HOTEL FOOTBALL 99 SIR MATT BUSBY WAY M16 0SZ

Some footballers complain that they have too much time on their hands during a normal training day or when they are given time off to rest. Some clubs help young footballers get into the correct habits, teaching youngsters how to make the most of their spare time, to look after their money and most importantly to put something back. Manchester United FC definitely gets things right. Certainly, the Class of 1992 have not squandered their twenty years on money making. Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are both highly regarded and are filling their “retirement” with positive activities. One such venture has been designing a “Hotel Football” overlooking The Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford and racking up £24 million worth of investment. Giggs and Neville have hatched this scheme, having already opened, in 2013, “Cafe Football” in the Stratford Westfield next to the Olympic Park. Neville brother, Phil, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt are also investors. Obviously they have hired in help but a lot of the touches come from the lads, including tastefully placing memorabilia. The rooms at around £108-120 with breakfast, have views of the famous pitch, the pillows in the bedrooms are embroidered with motivational team talk messages (encouraging Dream of Victory-on the pitch or in bedroom?), Salford University students add art and the mini-bar has free soft drinks. On match days prices are much higher, doubling at least.
There is a “Cafe Football” downstairs with TVs showing footy, which on match days can house 800 supporters who pay £1 a head to get in and this goes to charity. If you want to drink Carlsberg then its £3.50 a pint. and food is respectably well priced.
On floor 9 is “Heaven”, an astro pitch with a retractable ceiling and fantastic views all round, including over Salford's Media City. Hire prices start at £20. The hotel has free parking, is close to the Metro and the waiters and waitresss wear football kit! Must be worth a visit with the National Football Museum within a tram ride in the city centre.
Visit hotelfootball.com