Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

This year would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, but since the King of Rock ’n’ Roll passed at just 42, the pelvis that belonged to Elvis is only a fond memory. But in his short tenure, he is still the biggest-selling solo artist of all time. And besides Graceland, no other place in the world is synonymous with Elvis more than Las Vegas. It was his 1969 concert series that helped open The International hotel (that is now the Westgate Las Vegas) and established Elvis’ reign over the city—with 636 consecutive sold-out shows over a span of seven years. In honor of his 90th birthday, the property recently launched its “Year of Elvis” celebration, and that includes the unveiling of the Imperial Sky Villa that has been decorated with Elvis images and storytelling plaques throughout. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom, 13,200 square-foot suite sits on the top floor of the hotel and was once called the “Elvis Presley Suite” because it’s where the superstar lived during his historic run of shows. Not only will guests get to explore the new design touches dedicated to Elvis, but they can walk in his footsteps.

Walking through the double doors to the suite, guests are first greeted with a beautiful, huge living space. Fun fact: The suite has since been reconfigured since Elvis slept there, but the living space is where his bedroom once was, so guests get to literally stand where he once slept. (What is now the giant fireplace was where his bed used to sit.) Another cool feature in the living space is a plaque of the original blueprints of the top floor of the hotel, including Elvis’ suite. You can see where the bedrooms were, the kitchen and dining room, terrace and where his bandmates slept. There was even a lounge on the top floor called the Skyroom, where Elvis and friends would spend time partying and performing. This space is also where you’ll spot the first photograph of Elvis—from July 28, 1969, a backstage shot of him prior to his first show at The International.

Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

For a movie night, settle into the media room. For a dip, there’s a private pool with deck for sunbathing, lounging and eating. Each room has a gas-lit fireplace and hand-painted murals on the walls. Multiple floor-to-ceiling windows allow for unbeatable views of the city and beyond.

Check out the series of three photographs of Elvis at a press conference after his first performance at The International. It includes a transcript of questions from reporters, and his responses. Questions like, “How long do you rehearse for these shows?” “How do you choose the songs for the show?” “Why have you led such a secluded life all these years?” “Is it true you dye your hair?” and the question, “Elvis is there any other individual you’d rather be?” and his answer, “Are you kidding me???”

Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

Spa-inspired bathrooms in the two master suites are huge and unbelievable in their design with marble-walled showers, double vanities, walk-in closets, step-down Jacuzzi tubs, his and her water closets, fireplaces and luxurious toiletries. 

More Elvis photos and factoids to enjoy include: Elvis at his Aloha From Hawaii concert special where he performed at the Honolulu International Center Arena—the show was beamed live through satellite across the globe on Jan. 14, 1973; Elvis performing onstage at the International Hotel with fun facts about his run of shows; Elvis smiling during one of his press conferences after one of his shows at The International. When asked how he felt performing live again he responded, “This has been one of the most exciting nights of my life”; and a black-and-white photo of Elvis blowing fans a kiss.

Westgate Las Vegas, 702.732.5111. westgateresorts.com

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