Around the world, hundreds of thousands of avid sports fans regularly hit the road to follow their favorite team.
Depending on the sport and region, you might know them as superfans, ultras, fanatics—the list goes on.
They pile onto busses before filing into hotels, prepared to shmooze with fellow fanatics before cheering on their team. Across the world, you’ll find these superfans wherever you find professional sports.
Traditionally, they’ve stuck to chain hotels located nearby stadiums. But there’s a new trend on the horizon in the world of sports travel: stadium-hotels.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar introduced the world to this novel idea.
Prior to kick-off, the country launched a massive advertising campaign. One of its more unique offerings was the chance to stay inside Al Bayt Stadium… in a four-star hotel with rooms overlooking the field.
Though the prices were too exorbitant for the average football fan, many liked the idea. Fans could theoretically roll out of bed and start watching live football—all while still dressed in their robes and brushing their teeth.
But Qatar’s Al-Bayt Stadium wasn’t actually the first hotel-stadium to sell out its rooms.
Want to learn more about the wild world of hotels with stadium views? There are three examples you should know about. Though they’re all located in Europe, the idea could soon take off in American stadiums and arenas.
Allianz Arena & Marriott Courtyard
Home of Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
Munich, Germany
By far the most well-known hotel-stadium partnership comes from Bayern Munich’s partnership with Marriott.
The partnership was originally announced in 2018, sparking plenty of conversation in the world of sports-based tourism.
In case you don’t know, Bayern Munich is the best team in Germany’s domestic soccer league, called the Bundesliga. (By a long shot—they don’t have draft systems and salary caps to mitigate parity like we do in North America.)
Given their dominance, Bayern is one of the wealthiest soccer teams in the world. If you get the hankering to catch the team live (I’d highly suggest trying to nab tickets while in Munich), then consider booking a stay at the Marriott.
It’s pricier than Marriott’s other locations, but you won’t forget your stay anytime soon.
Holiday Inn & Carrow Road
Home of Norwich City Football Club (EFL Championship)
Norwich, UK
Norwich City (which competes in England’s third-tier of domestic soccer) has its own modern hotel attached to Carrow Road. Don’t let the name throw you – Carrow Road is the name of the stadium.
And it’s quite a bit larger than the Marriott project in Allianz Arena with a total of 150 rooms.
Not all views from the hotel are great, so make sure that you book one with a view if you end up watching soccer in Norwich. But you won’t feel out of the loop, regardless.
The Holiday Inn includes a themed lounge that’s geared toward fan meetups, both formal and informal.
Bolton Stadium Hotel & Toughsheet Community Stadium
Home of Bolton Wanderers (EFL League One)
Bolton, UK
Bolton is located a stone’s throw from Manchester, which makes this stadium slightly more accessible than Carrow Road’s.
The Bolton Stadium is different than the other two locations on this list for another reason, too. You might be able to tell by the name; this hotel was funded and designed by fans, not a major chain.
Despite having no official hotel affiliation, the grounds closely resemble a classic hotel stay. The rooms are tidy and well-appointed, while the restaurant and bar are pretty swanky.
The windows, in particular, are wide and perfect for spying on some live games.