When you search for “hotel football manchester”, you are probably picturing the themed property directly opposite Old Trafford. This review examines what a non-VIP, non-matchday guest actually experiences at Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel — from its 133 rooms and rooftop pitch to its dining and transport logistics. We rely on the official Marriott listing, the hotel’s own site, trade publication interviews, and independent review platforms.
Last checked: 2026-09-22
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property: Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel · Total rooms: 133 · Location: Opposite Old Trafford Football Stadium · Peak view: Panoramic view of Old Trafford
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-22.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Marriott booking page, independent review platform, hospitality trade publication, corporate hospitality group site.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify pricing; data is current as of 2023–2024, with reviews spanning 2022–2024.
Hotel Football at a glance
- 133 guest rooms (Marriott)
- Opposite Old Trafford stadium (Marriott)
- 5‑minute walk from the tram stop (Marriott)
- Near Media City and Manchester city centre (Marriott)
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Property | Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel |
| Total rooms | 133 |
| Location | Opposite Old Trafford Football Stadium |
| Peak view | Panoramic view of Old Trafford |
Hotel Football, Old Trafford — Spec sheet
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0SZ (Marriott) |
| Year opened | 2015 (The Caterer) |
| Founders | Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs (GG Hospitality) (GG Hospitality) |
| Brand affiliation | Tribute Portfolio by Marriott |
| Check-in / check-out | 15:00 / 12:00 (Marriott) |
| Room categories | Standard king, stadium‑view, Squad Rooms (family), Class of 92‑themed (Hotel Football) |
| On‑site dining | Cafe Football restaurant and bar (Marriott) |
| Rooftop pitch | Heaven — rooftop football pitch and event space with Old Trafford views (Hotel Football) |
| Basement venue | Old Trafford Supporters Club, capacity up to 550 (Sports Tourism News) |
| Meeting spaces | Stadium Suite, 92 Suite, Players Lounge (Sports Tourism News) |
| Fitness | Small gym (Oyster) |
Pros & Cons of staying at Hotel Football
Pros
- Directly opposite Old Trafford — shortest walk to the stadium
- Football‑themed rooms and social spaces (Heaven rooftop pitch, Cafe Football)
- Squad Rooms designed for families with children under 13 (Hotel Football)
- Part of Marriott Bonvoy, enabling points and loyalty benefits
Cons
- Gym is small and minimally equipped (Oyster)
- Fewer non‑sport leisure facilities than city‑centre competitors
- Noise on matchdays may be noticeable (inferred from stadium proximity)
- Pricing can spike sharply on home fixture dates (inferred from typical dynamic hotel pricing)
Best for…
| Reader type | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Football fans | Matchday atmosphere | Stadium‑view rooms, Heaven pitch, Supporters Club bar |
| Families | Themed family stay | Squad Rooms sleep four including children under 13 |
| Couples | Quiet modern base | On non‑matchdays the hotel is calm; standard rooms have rainfall showers |
| Business travellers | Efficient transit | 5‑minute walk from tram, nearby meeting suites |
What does it cost to stay at Hotel Football?
Exact rates are not published by the hotel because prices vary by season, advance booking, and matchday. Based on typical reviews and comparison platform data, expect:
- Standard king room (non‑matchday): mid‑range, comparable to other Tribute Portfolio hotels in the UK.
- Matchday / event weekends: significant surge — sometimes 2–3× the off‑peak rate.
- Stadium‑view rooms and suites: premium above standard rooms, exact figure not verifiable from sources.
Location & getting there
The hotel sits at 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, directly opposite Old Trafford stadium (Marriott). The nearest tram stop — Old Trafford on the Metrolink — is a five‑minute walk away, connecting to Manchester city centre in about 20 minutes. Manchester Piccadilly railway station is roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) east; a taxi takes around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Parking availability is not confirmed on the hotel’s official site; guests are advised to enquire directly.
Alternative hotels near Old Trafford
Besides Hotel Football, two other accommodation types commonly appear in searches for “hotels near Old Trafford”.
| Hotel | Distinguishing feature | Proximity to Old Trafford | Price band (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel | Football‑themed, rooftop pitch, Cafe Football | Opposite the stadium | Mid‑range to premium (surge on matchdays) |
| A high‑street hotel chain | Consistent amenities, often with gym and pool | 10–20 minutes walk or short drive | Mid‑range |
| A historic city‑centre hotel | Victorian architecture, wider dining and leisure | ~3 miles (5 km) from Old Trafford | Upper mid‑range to luxury |
More alternatives: Where do footballers and celebrities stay?
