Elvis Presley
Booking.com Presents Five Iconic Locations in Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley
16th August 2017 marks forty years since the ‘King’ of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley passed away so what better time to commemorate and pay tribute to one of the most celebrated and influential music figures of all time. Celebrate his legacy and reminisce with a trip to a destination where you can follow in his footsteps and relive his most famous hip swings, incredible concerts and rock-able moments.
Whether you love his world-famous songs or are fascinated by his stardom, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has looked into amazing destinations that keep the King’s legend alive. There is no doubt you’ll find your inner rock and roll star as you roam Elvis’ most legendary concert venues!
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis embodies blues culture and was home to Elvis Presley for most of his life. Here you’ll find his cherished mansion Graceland, the second most visited private home in America. Here you can take a trip into the past and get lost in its themed rooms, ogle at trophy collections and finally pay tribute to Elvis himself at the Meditation Garden where he was laid to rest. Elvis’ hometown was regularly host to his performances and has clearly had a profound impact on the music scene. Those visiting Memphis won’t be surprised to find that the top endorsements from Booking.com travellers are live music, food and history.
Where to stay: The Guest House at Graceland is inspired by Elvis’ iconic home and boasts a beautiful southern colonial architecture and themed rooms throughout. The Guest House at Graceland features two full-service restaurants, an outdoor pool and a 464-seat theatre with live performances and movies. Guests will love the convenient location of the property with just a short car journey from the famed Beale Street, the true heart of Memphis music and entertainment, as well as the Memphis Zoo which is a fun day out for the whole family.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville holds high importance to Elvis admirers and critics alike. He performed three shows a day here at his peak and after a series of shows in the summer of 1956, he was made famous for his rock and roll moves and gyrating hips! Booking.com travellers’ top endorsements for Jacksonville are its lush beaches, as well as relaxation, shopping and food, so why not take a trip to enjoy the thrilling water sports or simply relax amongst the sand dunes as you watch the world go by.
Where to stay: Take some time to relax at Riverdale Inn, not only is this B&B situated in one of the best-rated locations in Jacksonville, Booking.com travellers have also rated it one of the best value in the city. Lounge on the covered terrace or get lost in the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens which is just 400 yards away. Guests can enjoy a full bar on site and are treated to a complimentary full breakfast.
San Antonio, Texas
Elvis performed in San Antonio nine times over his career and it was also where he publicly debuted his last top ten hit Burning Love in a concert in 1972. Indeed, many San Antonians particularly remember one of his concerts in their hometown for his iconic peacock jumpsuit, which would go on to fetch the highest price ever paid for a piece of Elvis memorabilia, a whopping $300,000 in 2008. Elvis’ impact here was widely felt. It was San Antonian Alex Romero who choreographed one of Presley’s most seminal moments - his title dance scene in the film Jailhouse Rock. Booking.com travellers’ top endorsements for San Antonio include its great sightseeing scene, tasty food and unique history.
Where to stay: Stay at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, perfectly located along the San Antonio River and just 100 yards from the historic landmark The Alamo, this hotel boasts a rooftop pool with 360 degree city views. Enjoy luxury Texas-style cuisine at the Q restaurant or order a creative cocktail poolside, you’ll be treated like royalty here – so much so that even Elvis would have been envious!
Honolulu, Hawaii
One of Elvis’ greatest and most widely watched performances took place here in Honolulu, Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite, a concert headlined by Presley and broadcast by satellite to an estimated 1 billion viewers in January 1973. A satellite innovation, the show was aired in over 40 countries and was one of the most expensive entertainment specials of its time. The show cemented Elvis’ legendary status in the music world and still remains the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in television history. Indeed, Elvis’ presence has been etched in Honolulu’s history with a life-size statue of the singer near the city’s concert hall – fittingly, he wears a lei of fresh flowers. Elvis’s appearance in the American musical film Blue Hawaii has also immortalised the star in Honolulu, so why not take a trip to the Punchbowl Crater or the AlaMoana Park to see the stunning sights where scenes from Blue Hawaii were filmed.
Where to stay: Live like Elvis at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort where the King himself picked to stay on visits to Hawaii. Just like Elvis loved surfing and swimming, here you’ll have the option to enjoy a 5,000-square foot pool or take the two minute walk to the beach. Every Friday you’ll get the chance to see a fireworks display or if you prefer the quieter life, you can explore the natural sanctuary at the resort featuring beautiful gardens and over 60 species of exotic animals.
Indianapolis, Indiana
In June 1977 Elvis performed his final concert in Indianapolis, he sang some of his classics including Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog, but also some of his more sombre songs such as Hurt and Can’t Help Falling in Love. The press were generally critical of his final performance, with many focusing on his overweight appearance or poor vocals, but little did they know the performance would be his last, as on August 16th 1977 Presley died in Graceland from heart failure. For Elvis fans, a trip to Indianapolis is a fitting tribute to his music legacy and a memorial marker marks the spot where the final arena to host Elvis once stood. Booking.com visitors’ top endorsements for Indianapolis are for its sporting events and restaurants
Where to stay: The Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis makes for the perfect scenic getaway with an 18-hole golf course and restaurant on site. Get yourself ready for the day with complimentary daily breakfasts before you explore your stunning surroundings. Situated just outside of Indianapolis, lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice as an array of activities including hiking, fishing and horse riding can be enjoyed in the Fort Harrison State Park. Make sure to explore the sporting sights it has to offer, visit the local’s favourite ballpark, Victory Field, or head to the Lucas Oil Stadium that showcases the city’s sporting and entertainment excellence.
