Travelers Hotel — Hotel in Clarksdale

Excellent Location. Rooms were immaculate with high-end bath products and towels. Most importantly it was clean and comfortable. Loved the community shared spaces. Management should emphasize, however, in the text messages, that there is no human 24x7, or dedicated check-in desk..unless it's the beer station; and there was no human when I checked out at 11:30am, and that this establishment is run similarly to an Airbnb. When I checked in after 8pm, all the hotel entry doors were locked. I was confused and bewildered since this establishment is listed as a hotel and I expected to be greeted by a human but instead were greeted by guests in the lobby who let me in and told me to re-read my text message which I didn't realize was actually my check-in/checkout instructions and primary communication channel with the owners?/guest services?-- no human. When I checked out, I only saw cleaning staff. Some updating of how your property runs and setting clear guest expectations would be helpful. I was a little unnerved, and it all worked out, but explicit and transparent communication would have been super helpful. Also, for those who want a TV in your room, there isn't one. There is a huge one in the beautiful community area on the first floor---Didn't bother me because unfortunately I was in town for a funeral and was barely in my room but something to be mindful of. Gave 5 stars because this simply a refresh of verbiage and guest expectations by management. The establishment was charming, delightful with comfortable clean beds and bedding. Everything was new and most importantly clean and updated. I would absolutely...

My phone reminded me today, (09/02/2023), that I was in Clarksdale a year ago, (2022), for a long labor day weekend. Time flies, but the charm of Clarksdale and the Travelers Hotel is remembering that some of the best things in life stay the same. While overdue, my ephemeral weekend in Mississippi deserves praise.

There is a 1998 Robert Plant and Jimmy Page album / song "Walking into Clarksdale" that, in the artist's words, pays homage to the city and "the delta blues" music it fostered. While I'm sure in their head it was a thoughtful gesture, (from two Brits who likely struggle with American geography), I don't believe anyone has simply "walked" to Clarksdale in quite some time. The City of Clarksdale is carefully positioned near the edge of nowhere, but somehow also right where it needs to be. The drive made from New Orleans was a breeze, and travel efforts were paid handsomely in a weekend full of great people, music, and food.

Travelers Hotel is in the center of town, and offers walkability to plenty of restaurants, art and music, for those that prefer to hoof it. Alternatively, there are a handful of beautiful city parks and trails nearby for those looking to unplug and listen to the kudzu creep.

A strong nod to the original building's aesthetics and history, pared back interior finishes alongside essential modern amenities provide an environment that is calm-inducing and comfortable. The lack of screens is a welcomed characteristic in this day and age. I left this place feeling relaxed and rested, the hallmarks of a worthwhile vacation.

Until next time Travelers... "you do always be...

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at Travelers several times—once during COVID when the hotel had few guests and again, during the Juke Joint Festival when it was busy (but never felt loud nor crowded). Both visits were special in their own way and the space (the lobby, the kitchen, the big windows, the hallways, the rooms) made you feel special. Every little detail in the place allows the soul of that structure shine through. And let’s not forget the Malin+Goetz bath products in the rooms too. :)

Because you can let yourself in with a door code and use the fridge and dining area, you get the best of both worlds - a hotel and a home. The rooms are minimal and beautiful, and Ann and Chuck obviously have traveled enough to know how to lay out a hotel room for maximum efficiency.

When it was quiet during COVID, we had the lobby to ourselves which felt like being in a beautiful cozy living room. And when we were there for Juke Joint Fest, the lobby was the heart and the social hub.

And let’s talk about Ann and Chuck - who made themselves available in person or via text when we needed them and couldn’t have given us warmer welcomes with humor, stories, and local recommendations. There’s a lot going on in Clarksdale now, so giddyup yourselves there and stay at Travelers. Before...