly we were told it was not safe to venture out after dark! We stayed one night and left first thing in the a.m.

[Tigertate]

Look at hotels in the 38120, 38119, 38117, 38125, 38018, and 38016 zip codes.

There are also hotels in the suburbs you may want to check out as well.

[My_home_town]

Greetings. I would consider the Hampton Inn on Poplar Ave in E. Memphis. Poplar is the main thoroughfare through town. I believe the price is right for your budget and there are plenty of restaurants within a few miles.

Hampton Inn Poplar - Memphis Hotel Reviews and Information by HotelGuide

You are very close to Corky's if you must eat there. I would recommend Central BBQ on Summer Ave which is perhaps 10 minutes away.

https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...7&z=13&iwloc=B

Let us know if you have any questions about sites to see or other places to eat while you're here.

Have fun!

[prowler]

Having visited Memphis only a few times, we assume most of the "Blues" bars and lots restaurants would be located along Beale Street. For that reason, we would hope our motel would be within reasonable striking distance of there.

[My_home_town]

Beale Street is downtown. You had mentioned you ruled out downtown.

Memphis Hotels - Holiday Inn Express Hotels Memphis Medical Center Midtown Hotel in Memphis | Best Price Guarantee or First Night Free

[prowler]

Sorry for not being more specific with my previous post. Without being downtown - and facing parking issues with a motorcycle - we would like to find a motel which is reasonably close as possible to Beale Street - without actually being on Beale Street.

During the last rally in Memphis, some of us stayed approximately 6 miles from Beale Street, while other riders stayed as far away as 30 miles from Beale Street. We prefer 6 miles or less from Beale Street.

[knucklehead_vol]

Originally Posted by prowler

My husband and I are planning a short trip to Memphis for Blues and BBQ. We will be riding our Harley-Davidson and traveling light. Before we choose a hotel I am hoping for information on where is a safe, clean, comfortable area for our "home base" while we visit. We have already excluded Downtown due to garage parking isn't ideal for a motorcycle.

To give you an idea of why I am asking for your help:
Recently we took a trip to another large city and made our plans and reservations from the different websites for that particular city. We chose a fairly new hotel in our usual price range ($80+ nightly) it looked great by the virtual tour so we booked it. We ended up in a neighborhood that had only a Wendy's restaurant and a convenient store for our choice of food, there were no pubs or shopping but most importantly we were told it was not safe to venture out after dark! We stayed one night and left first thing in the a.m.

Downtown is fine for motorcycles. There are several hotels that accommodate motorcycles. Besides Bikes on Beale is a site to see and be a part of.

[zack johnson]

So I see that you are of the mind that garage parking is not ideal for a motorcycle. Enlighten me--what is it about a parking garage that makes it not suited for your Harley?

This is an honest question. I would've guessed that bikers would prefer parking in a garage, so as to avoid rain and heat...but what do I know?

EDIT: Oops. Please forgive me for posting an off-topic inquiry.

[prowler]

The theft rates for motorcycles varies from State to State/ City to City ... but are always at least twice as high as that for automobiles even in a small town. Given the size of Memphis the theft rate would most likely be many times higher than that rate for automobiles.

Rain and heat are no problem for the motorcycles. Keeping the motorcycle visible in an open parking lot is at least a small deterrent to theft and/or vandalism.

Hope that helps.

[knucklehead_vol]

Originally Posted by prowler

The theft rates for motorcycles varies from State to State/ City to City ... but are always at least twice as high as that for automobiles even in a small town. Given the size of Memphis the theft rate would most likely be many times higher than that rate for automobiles.

Rain and heat are no problem for the motorcycles. Keeping the motorcycle visible in an open parking lot is at least a small deterrent to theft and/or vandalism.

Hope that helps.

You'll be fine staying with your bike downtown. Trust me I had two and parked downtown unsupervised many many times. Downtown and midtown is what Memphis is about and there are precautions taken to protect you and tour property.