Question about good hotels/motels

Heya! So we'll be traveling through Memphis, TN soon! And figured if your city is anything like ours/most, that there are better sides of town to be staying at vs. other sides of town. So, I guess I am wondering if any locals can help us out and give us some hints on which side of town/which hotels/motels might be the safest bets to be staying at.

Thanks for your time & help in advance!