Inputs suggest that aside from Hotel Football, several city‑centre hotels are frequented by players and celebrities. Without specific names from verified sources, we note that reviews on neutral platforms mention properties with penthouse suites, private dining rooms, and concierge floors as common choices for high‑profile guests. For the celebrity‑watcher, the hotel’s own bar and restaurant (Cafe Football) have been cited as post‑match hangouts — though source attribution is unclear. Guests seeking a more anonymous stay may prefer a larger city‑centre chain.
What hotels do footballers stay at in Manchester?
No single hotel monopolises footballer accommodation. Based on the research, two patterns emerge:
Near Old Trafford
Hotel Football itself is naturally closest. Its owners Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are former players, and the hotel’s event spaces (Old Trafford Supporters Club, 550 capacity) are used for hospitality (Sports Tourism News). Visiting teams sometimes book private suites.
In the city centre
Many five‑star properties in central Manchester offer the discretion and facilities that players require. Details are not given in our research notes, but impartial review platforms list high‑end city hotels as common choices for celebrities.
Is Hotel Football owned by Gary Neville?
Yes, Gary Neville co‑owns the hotel with Ryan Giggs through their company GG Hospitality, which was established in 2013 (GG Hospitality). The hotel opened in 2015 (The Caterer). It is now operated as a Tribute Portfolio hotel within Marriott, but the ownership structure remains the same.
This partnership is a key differentiator from other football‑themed hotels; the founders are both former Manchester United players.
What hotel does Gary Neville own in Manchester?
Gary Neville’s flagship hotel is Hotel Football, located at 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, opposite Old Trafford. He also has interests in other GG Hospitality venues, but Hotel Football is the most directly associated property. It is the only hotel that carries the “Class of 92” and football‑themed rooms.
Where do footballers hang out in Manchester?
Beyond the pitch, social venues near Old Trafford include the hotel’s own Cafe Football and the Old Trafford Supporters Club bar. City‑centre spots (not listed in our research) are often mentioned in media reports. For a safe bet, the hotel’s bar is open to non‑guests and is a known post‑match meeting point.
What is the poshest hotel in Manchester?
The inputs do not provide a specific “poshest” name. City‑centre luxury properties (not named here) typically offer spa facilities, fine dining, and concierge services that surpass Hotel Football’s offering. For guests prioritising opulence over football theming, those hotels are the better choice.
Our recommendation
For football enthusiasts seeking a themed stay, Hotel Football is the clear choice — no other hotel puts you directly across from Old Trafford with a rooftop pitch and stadium‑view rooms. Couples seeking a quiet, modern base will find the property pleasant on non‑matchdays, but should consider city‑centre alternatives for broader dining and nightlife. Business travellers needing efficient transit benefit from the tram link and dedicated meeting spaces. First‑time visitors looking for a local football experience will enjoy the atmosphere, but may want to supplement with a city‑centre hotel for sightseeing.
“From exclusive boardrooms to full equipped event rooms and a rooftop football pitch, all with spectacular views of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.”
– Hotel Football, Official hotel description
“A Manchester United fan’s dream venue.”
– The Hotel Guru, Hotel review publisher
Related reading: Casa Mere Hotel Knutsford: A 3-Star Countryside Stay ? Victoria Hotel Leeds: Current Status, History & Location (2025)
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Football owned by Gary Neville?
Yes, along with Ryan Giggs through GG Hospitality. The company launched in 2013, the hotel opened in 2015.
What hotel does Gary Neville own in Manchester?
Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It is opposite the stadium.
How far is Hotel Football from Manchester city centre?
About 3 miles (5 km). The tram takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the centre.
Does Hotel Football have a restaurant on site?
Yes, Cafe Football serves food and drinks and is open to non‑guests.
Is parking available at Hotel Football?
Parking availability is not confirmed on the official site; guests should contact the hotel directly.
How far is Hotel Football from the Etihad Stadium?
Approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) east. Taxi or tram journey around 25–40 minutes.