Depending on what you are looking for, East Memphis would be a good choice.
Easy access to the LB from either city streets or the interstate. Many of the options listed in the dining thread are in East Memphis. Within a 5 to 10 block area around Clark Tower your will find really good restaurants, shopping and hotels. It is safe. The dining choices are too numerous to list. Most Every thing from Folk's Folly, Interim, Huey's, Corky's, Ruth Chris, Owen Brenins,Blue Plate, Buckley's, fast food etc. Hotels range from Hampton to Holiday to Hilton to Double Tree etc. Shopping is everything from Home Depot to fine jewelry. East Memphis is also close to Midtown and Germantown. Downtown is safe with many options too. If I were taking a family I would probably stay in East Memphis. If I was going to party, I would stay downtown. All the suburbs are safe.