George Best Hotel to open in Belfast next year

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.

Best, who died in 2005, remains a hero to millions. The former Manchester United star lives on in everything from T-shirts to postage stamps. Belfast City Airport is even named in honour of him.

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.

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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

The Shankly Hotel, Liverpool

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.

Hotel Football

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.

Pestana CR7 Funchal

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.

Hotel Boca

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.

Amari Buriram United

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.