Lil’ Graceland: An Elvis-Inspired Retreat Just Minutes from the Real Deal
Stay just steps from Graceland at Lil' Graceland, Memphis’s only Elvis-themed 1950s Airbnb. With retro decor, seasonal touches, a Peacock Room, and a private recording studio, you can live like The King for a weekend. Image: Spike and the Camera
If you’ve toured Graceland, you know the highlights: the private planes, the music-note gates, the legendary Jungle Room. And if you loved it, you’ll love Lil’ Graceland, located just down the road. It’s an Elvis-themed Airbnb that lets you immerse yourself in the decor and vibe of Elvis Presley’s home … and you can rent it for a throwback weekend or your own party that’s themed around The King. Take a look around!
Lil’ Graceland’s Owner, Celine Lee Watson, describes it as “a retro Elvis retreat in Memphis.” This space, with its three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths, has enough room to house seven overnight guests, and it’s less than a mile from Graceland!
“I’m an avid antique lover who grew up treasure-hunting at garage sales and flea markets with my grandparents in Hialeah, FL,” says Celine. “Those early hunts sparked a lifelong love of finding forgotten treasures and weaving nostalgia into everyday life.”
That appreciation for history and storytelling through objects stayed with her. When she and her husband (who shares her passion for vintage finds) found a spot not far from Elvis Presley Boulevard, they were inspired to do something different.
“We bought a small house in 2017 near Graceland with a clear dream,” she explains. “[To] design an experience that captures the magic and warmth of mid-century nostalgia, with a distinctly Elvis vibe.”
But Celine noticed something was missing in the neighborhood where they’d purchased.
“We noticed there weren’t any Elvis-themed Airbnbs near Graceland, and we wanted to create a space where guests could step back in time while feeling totally comfortable and at home,” Celine says.
These days, Lil’ Graceland is the only Elvis-themed 1950s-style Airbnb near the historic home. Guests travel from all over the world to visit the Memphis landmark, and now they can enjoy a more immersive stay, whether they’re lifelong Elvis fans or vintage design lovers.
The Airbnb strikes a delicate balance between kitschy fun and thoughtful curation, with its retro furnishings, carefully sourced decor, and subtle nods to The King.
And one of the details that makes Lil’ Graceland feel especially welcoming is its seasonal decor.
“We affectionately decorate seasonally — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, spring, summer, and every holiday,” Celine says. “Each visit feels cozy, nostalgic, and welcoming … like grandma’s house but with a rock ’n’ roll, mid-century twist.”
One of the standout spaces inside Lil’ Graceland is the Peacock Room, a cozy retreat inspired by the iconic peacock-stained-glass displays in Elvis’s living room.
“The Peacock room features a rotating collection of vintage vinyl and a record player, inviting guests to unplug and immerse themselves in a bygone era,” Celine says.
And then there’s the basement. Tucked beneath the main living space is a small, private recording setup called Wat-Sun Studio. It’s a nod to Sun Studio (also known as the birthplace of rock’n roll), where Elvis recorded some early tracks in his career.
“It’s an analog recording space created from a blend of our family name (Watson) and Sun Studio’s legendary vibe,” she explains.
While Wat-Sun Studio is currently a private setup, Celine and her husband plan to open it up to musicians for recording sessions in the near future. And here’s a fun detail: the couple actually owns the RCA soundboard from Sun Studio!
Lil’ Graceland isn’t limited to overnight guests. The space is also available for photo shoots, music and video productions, private events and gatherings, and eventually, recording sessions through Wat-Sun Studio.
Celine and her husband are also open to collaborations and creative projects, making the home a unique backdrop for brands, artists, and creatives looking for that authentic vintage charm. It’s also the perfect space for a staycation, weekend getaway, unforgettable event, or immersive experience with some of that Southern hospitality and charm.
And keep an eye out for another add-on to the space. “Our next big project includes fully furnishing a pair of our vintage Airstreams for ‘glamping’ in the backyard, complete with electricity, water, and a touch of lawn oasis,” Celine tells us. “Think Astroturf, lounge chairs, a BBQ grill, a hammock, and eventually a pool.”
Long Live The King … and Lil’ Graceland!
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Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.