As a retirement celebration road trip, I drove 3,000 miles up the Midwest and down the Mississippi, booking two hotels and seven Airbnb rooms. Of all the Airbnbs, 1 was terrible (I didn’t stay, and asked and received a refund), 5 others were very good, and Rick’s was by far the best. It’s in a pleasant and quiet neighborhood, easy to find from the interstate, and just a 5 minute drive to the downtown music and entertainment district.
I was immediately impressed with the spaciousness, comfortable furniture, and clean tasteful décor of the room when I checked in. The two previous nights, I had stayed at the celebrated Peabody Hotel in Memphis, and Rick’s was far better than the high-priced room I had there, or for that matter almost any hotel room I’ve ever had.
In contrast to some Airbnbs, the décor was refreshingly tasteful and free of froufrou clutter. At every turn, I saw thoughtful attention to what a guest might want or need—a luggage rack so I didn’t have to put my suitcase on the floor or bed; a wet bar, fridge with ice, microwave, toaster, dishes, flatware, and Keurig coffee maker; complimentary water and snack bars; even a bottle of Argentine Malbec on offer for $10 on the honor system.
The shower felt great after hours on the road and an afternoon on Broadway, and was supplied with plenty of towels and with dispensers of soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Afterward I enjoyed sitting on the comfy leather couch and watching a bit of premium cable TV before bed. Although I didn’t need them, Rick also provides a hair drier, steam iron, alarm clock, and other amenities. In a looseleaf binder was the most thorough guest directory I saw at any Airbnb, with house rules; local emergency numbers; restaurant and food delivery recommendations and sample menus; recommendations on money-saving transportation to the entertainment district; a TV and satellite radio channel guide; instructions for the in-room appliances; and more.
The seven Airbnbs I tried ranged from $30 to $139/night (average $85), with Rick’s being second-highest at $136, but it was a very good deal compared to hotel prices and well worth it to me. This should be a model for other Airbnb accommodations. I’d gladly stay again if I return to Nashville.