(03-10-2014 11:04 AM)TIGERCITY Wrote: (03-10-2014 10:08 AM)cotton1991 Wrote: Two coming down from Iowa on Wednesday.
(03-10-2014 08:48 AM)bctn8n Wrote: I am with a group of 5. Where is the best place to stay? I have never been to Memphis.
Downtown would be the best place to stay for an out-of-towner. Tons of nightlife, restaurants, stuff to do, and the Forum is right there. Plus you've got streetcars running all over the area so you can park your car and forget it.
Or you can probably save money by renting a car and staying somewhere in the suburbs or, better, West Memphis (just across the Miss River in Arkansas.) Plus you now have your own transportation and can see 'the place' at your leisure -
I would never suggest staying in West Memphis, Arkansas. At best you might find a LaQuinta Inn and a McDonald's. Please, please, please do not stay in West Memphis, Arkansas.
Stay downtown or midtown. Youre coming to watch basketball and enjoy the city. Downtown rates will be more expensive, obviously, plus you'll pay for parking, but you are a walk to the FedEx Forum and don't have to fight traffic or pay for parking for the games themselves. Plus if you drink to much at the game or Beale street, no worries about getting home.
No matter where you stay you can 'see the place' at your leisure b/c you have a car. By staying downtown you are just less reliant on the car. You'll enjoy your time more.
Hotels: Westin, Days Inn, PeaBody, DoubleTree, madison, Hampton Inn & Suites are good choices. Westin would be your best bet, but typically I have to book that months in advance during regular season games, much less during tourny time. Most teams stay there I believe, at least the Zags did.
Grab a beer and drinks at Silky's. Alfred's normally has two dollar beers two hours before and after Memphis games, not sure if the conference tourny will be the same, but if so, it's a good cheap place to drink less than a hundred yards from the forum. Cheap good eats- Central Barbecue, Huey's, Kooky Kanucks. Get the the BBQ nachos at Central BBQ on HOUSE CHIPS. Not a menu item (the house chips part) but it is one of the best things you'll ever eat. Local Gastropub is great too.
Most of all enjoy the city- there are alot of great places to eat, drink and enjoy. Ask a Memphis fan that's at the game their suggestions and typically they will be pretty excited to tell you highlights of where to go enjoy their city.