As a lifelong football enthusiast, Reach’s Josh Holland has always dreamt of donning the Leicester City jersey and representing England. However, as you can tell, things didn’t quite pan out that way.
The next best thing was to immerse himself in the world of football; fortunately, he has managed to do just that. As a football journalist, Josh gets to experience the thrill of the game every working day and frequently attends matches. He’s also a regular five-a-side player.
Yet, the desire to live like a professional footballer remained unquenched. That is, until he had the opportunity to stay at the Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent, in their brand new ‘Stay Like the England Teams’ room.
Anyone who follows the England team on social media will be familiar with St George’s Park and the hotel’s stunning views when the players arrive. The sense of awe began the moment Josh and his brother arrived at the hotel.
To begin with, the pair were guided to the players’ entrance, the very same one used by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Lauren Hemp, via a buggy. They were welcomed with a personalised message before signing their own England contract, complete with a special polarised photograph.
Upon entering the ‘Suite Caroline,’ it became immediately clear what the inspiration behind its design was. Three football shirts are displayed in a dressing-room style, including one from Alex Scott, who earned 140 caps for her country.
The room was incredibly spacious, boasting a double bed, tea and coffee facilities, two bathrooms, two televisions and ample storage for our luggage. However, the pièce de résistance of the hotel?
The outdoor cinema.
With views over the beautifully adorned St George’s Park, the outdoor area featured a football-themed dugout with four heated seats and a large screen; it was the ideal spot to enjoy the brand-new EAFC 26 video game.
But the excitement didn’t stop there; as part of the stay, they were treated to an exclusive training experience. FA coach Ben greeted them at reception and led the pair to the meticulously crafted Hilton Pitch for an hour-long session.
Josh and his brother relished some ball work at their own pace before ending with a competitive match – the sibling rivalry was alive and well!
Our passion for the sport was further ignited by a behind-the-scenes tour of the training facilities, from the Cryotherapy chamber and indoor futsal halls to Europe’s longest gym, where the national team players hone their strength and conditioning.
They also had the opportunity to observe the Sir Bobby Charlton Pitch, the training ground used by the first-team players. Modelled on the Wembley Stadium pitch, it was surreal to see where the nation’s top players train.
An hour later, it was time to dine like the pros. Once again, exceptional customer service was evident, with a member of the Hilton Hotel staff guiding them through the hotel to the Executive Lounge on the second floor.
After being treated to complimentary drinks (they chose Peroni), savoured some exquisite canapés before tucking into two bowls of Indian selection and chicken wings. It was a warm and inviting setting to unwind after such an action-packed day.
The food was generally superb. The dinner menu featured a duck and orange parfait starter, followed by a mouth-watering grilled fillet of beef with roasted garlic mash, glazed vegetables, and red wine jus.
The customer service throughout their meal was first-rate; the pair’s glasses were never empty.
As the evening progressed, Josh and his brother returned to their room to find a variety of cinema snacks waiting for us, including popcorn, jelly beans, and assorted chocolates. Essentially, the perfect combination for watching GOAL in the outdoor cinema.
The room is situated away from the main Hilton hotel, but you still receive all the high-quality service and amenities; for instance, at breakfast we had the option of a set menu or buffet, allowing them to refuel after the previous day’s training.
However, if you’re keen to experience it for yourself, you’ll need to act fast. The ‘Stay Like the England Teams’ Suite is available for stays on select dates throughout November, December, and January.
Rates are £650 per night with everything included; the training, the food, room, outdoor cinema and behind-the-scenes tour.
While it may not be the most affordable option, the quality of the room, the experiences on offer and the complimentary extras make it excellent value for money. It’s important to note that guests who book this stay will be the only ones in the hotel enjoying this exclusive experience, making you feel like royalty.
For football enthusiasts, especially England fans, it’s an absolute must!
For more information about the Stay Like the England Teams at St George’s Park, visit Hilton.com.