Described as the “greatest player in the world” by the Brazil legend Pele and hailed as the “fifth Beatle”, George Best not only had skills on the football pitch but bags of style off it.
The latest memorial to the legendary Belfast Boy comes in the shape of a hotel. The George Best Hotel, which is on the site of the former Scottish Mutual building in Belfast, will open in 2018 and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Best leading Manchester United to victory over Benfica in the European Cup final and the 50th anniversary of Best being named as European Footballer of the Year.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The concept was devised by IMG and the company that’s behind The Shankly Hotel in Liverpool, Signature Living, is developing the hotel, which will be home to a collection of memorabilia from Best’s football career. Items on show will include replica European Cups and his silver Northern Ireland cap.
Best’s sister Barbara McNarry, who owns the George Best Company, said: “We are delighted that George’s life and career are being honoured in such a stunning building and look forward to seeing it evolve into the George Best hotel.
“The recognition of Georgie in the city centre has a very important meaning to us and fills us with enormous pride.”
The George Best Hotel is not the only football-themed place to stay in Britain, or even the world. Here are five others:
5 of the best football-themed hotels
Regarded by many as one of football’s greatest ever managers, Bill Shankly is a Liverpool legend. The Scot also coined some of football's most memorable quotes, including this classic: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” Located in Liverpool’s city centre, The Shankly Hotel has 103 snazzy rooms, a bar and restaurant, and a memorabilia museum.
With an address of 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, it’s no surprise that former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt are the owners of Hotel Football. Located next door to United’s Old Trafford stadium, the Manchester hotel has 133 rooms, a football-themed cafe and even a rooftop football pitch.
Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 brand, this stylish hotel in Madeira, Portugal, is partly owned by the Real Madrid superstar. It has 48 rooms and is only 20 minutes from Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo Airport. The hotel is decorated with Ronaldo memorabilia. The Portuguese icon’s presence can be felt in the rooms and bathrooms, as well as the lounge and sports bar. The CR7 museum, which is dedicated to Ronaldo, is just below the hotel.
As a homage to Boca Juniors, Diego Maradona’s former team in Buenos Aires, this hotel in the Argentine capital has a blue and yellow theme throughout. You will also find Boca match photography, memorabilia, paintings and a TV channel dedicated to the Argentine club.
This deluxe property is the only football-themed hotel in Thailand. A two-minute walk from the Thunder Castle Football Stadium, the hotel boasts outdoor pools, restaurants and some rooms are styled to look like traditional football changing rooms.
-
Gripping political thrillers to stream nowThe Week Recommends From power struggles to deadly conspiracies, these addictive shows are nail-bitingly tense
-
What to know before turning to AI for financial advicethe explainer It can help you crunch the numbers — but it might also pocket your data
-
Book reviews: 'The Headache: The Science of a Most Confounding Affliction—and a Search for Relief' and 'Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run'Feature The search for a headache cure and revisiting Springsteen's 'Born to Run' album on its 50th anniversary
-
Japan meets Italy at The Bulgari Hotel in TokyoThe Week Recommends Experience the peak of hospitality in an exclusive high-rise hotel in the heart of Tokyo
-
Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa: a tranquil haven in SardiniaThe Week Recommends This family-friendly resort is steps from the sea and boasts a well-equipped kids' club
-
Fowlescombe Farm: a luxurious retreat rooted in natureThe Week Recommends This historic working farm in south Devon is the perfect place to get back to basics
-
Bellagio: glitz and glamour on the Las Vegas StripThe Week Recommends Find la dolce vita in the Nevada desert at this luxurious hotel
-
Hotel La Duna Bianca: all-inclusive indulgence in northern SardiniaThe Week Recommends Set among the sand dunes of Badesi, this sprawling retreat is less a resort and more a self-contained luxury village
-
Pine Trees Hotel: a tranquil hideaway in PerthshireThe Week Recommends This boutique bolthole is set amid spectacular scenery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands
-
Hotel Giardino Ascona: a glorious garden retreat on Lake MaggioreThe Week Recommends Skip over the border from Lake Como for a boutique stay on the shores of Switzerland's less-crowded alternative
-
The Chelsea Townhouse: London luxury feels right at homeThe Week Recommends This boutique hotel strikes the right note between sophisticated and cosy
