I have stayed at the Home2Suites (recently) and the Townplace Suites (2 years ago). Both were decent/good places to stay the night. I don’t remember the cost. Home2Suites is right next to a Dunkin and right across the way from Interstate Drive where there is food/shopping. Both are off South Jefferson so there is going to be food and shops there, South Jefferson food places feel a little more run down though.
I have never felt unsafe there though. My daughter goes to TN Tech.