Holiday Inn Select

Often congested with harried tour groups and well-dressed banquet-goers, this 10-story hotel just off the interstate in East Memphis caters primarily to corporate travelers. They also do a big business with local, special events. Otherwise, this Holiday Inn is just an average hotel that offers all the basics, including a sunny indoor pool area and nice-sized rooms. Suites include a microwave and fridge.

Starting the Chain: The Story of the Holiday Inn -- Wherever in the world your travels take you, the next time you're looking to book a clean, comfortable hotel room, you might want to thank Kemmons Wilson. The Memphis entrepreneur founded the first Holiday Inn back in 1952, before there was such a concept as chain hotels that aimed for consistency and reliability across many locations. The Holiday Inn franchise went international in 1960; today the brand is owned by the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), which operates properties worldwide.

Wilson, who was known in Memphis as somewhat of a character, died in 2003. His autobiography, Half Luck and Half Brains, tells the interesting story of the Holiday Inn. His legacy lives on at the University of Memphis, where the Kemmons Wilson School at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, trains new generations of hoteliers and tourism professionals.

The university's Holiday Inn is at 3700 Central Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 (tel. 901/678-8200; www.holidayinn.com).

Facilities:
Free airport shuttle; exercise room; indoor pool; room service; whirlpool; valet service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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