There are a wide variety of hotels and chains in the U.S., but not all of them are built with sports in mind. To make planning easier, SportsEvents has rounded up a small list of hotels that are perfect for traveling groups.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Orlando, Fla.
This popular hotel sits nestled in the All-Star village in Disney World alongside music-, movies-, and animation-themed hotels. Aside from being sports-themed, the hotel sees many sporting groups each year due to its pristine location, affordable prices, and free transportation to and from venues on Disney property.
Sonesta Hotels, Multiple Locations
While a lesser-known hotel chain, Sonesta is popular among the sports tourism crowd for implementing special and select offers for teams across the U.S. Sonesta hotels are near sporting venues, world-class food and dining options, and shopping centers. Sonesta also specializes in small meetings complete with room bookings, catering, materials, and more perfect for getting the last details finished before the big game.
The Omni Hotel at the Battery, Atlanta, Ga.
While the Omni Hotel has several locations nationwide attached or within walking distance from convention centers, the Omni Hotel in Atlanta is more sports focused. Just half a mile from the new Atlanta Braves stadium, Truist Park, the hotel is perfect for those wanting to stay a few extra days and beat the traffic right before and after the game. The hotel is also nearby the Battery Atlanta shopping and dining complex and a mile from the interstate.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Several Locations Across the U.S.
While the Country Inn and Suites are a smaller hotel chain across the U.S., they are top-notch when it comes to creating a great atmosphere for a sporting crowd. Radisson’s Sports Approved Program supports athletes of all ages with all the services, facilities, and little extras to make their stay as easy as possible. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson also offers complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and rooms available to rent for team dinners, introduction meetings, and more.
Omni Frisco Hotel, Dallas, Tex.
Much like the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, the Omni Frisco Hotel is a semi-luxury sports-themed residence perfect for traveling groups. Looking directly into the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, The Star, the 91-acre campus features an entertainment district with restaurants, shopping, boutiques, and more. Also included on the campus is the Ford Center, a 510,000 square-foot indoor athletic facility that hosts a variety of youth, amateur, and professional events complete with one indoor and two outdoor practice fields.
WestGate Luxury Condominiums, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
While these Crimson Tide-themed condos are new, that does not mean that WestGate Luxury Condominiums are anything less than near-perfection. Located on the west-end side of Bryant-Denny Stadium, hence the name, the condos boast views of the gameday crowds on Saturdays and the beautiful, landscaped grounds year-round. The rooftop of the building is also equipped with a lounge area, catering services, lockers, and several outdoor TVs creating a luxury gameday atmosphere. When the rooftop is not being used for gamedays in the fall, it is available for banquets, small gatherings, and even a draft party or two for student athletes going professional.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Chicago, Ill.
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel run by the international Hyatt hotelier groups is a luxury hotel built in 1893. The historic building contains pre-and-post Great Chicago Fire artifacts, fitting for a hotel located within walking distance from Millennium Park. Locals and tourists often gather in the square—home of the world-famous silvery Chicago bean—to have a picnic, cool off in the fountain, watch a free concert or movie, and meet up to start races for several marathons.
Marriott Hotels, Several Locations Across the U.S.
Even though Marriott hotels are in several locations across the U.S., the accessibility and affordability of the buildings combined with the sports-minded booking options make Marriott a chain perfect for sports travel. Marriott is so sports-focused that when booking, you have the option to create a sports-related group blocking if you are the organizer or book a room in a sports-related blocking if you are even going to the event.
Hilton Knoxville Airport Conference Center, Knoxville, Tenn.
Located in Blount County, Tenn., the Hilton Knoxville Airport Conference Center is a planner’s dream. The airport is attached to a large conference center with several hotels nearby. The local hotels offer breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and are within walking distance of a variety of regional cuisines. According to the Hilton Knoxville Airport’s website, it features 17 meeting rooms, an executive boardroom, and multiple ballrooms that can be transformed to accommodate any size group.
Drury Inn & Suites, Several Locations Across the U.S.
While the Drury is a newer hotel chain breaking into the market within the last 40 years, they are often voted a top middle-of-the-road hotel by travelers nationwide. Drury hotels offer several group add-ons including motor coach parking, free amenities, and onsite help. After all, the chain specializes in group travel and works with tour operators throughout the country to be a one stop solution for all group needs.
