Preferred Hotel Group offers a winning combination
Celebratory champagne, shouting yourself hoarse or the thunder of the peloton as they flash past – whatever brings sport to life, seeing it live is always better. 2010 heralds a year of superb sport for fans; book a stay with Preferred Hotel Group and see winning sporting action around the globe.
22nd May, UEFA Champions League Final, Madrid, Spain
After months of knockout matches, the two finalists will battle it out at Madrid’s famous Bernabeu Stadium. This year’s event is the first to take place on a Saturday, so there’s no better excuse than to make a long weekend of it.
Where to stay – with an outdoor and indoor pool plus fully-equipped gym with spa, Mirasierra Suites Hotel will provide football-loving guests with the perfect sport and relaxation break.
Prices start from £125 per night. See preferredhotels.com/mirasierra.
How to get tickets – enter competitions for free tickets or buy them through UEFA’s website – as well as through a number of ticket agents. For die-hard fans, winning teams will have a number of reserved seats released just before the final.
14th-20th June, US Open Golf, Pebble Beach, California, USA
Spot the bogeys from the birdies at one of the four ‘majors’, this year held at Pebble Beach Golf Links – made even more challenging thanks to input from golf legend, Arnold Palmer.
Where to stay – Casa Palmero sits next to the course’s first and second holes and provides a perfect vantage point to take in the tournament for guests quick enough to reserve one of its 24 rooms.
Prices start from £520 per night. See preferredboutique.com/casapalmero.
How to get tickets – if you haven’t secured tickets through the ballot they are available on a first come, first served basis through the US Open’s website.
21st June-4th July, Wimbledon Championships, London, UK
Lifting the trophy to rapturous applause at the world’s oldest tennis tournament remains the pinnacle of a professional player’s career. Now that the Centre Court is covered, you can be certain even the temperamental British summer weather won’t dampen your visit.
Where to stay –The Colonnade near Notting Hill is the perfect location to enjoy the vibrancy of one of London’s most fashionable districts – the hotel offers four-poster beds and private terraces in many of its rooms.
Prices start from £115 room only. See summithotels.com/colonnade
How to get tickets – if you’ve missed applying for Wimbledon tickets via the raffle, each day of the tournament there are a limited number available for tennis enthusiasts willing to queue – be warned you might need to bring a tent and start the night before!
July 25th, Tour de France, Paris, France
Seen as one of the most physically demanding sporting events, the three-week long Tour de France reaches a breathtaking conclusion with a sprint finish through the streets of Paris.
Where to stay – from the Hotel Napoleon you’ll be able to see the riders cross the finish line. An Art Deco icon, the hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment and is the epitome of Parisian elegance.
Prices start from £200 room only. See summithotels.com/napoleon.
How to get the best seats – as the race comes to a dramatic conclusion under the Arc de Triomphe, position yourself along the Champs-Elysees from early afternoon onwards for the best view.
25th-27th September, Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore
Formula One’s only night-time race tests the wits and skills of the drivers like no other. Snaking around the city’s Marina Bay, the track takes advantage of Singapore’s colonial buildings to provide a stunning backdrop to the race.
Where to stay – Singapore’s The Fullerton Hotel is a riverside luxury hotel with a spa, outdoor infinity pool and Rolls-Royce limousines for that added indulgence. Each of its rooms has views of the sunlit atrium, city skyline or river promenade – providing the perfect vantage point to admire the city.
Prices start from £200 per night. See preferredhotels.com/fullerton.
How to get tickets – you can buy them directly from the Grand Prix’s website or through a number of ticket agencies.
3rd-14th October, Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India
First held in 1930, the Commonwealth Games are attended by over 5,000 athletes from across the former British Empire and take place in a different city only every four years. This year, India hosts the games for the first time – attracting supporters from all over the world.
Where to stay – New Imperial Palace is one of the city’s most stunning hotels; a former British Raj residence, the property has a gym and pool as well as child care services to keep younger guests amused.
Prices start from £265 including breakfast. See preferredhotels.com/imperialND
How to get tickets – tickets are available from Commonwealth Games Associations, online at cwgdelhi2010.org or from dedicated sports ticket companies.
And finally...
Spring – Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
For something completely different, this Spring why not head to Las Vegas and watch the annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament. Months of college knockout tournaments conclude in a blistering final showdown – the winner walking away $20,000 richer.
Where to stay –from the Signature at MGM Grand you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas right on ‘The Strip’. With heated outdoor pools and spas, a gym, nightclub and entertainment from Cirque de Soleil, you’ll never need to leave the hotel.
Prices start from £85 per night. See preferredhotels.com/signatureMGM
How to get tickets – you can apply online at usarps.com with more details to be announced soon.