Man’s man Elvis Presley would have hit 76 in January 2011 and fans will be on pilgrimage to sites associated with the King. Hotels.com has helped JOE.ie out with a guide on where to stay if you’re one of them.
Memphis
The most famous location for Elvis fans has to be Graceland in Memphis. The 14 acre estate was Elvis’s home until his tragic, toilet-related death and is now a popular tourist attraction with millions of fans flocking to the estate each year.
Tours of Graceland are available daily and you can see where the big, jump-suit-wearing man his down time. It also houses his collection of gold and platinum records, along with tons of other memorabilia from Elvis’s early career. If you think you can handle it, a tour also means a chance to explore what is arguably the most outrageously garish wardrobe collection outside of Liberace’s walk-in.
Where to stay: The four-star Westin Memphis.
Located in the heart of Memphis on legendary Beale St, this four-star hotel is close to a number of blues and rock clubs as well as the Gibson Guitar Factory. Close to Memphis Zoo and Graceland, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do in this musical city. The hotel is also pet-friendly and dogs up to 40lbs can stay at no extra charge.
Price: Price from €143 per room night.
Click here for more information.
Las Vegas
Graceland may have been Elvis’ actual home but Las Vegas comes in a close second. Synonymous with ‘the King’, in 1969 Elvis performed his first show at the International to a sold-out crowd. He went on to perform regularly at the property for seven years in front of an estimated 2.5 million people.
Elvis tribute shows run throughout the year and there’s even an Elvis inspired Cirque du Soleil show. Diehard fans can also check out the Hard Rock Hotel where you can see one of Elvis’s famously flexible jumpsuits as well as a guitar he smashed the shite out of and a telegram from Elvis to the Beatles.
Where to stay: Four-star Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Unmissable from the outside, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is instantly recognisable thanks to a massive neon guitar jutting into the Vegas skyline. The Hard Rock Hotel has six restaurants, including Nobu sushi bar and AGO, which serves Tuscan Italian cuisine. The hotel houses more 600 pieces of rock-n-roll memorabilia, a 30,000-square-foot circular casino, a 4,000-seat concert venue hosting major recording acts, and the subterranean nightclub Body English, featuring a retro-industrial ceiling, glowing violet tables and green vinyl booths.
Price: From €50 per room per night.
Click here for more information.
Hawaii
Always a man known to be partial to big waves, grass skirts, hula dancing, drinking from coconuts and various other mildly offensive Hawaiian stereotypes, Elvis loved to holiday on this famed Pacific Island.
In fact, the singer made three of his notoriously rubbish films in Hawaii – Blue Hawaii, Girls Girls Girls and Paradise Hawaiian Style. Fans convinced the man can do no wrong, however, can today tour the locations where these films were made. Such was his love for the island, he performed live in Hawaii many times including his famous ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ performance which was broadcasted live throughout the world.
Where to stay: The four-star Hawaii Prince Hotel, Waikiki Honolulu.
The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki offers scenic views of Honolulu, Hawaii’s Ala Wai Yacht Harbour and the ocean beyond. The famous Ala Moana Shopping Centre is just two blocks for anyone looking for some retail therapy.
The hotel is notable for its out-there design which features an exterior moat with a five-story, water wall, an expansive, marble-bordered lobby and streamlined glass elevators. The hotel’s restaurant, Prince Court, serves island-style and Japanese cuisine while displaying third-floor sunset and marina views. A fifth-floor sundeck houses an outdoor pool, a spa tub and terrace.
Click here for more information.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
