The gates swing open, revealing a sprawling estate bathed in the warm glow of the Memphis sunset. It looked immediately familiar as the iconic home of the King himself, Elvis Presley, but it wasn’t. It’s the Guest House at Graceland next door.
I stayed at the hotel overnight during a quick stop at Graceland and found it to be a resort experience fit for a rockstar or at least someone who wants to feel like one.
As a lifelong Elvis fan, I’ve visited Graceland before, but this was the first time I could stay so close to the house. Until the Guest House at Graceland opened a few years ago, the nearest hotels were several miles away. Now, you can stay just steps away from the famous mansion. I couldn’t resist and the experience didn’t disappoint.
When I pulled up to the gates outside the hotel, I noticed that the exterior windows and white pillars resembled Graceland, but the main building had a delightful pink tint.
Inside the Guest House at Graceland
Stepping into the lobby is like entering a fever dream for Elvis fans. Crystal chandeliers glitter overhead, and plush carpeting bore the iconic “TCB” lightning bolt – Elvis’s motto for “Taking Care of Business.” The air thrums with the King’s greatest hits, setting the mood for an unforgettable stay.
The details make this hotel unique and discoveries are around every corner. There is a lot of hot pink blue suede and the custom-made light fixtures are shaped in the initials EP. Pictures of Elvis’ outfits are artfully displayed in the hallways, mirrors and gold lame’.
Gems at Elvis’ Guest House
If you were thinking this hotel is kitschy, you’d be wrong. It’s a true testament to the King’s life and loves. If you like Elvis, it’s an immersive experience you can’t miss. Even if you aren’t an Elvis aficionado, this hotel stands out. Here are a few reasons why:
- Southern Hospitality: The staff’s warmth and attentiveness were remarkable, from anticipating my needs and proactively offering information – like the free shuttle to the Graceland shops across the street to the welcome bottle of water.
- Culinary Delights: The on-site restaurants and bar were first class. From the comfort food classics at Vernon’s Kitchen to the elevated Southern fare at EP’s Kitchen, each menu item made it impossible to decide. Fun fact: Elvis loved peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches. You can try one at Vernon’s Kitchen. I opted for the deep-fried grilled cheese and it was spectacular.
- Midnight snacks: Elvis was known for eating late at night, and the hotel offers guests complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I couldn’t eat another bite, but what a fun idea!
- Movies at the theatre: The on-site theater hosts live music performances, and the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex across the street boasts museums, exhibits, and even a replica of Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first hits. Each night, there isn’t a special event; the theatre plays a different Elvis movie, free for guests.
It’s all in the Details at Elvis’ Guest House
The Guest House boasts 450 luxurious rooms and suites across a 450,000-square-foot floor, each designed with Elvis-inspired touches. There’s even a jungle room suite among the 20 specialty-themed suites, each with designs supervised by Priscilla Presley. A few highlights:
- Elvis’s master bedroom suite resembles his Graceland bedroom and features deep red and black tones with metallic gold and silver finishes, a canopy bed with TVs overhead.
- The second suite is inspired by Las Vegas décor with a royal blue and purple palette, plush fabric, vintage touches, and contemporary twists.
- Vernon & Gladys’ Suites are filled, named after Elvis’s parents, and inspired by Elvis’s iconic Palm Springs home.
Pro tip: Look for hidden details like the lightly embossed sheer curtains with music symbols and the gates of Graceland on them or the exceptional selection of Elvis music on the TV.
Living the King’s Dream: Was it Worth It?
It’s absolutely worth staying at the Guest House at Graceland if you’re in the area, whether or not you plan to visit the mansion. It can also be affordable. Look for deals and packages online. My basic (but awesome) room was about $150 a night.
While the Elvis theme might not be for everyone, the Guest House at Graceland offers a unique and luxurious experience that goes beyond mere fandom.
Read more stories about Tennessee here.
