LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

There’s Elvis, and then there’s Las Vegas, two icons forever entwined. One is the King of Rock ’n’ Roll; the other, the entertainment capital of the world. With the release of the new EPiC film on 27 February, the King’s spirit is inescapable, and Las Vegas is ready to welcome music lovers, history buffs, and dreamers into its neon-soaked embrace.

Where the King Reigned

Elvis Presley’s story in Las Vegas is less a chapter and more a glittering saga. This year marks 70 years since his first Vegas performance and 50 years since his last, making a perfect excuse to retrace his footsteps. Start at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where he held a record-breaking seven-year residency from 1969 to 1976. The resort, a temple of his Vegas era, now hosts a complimentary Elvis exhibit: army watches, boots from his final International Theatre performance, and other carefully curated memorabilia offer an intimate peek behind the curtain. And for a truly royal experience, the Sky Villa, the King’s former top-floor suite, remains a preserved homage to his time living and performing here, every corner whispering his legendary presence.

Dining Fit for a King

Post-show indulgence was never optional in Elvis’ Vegas life. At Golden Steer Steakhouse, one of his favourite haunts, diners can savour succulent steaks and sample menu items inspired by the King’s infamous off-menu requests—think filet-trimming meatballs echoing his beloved filet-trimming burger. Pull up a chair in his signature booth, adorned with memorabilia from his estate, and feel the pulse of history beneath the soft glow of vintage lighting. April 2025 would have marked Elvis’ 90th birthday – a milestone still celebrated with reverence here.

A Love Letter to Las Vegas

For those hoping to channel Elvis’ romance in true Vegas style, the Graceland Wedding Chapel offers a kitschy, unforgettable spin on matrimonial tradition. Couples can marry with tribute officiants and pose for photos, echoing the King’s iconic looks. For a dash of cinematic nostalgia, the Little Church of the West – immortalised in Viva Las Vegas—offers timeless charm and a wink to the King’s silver-screen magic.

The Legacy Lives On

Las Vegas is never complete without its shows, and no performer embodies the city like Elvis. Though he may no longer walk the Strip, his spirit dazzles nightly. At the original International Theatre stage, The King Comes Home tribute series brings his legendary career to life – from early hits to film themes, performed by Las Vegas and Broadway stars who keep his music, charisma, and flamboyance alive. The neon lights, the applause, the energy, it’s all still very much Elvis’ city.

Las Vegas, for a weekend, an evening, or a lifetime, remains a pilgrimage for fans of the King. And in 2026, more than ever, the King’s legacy is waiting to be rediscovered.