Guest Author - Beth Green

The Heartbreak Hotel is more than just a hit song by Elvis Presley, it’s an actual hotel operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises, located within walking distance of Graceland Mansion in Memphis Tennessee.

Heartbreak Hotel is a boutique hotel that is a perfect central location for visitors to Graceland and related attractions. It’s a bit on the pricy side though, so it may not be ideal for families.

The hotel features 128 rooms. Regular guest rooms and non-themed two room suites are decorated with blue and gold draperies, bedspreads and carpets, cream walls, black and white framed photographs of Elvis, and blonde wood furniture that is reminiscent of the 1950’s.

Regular guest rooms start at $110 a night; regular suites begin at $125 a night. Rates are slightly higher on weekends and during the peak travel season.

Hard-core Elvis fans might want to stay in one of four themed suites. Each suite is decorated for a different period in Elvis’ life. The themed suites are approximately 1100 square foot, 2 bedroom suites; with a living room/dining room combo, 2 sitting areas, 2 kitchenettes and 2 bathrooms.

The Graceland Suite features room designs that are inspired by actual rooms in the Graceland Mansion, such as the TV Room and the Jungle Room.

The Hollywood Suite is done in art deco style celebrating Elvis’ movie star status.

The Gold & Platinum Suite has retro décor inspired by Elvis’ recording career.

Red, red everywhere is the highlight of the Burning Love Suite, inspired by Elvis’ 1972 hit record.

Themed suites accommodate 4-8 people, and start at $545 nightly.

All rooms and suites feature a microwave, refrigerator, clock radio, free local calls, cable television with HBO, and an in-house channel that features nothing but Elvis videos.

Other complimentary amenities include continental breakfast, a heart-shaped outdoor swimming pool, security-patrolled parking, shuttle service and an exercise room.

Reservations can be made online at Heartbreak Hotel Reservations or by calling 1-877-777-0606.

For families and others with a smaller budget, try the Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground located on 19 acres just behind the Heartbreak Hotel.

The Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground features RV hookups, camping cabins, a campground store, swimming pool and playground, picnic area, showers, and dump station. There’s also free wireless internet access throughout the campground, and dial-up access available at the campground office during office hours.

Pets are welcome at the Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground as long as they are not left unattended.

For reservations, call 1-866-571-9236. Rates vary depending on accommodations and season.