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An Up and Close Look at Strip Mall Sadness from the Doubletree

Where: 5069 Sanderlin Avenue [map], Memphis, TN, United States, 38117

Want an up close and personal view of what's wrong with American urban planning? Get a first floor room at a typical business hotel.

The Doubletree Hotel in East Memphis has some good things going for it. The wi-fi is free and it really works throughout the property, with no annoying log-in codes. There's an indoor/outdoor pool, the rooms are a decent size,and the beds are comfortable.

But take a look out the window and you get a depressing look at what's wrong with urban development in any Sprawl City, USA. From this first-floor room, someone pulling up to park could see which sites you are surfing with your laptop on the desk. If these windows actually opened, you could whisper to the driver as he or she got out of the car and still be heard.

Across the parking lot, it's a strip mall mish-mash: Subway, a pet store, a dentist, and a music shop. Strain your head to look further to the left and right and it's just more parking lot and more shops.

There is an ironic twist to this location, however. It's one of the few places outside downtown where you can just leave the car parked come meal time. A short walk leads to several good sit-down restaurants and a Wild Oats outlet. Even a wine bar and a nice multiplex cinema. So despite being built for anyone but pedestrians, if you put up with the lousy view and strategically navigate the sea of parking lots on foot, you can save a bit of gas after arrival.

Related Stories:
· Doubletree Memphis reviews [TripAdvisor]