Sportshotels rides high on the post-pandemic wave of sports travel

Recently-launched sports accommodation specialist Sportshotels.com is building remarkable momentum as its unique offering is acclaimed by sporting organisations and the leisure industry alike. The platform, backed by hotel industry experts, focuses exclusively on sports organising bodies, clubs and fans, and sources comfortable accommodation tailored to meet their specific requirements.

Since launch, it has now built a portfolio of more than 400 hotels, and is establishing partnerships with more every day. Many properties boast facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, in-house physios and private dining – all of value to travelling sports parties.

The site also creates space for hotels without such facilities to engage with the burgeoning sports market by offering services such as flexible cancellation, proximity to local venues and relationships with local sporting activities.

Sportshotels.com recently unveiled The Sports Desk, a bespoke, free service that allows clubs or individuals to utilise its network of hotel partners. By providing their specific requirements to The Sports Desk team, customers will be offered exactly the right accommodation. A full service from negotiating rates to managing specific team requirements is also provided, allowing customers to focus on what really matters, performance.

Stephen Carlin, chief executive of Sportshotels.com, said: “Sports travel has really taken off again since the end of the pandemic, and we are riding that wave with a rate of growth which has exceeded all expectations.

“There is clearly a huge appetite for a sports accommodation platform that, on the one hand, helps hotels maximise sport-related bookings and, on the other, will deal with all the minutiae of sports groups’ arrangements, smooth the path for the participants and allow them to concentrate on their performance.

“We are delighted the concept has been so well received and we will redouble our efforts to continue our growth trajectory, further expand the number of hotels and extend our offer to sports groups who, it is abundantly clear, are already liking what they see.”

Sportshotels.com is already partnering with major international hotel chains such as IHG, which has 18 brands and 6,000 venues, the Hilton Group, Accor and Leonardo Hotels. It has recently allied with prestigious UK venues such as Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire and Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa in Kent.

Steve Brazil, General Manager of Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa, said: “The hotel is particularly attractive due to its location and facilities including, ample space for team coaches to park, multiple function rooms and a mixture of bedroom types. We work with Sportshotels.com because they know our hotel extremely well and through a clear and detailed booking procedure help us understand and communicate the needs of the sports team, to ensure that we deliver exceptional service and exactly what is required for the individual teams.”

Sportshotels.com also offers a range of packages, such as a tour of Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, as well as special offers, promotions and hotel discounts, as well as offering a platform for supporters to follow their own team on the road to sporting glory.