Driving NYC to Dallas; good places to stop (Memphis, Knoxville: hotels, safe neighborhood)

[10-23]

Next month, I am driving from New York City to Dallas. I am looking for suggestions as to where to stop for the night about midway there. I’m guessing somewhere between Memphis and Nashville. Towns? Hotels? Thanks in advance.

[Soccernerd]

Are you taking Interstate 81 and Interstate 40?

Knoxville is closer to halfway, but overnight in Nashville or further west will allow for a more relaxed drive your second day.

The quality and selection of hotels will generally improve with the larger a city gets. However if you’re on a budget, I’ve found that mom and pop motels are actually higher quality in more rural areas.

[10-23]

Yes, I am taking 81 and 40. I’d rather go further (towards Nashville) the first day and have that more leisurely drive on day two.

I’m not into mom and pop hotels. I’d rather stay in a Marriott or Hilton chain hotel that’s accessible to the highway.

[Soccernerd]

I should also add that the hotel chains are pretty consistent and reliable in their comfort, amenities, and service; it shouldn’t matter where the Hampton or Holiday Inn you stay at then.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by Soccernerd

it shouldn’t matter where the Hampton or Holiday Inn you stay at then.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. S/he probably would like to know hotels that have easy on/off accessibility to the highway and a safe neighborhood within walking or short driving distance to some decent places to eat. Having wound up up in hotels where the n'hoods (and sometimes the hotel itself) have deteriorated, are in isolated business parks, or require convoluted navigation of access roads or side roads, I can say it definitely matters.

[10-23]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

I wouldn't necessarily say that. S/he probably would like to know hotels that have easy on/off accessibility to the highway and a safe neighborhood within walking or short driving distance to some decent places to eat. Having wound up up in hotels where the n'hoods (and sometimes the hotel itself) have deteriorated, are in isolated business parks, or require convoluted navigation of access roads or side roads, I can say it definitely matters.

I’m familiar with the chains, that’s why I look to them. On/off highway ease is a plus.

I am looking for exactly what Dubble is saying (thanks!). I’m a big guy, but I don’t want to have to fight my way through a bad neighborhood, or worry as to whether my car will still be there in the morning when I’m looking to leave.

[10-23]

How is Mt. Juliet in terms of crime?

[BuffaloHome]

Originally Posted by 10-23

How is Mt. Juliet in terms of crime?

Mt Juliet is fine. There are several nice hotels right off Exit 226.

[mattec]

You might want to consider going through Nashville the first day to avoid rush hour the next morning. I’d also recommend staying out of Nashville- Davidson County, as hotels are typically a lot more expensive here.

With that in mind, I’d recommend Dickson, exit 172. There is a brand new Fairfield, a Hampton Inn, and holiday inn express right off the interstate.

To put the cost difference into perspective, the Hampton Inn in Dickson is $118, whereas the Hampton Inn in Bellevue on the edge of Nashville, about 25 mins from Dickson, is $180.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by mattec

You might want to consider going through Nashville the first day to avoid rush hour the next morning. I’d also recommend staying out of Nashville- Davidson County, as hotels are typically a lot more expensive here.

With that in mind, I’d recommend Dickson, exit 172. There is a brand new Fairfield, a Hampton Inn, and holiday inn express right off the interstate.

To put the cost difference into perspective, the Hampton Inn in Dickson is $118, whereas the Hampton Inn in Bellevue on the edge of Nashville, about 25 mins from Dickson, is $180.

That's a good suggestion.