Graceland, which was rock and roll icon Elvis Presley’s home for 20 years until his death in 1977, is one of the most visited historic house museums in the United States, and is a National Historic Landmark. The Southern mansion has been opened to the public since 1982 and is located 12 miles from downtown Memphis. Visitors can stay close to Elvis' home at one of the several hotels around the area.
Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel is operated by Graceland and located across the street with a gate opening into Graceland's parking lot. The hotel's 128 guestrooms feature 1950s-style blond wood furnishings and black-and-white framed Elvis photographs. The hotel also has four, two-bedroom Elvis-themed suites including the "Burning Love" suite, which features rich, romantic decor. If cost is an issue, "Frommer's" advises that it is possible to rent one half of the suite. Hotel facilities include an Elvis gift shop, heart-shaped outdoor swimming pool, exercise room and Jungle Room Lounge restaurant. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service and, for a small fee, an evening shuttle service to Beale Street, a major tourist attraction and home to numerous blues clubs, restaurants and stores including the historic A. Schwab's dry goods store, in business since 1876.
Across the street from Graceland, this budget-priced hotel differs from the other properties in the Days Inn chain with its guitar-shaped outdoor swimming pool, Elvis mural and round-the-clock in-room Elvis movies. The 61 guestrooms feature handcrafted furniture, and a breakfast of muffins, waffles, fresh fruit, bread and cereal is included in rates. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service from the airport in the morning and evening. Restaurants within a short walking distance include the Rock 'n' Roll Cafe.
The Courtyard Memphis Airport Hotel is two miles northeast of Graceland and three miles southeast of Memphis International Airport, accessible by the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle service. The hotel's 145 guest rooms and suites are well equipped for business travelers with large work desks and ergonomic chairs, and the hotel has 1,250 square-feet of meeting space. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool, along with an exercise room. The hotel is 18 miles from the 18-hole Galloway golf course. The hotel's on-site restaurant serves breakfast only, but there are several dining venues within one mile, including the Catfish Cabin seafood restaurant.
The Holiday Inn Express is two miles southeast of Graceland and offers quick access to the Interstate, which puts Beale Street and downtown Memphis within easy reach. The hotel offers guests a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, which is just two miles away. The 56 guestrooms and suites are spacious and the King Suite features a wet bar and full-size living area. Facilities include a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning and includes hot entrees, pastries, fruit and cereal. Restaurants within walking distance include the Interstate Bar-B-Que.
