Three international soccer teams have chosen California as their base camp for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Austria, Switzerland and Qatar will set up in the Golden State ahead of the blockbuster tournament in June, with the sides having games at stadiums across the West Coast.
But their choice of hotels range wildly, with Austria going all out at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, costing up to $4,000 per room per night, while Qatar opted for the cheaper $400 a night Courtyard Marriott nearby.
The Swiss have split the difference and chosen The Fairmont Grand Del Mar near San Diego, setting them back around $900 for a standard suite per day.
Austria’s head coach Ralf Rangnick was delighted his players will be preparing at the “top choice” site, suggesting it will give them a leg up in the prestigious tournament.
He said: “Santa Barbara was my absolute top choice – because of the first-class training facilities and the perfect environment that awaits the team.”
He added: “I’m convinced that every player will feel at home there and that we can prepare optimally for our tasks.”
Austria’s stars, who include Real Madrid’s David Alaba, are sure to rest easy at the ultra luxury oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Bacara during their time in the US.
Amenities at the hotel, where the average suite reaches well over $1,000 a night, include turn down service, ocean views, fireplaces and complimentary cocktails.
The world famous pool features luxury cabanas and cushioned chaise loungers. The nearby day spa is also the go to place in the city for facials and a massage.
“The Golden Hour” rub-down promises to melt stress with a brightening gold body serum to hydrate, soften and smooth. It starts at just under $900.
The team will train at the University of California-Santa Barbara, just 10 minutes away from the luxury hotel and play just one game on the West Coast at Levi’s Stadium.
Meanwhile the Qataris went for a more budget option round the coast at the $371 a night Courtyard Marriott in Goleta.
They will still be close to the beach and have in-room perks such as a coffee maker and free WiFi, while practicing for their games at nearby Westmont College.
Their newly appointed Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui reportedly visited the base camp in January to scope out training grounds and the hotel facilities.
The team said in a press release: “The choice of Santa Barbara highlights the Qatar Football Association’s focus on optimal preparation.”
They will play three group stage games on the West Coast, including at Levi’s Stadium, BC Place in Vancouver and Lumen Field in Seattle.
The Swiss team arguably have a leg up on Qatar but ventured further south – calling The Fairmont Grand Del Mar near San Diego home for the month-long event.
A standard room averages $900 a night and suite rates can average over $3,000.
The players can golf at Torrey Pines, the course Tiger Woods made famous, visit the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant, or go horseback riding on the beach.
The suites include a large marble bathroom with deep soaking tub, separate shower, and dual sinks.
Coach Murat Yakin said: “We wanted a place where we could relax, recharge, train to the best of our ability.”
Switzerland will play their first game in Santa Clara before heading to SoFi Stadium and later BC Place in Canada.