We explore new schemes for quantum memories in warm alkali vapor. A fast ladder-type memory (FLAME) is realized by mapping the optical field onto the superposition between electronic orbitals. FLAME demonstrates GHz-bandwidth and extremely low noise, suitable for quantum network synchronization. We consider the implementation of FLAME via tapered fibers, and its integration with Rydberg-level excitations for quantum nonlinear optics. In a second study, we achieve a record memory lifetime approaching one second at room-temperature, by mapping the optical field onto ground-state spin orientation, which is insensitive to spin-exchange collisions. This scheme paves the way towards hour-long memory lifetimes by utilizing rare-gas nuclear spins.