Lodging
Compiled by Bob Rouse
GRACELAND GIVES GUESTS NEW LODGING OPTIONS
GRACELAND . COM
A room in The Guest House at Graceland
Big things are happening at Graceland , the former home of Elvis Presley . But then , The King has always been big in Memphis .
Opening this October is The Guest House at Graceland . The property has 450 spacious rooms , a 464-seat theater , two restaurants , an outdoor pool and expansive special-event space . “ The Guest House has been the largest hotel project in Memphis since the Peabody ,” says Libby Perry , public relations coordinator of Elvis Presley Enterprises . “ Every aspect reflects Elvis ’ personal style and the charm and character of Graceland .”
In 2017 Graceland will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Elvis ’ passing and honor his career with a new entertainment venue , according to Perry .
“ Get ready for the most significant enhancement and expansion of
Elvis Presley ’ s Graceland since the King of Rock ’ n ’ Roll ’ s Memphis mansion opened to the public ,” she says . “ Across the street from the mansion , guests will enjoy engaging exhibits and attractions at our allnew entertainment complex , a 200,000-square-foot , state-of-the-art facility .”
Groups can take a new tour , too . The Elvis Experience Tour + Airplanes combines the Graceland mansion audio-guided tour with a new film and full access to the entertainment complex , Elvis ’ two custom airplanes , the expanded car museum and other exhibits . Allow three to four hours for the tour , and there are options for group meals in the new restaurants .
For more details , contact Graceland ’ s Shirley Davis Conner at sdconner @ graceland . com or visit graceland . com .
TOWN PUMP HOTEL GROUP
Sleep Inn and Suites Idaho Falls
TOWN PUMP HAS YOU COVERED OUT WEST
Town Pump Hotel Group operates 11 hotels and an RV park in Montana , with an additional hotel in Idaho Falls , Idaho . Paula Ruark , the company ’ s director of sales and marketing , says her organization offers an exceptional level of hospitality to its tour groups .
“ In all our locations , tour guests will be greeted by a member of our management team . We will literally roll out red carpet , step on the bus and greet the group ,” Ruark says . “ We will follow up with a complimentary welcome reception and make sure all guests are comfortable and happy for their stay .” The company ’ s properties provide groups amenities such as fresh cookies , lemonade and ice cream , depending on the location and season .
The Sleep Inn and Suites Idaho Falls , located off Interstate 15 , is one of Town Pump ’ s most popular properties for groups . “ This location is only three hours from Yellowstone National Park , and there are also many things to see and do nearby , such as Yellowstone Bear World , Idaho Falls Zoo and so much more ,” says Ruark .
“ Another popular location is the Shelby , Montana , Comfort Inn , which is only 80 miles from the east entrance to Glacier National Park … and 30 miles from the Canadian border ,” she says . “ This hotel recently went through a complete renovation that included the addition of 58 all-suite guest rooms , a breakfast room and lobby , and an indoor pool and a hot tub , as well as an exterior facelift .”
“ We truly love working with tour group operators and taking care of the group booking from beginning to end as seamlessly as possible ,” Ruark says . For more information , email Ruark at paular @ townpump . com or visit townpumphotels . com . ntaonline . com
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