The recent European Championship was a feast for football fans, especially for those based in the London area with the capital’s Wembley Stadium hosting eight games including both semi-finals and the final. The tournament, and England’s progress to the final, captured the public’s attention, even among those who are not usually avid followers of football.
With the next Premier League season fast approaching, could we start to see a new legion of fans adorning the stadiums to get involved in the action? With the promise of luxurious hotels to stay in and lavish hospitality experiences at the game thrown in there too, it would certainly be tempting for many to find a newfound love of football and the capital city certainly offers a great blend of clubs to get mixed up with.
A wealth of sporting heritage
London has no shortage of football teams competing in the Premier League with six teams represented in the new campaign, including rank outsiders Brentford, who return to the top level of English football after a 47-year absence.
The other five: Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are more familiar faces amongst the elite with the Blues one of the favourites to win with 9/2 sports betting odds for the upcoming 2021/22 season. Fulham are also regulars in the top-flight but dropped out last year, however, they’ll be amongst the favourites at 13/10 odds to gain promotion under new manager Marco Silva.
With so many teams in the capital, a city break to watch a game is a great option for anyone with an interest in sports. But what are the most luxurious hotels in London for those looking to go to a game? Here are just a few of our choice picks.
Chelsea and Fulham
Those wanting to catch a game at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium or second-tier Fulham’s Craven Cottage are well-catered for. The grounds are both located in an area known for its wealthy residents and high-end services, so there’s no shortage of highly rated hotels and restaurants in the vicinity. But for the ultimate convenience, the Chelsea stadium has its own hotel on site. The Millennium and Copthorne Hotel at Chelsea Football Club is a four-star contemporary establishment featuring marble bathrooms and luxury fittings throughout. There’s a choice of two restaurants, one with a sports theme and the other a chic lounge offering food and cocktails.
If you want even more luxury, you can get the full celebrity experience at the world-renowned five-star Chelsea Harbour Hotel, which is just a 15-minute walk or five-minute cab ride away from Stamford Bridge and two miles from Craven Cottage. There, you can get a Thames or city skyline view and make use of the health club, fully equipped gym, 17-metre swimming pool, and walk-in sauna and steam room. There’s also a riverside brasserie offering contemporary cuisine.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is close enough to the city centre to warrant a stay at The Langham. This five-star establishment is located at the top of Regent Street just 3.5 miles from the home of the Gunners. It first opened in 1865 and is one of Europe’s grandest hotels. It features an award-winning bar and a restaurant led by Michel Roux Jr, which is due to open in the autumn. With a health spa, swimming pool and gym on-site, there’s nothing could be left wanting when you book a room here.
West Ham
West Ham’s revamped stadium was also the venue for the 2012 Olympics and is well worth a visit with its parkland location. The purpose-built Stratford Hotel offers Scandinavian-style luxury standards at a reasonable price and is less than a mile from the stadium. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and terrace on the seventh floor with stunning views of the city. Most rooms come with queen-sized beds, the finest Egyptian cotton and luxury blankets and throws. If that’s not enough, the walk-in rain forest showers and organic skincare products by REN should tempt you.
These are just a few examples of luxury accommodation that should satisfy even the most discerning footy fans looking for a touch of luxury on their weekend away in London.
Tottenham
With easy transport links to White Hart Lane, there are plenty of five-star hotels in and around London that you could blend with a trip to see Spurs in action as well as soaking up some of the culture in the capital. We particularly like St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, the five-star retreat offering plenty of history, design, elegance and amenities with its walls. Luxurious suites include expanded living rooms as well as exclusive amenities at the hotel’s Chambers Club. After your big match, retire in the hotel’s spa complete with swimming pool or tuck into some tasty fare at The Hansom.
Brentford
Brentford FC ground is situated in leafy West London near to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and close to the River Thames, while being a short distance to the bustle of the city. Nearby, you will find the four-star Hilton London Syon Park hotel, which offers a spa with pool, fitness centre, on-site restaurant, room service and stylish rooms and suites in which to relax in after a day at the footy.
