My honest review of the UK hotel where England train for the beautiful game

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In a new series So, is it worth it? our travel experts put experiences to the test to see if they’re really worth your time and money. This week, we’re at a hotel that’s part of the FA’s National Football Centre.

Coming off the back of my £1,800-a-night stay in the McLaren Suite at The Trafalgar St. James London by Hilton, I was invited to lay my head at the Hilton St George’s Park.

Yes, where England train, and yes, you can refer to me as the UK’s unofficial Hilton Hotel guru.

At £650 per night, the ‘Stay Like The England Teams’ experience is the ultimate treat for superfans.

With a private cinema, take-home gifts, custom in-room memorabilia, behind-the-scenes tours, a one-on-one training session, and access to the spa, gym, and pool, it’s an unforgettable experience.

As a lifelong football fan, I’ve spent years watching England play, imagining
what it must feel like to train where the elite prepare for battle.

So, when my wife and I were offered the chance to experience the package first-hand, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

The location

Hilton St George’s Park is near the National Forest, about six miles west of
Burton upon Trent, easily accessible by train or car.

From London, it’s about a three-hour drive or a 90-minute train, with one-way fares from £18.

The hotel is a short drive from Alton Towers theme park, which you could easily tack on as a day trip.

From our 1pm check-in, the staff set the tone. Everyone was warm, attentive, and seemed genuinely excited to guide us through the experience.

Our bags disappeared instantly, and minutes later we were whisked away on a custom England-themed golf buggy to a private building for VIP arrivals.

We entered through the same secluded tunnel and lift used by the England
squad, stepping into our own mini lobby decked with England branding and
artwork.

The highlight? Signing my very own England contract at a mock
press-conference desk, complete with a Polaroid, because if there’s no photo, did it really happen?

Inside ‘Suite Caroline’

The aptly named ‘Suite Caroline’ is stunning: spacious, modern, and
filled with thoughtful touches that make you feel part of England’s inner circle.

Knowing Gareth Southgate once stayed here added an unexpected thrill.

Changing-room-style benches, signed jerseys, and iconic memorabilia from
legends like Alex Scott, Ella Toone, Ian Wright, and Harry Kane set the vibe.

The room is stocked with official England merch to take home, too. A shirt,
football, Hilton robes, slippers, and eye masks. It was luxury wrapped in
footie nostalgia.

But the real showstopper was the private football dugout-style cinema, complete with heated seats, blankets, England coach jackets, and a PS5 for late-night FC26 sessions.

I liked that bit more than my wife did.

Slipping on the England coach jacket made it even more immersive.

For a few moments, I genuinely felt like a super sub waiting for the call.

But before I could get distracted, it was time to lace up for a private training session.

A Moment of Glory

What self-respecting football fan wouldn’t love an exclusive training session with an FA-certified coach?

Even while recovering from an Achilles injury, Gary – a consummate professional – made sure everything was tailored to me.

Training on the same pitches as the England squad felt surreal, and my wife even joined in, scoring a penalty against me, which I won’t shout about to loud.

It was fun, energising, and the perfect warm-up before our behind-the-
scenes tour of the National Football Centre.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Walking the same hallways as the England squad was an honour I never imagined I would have.

St George’s Park is packed with history, stories, and small details you’d miss without this access.

From the indoor 3G pitch to treatment rooms, gym, and tactics areas, it felt like stepping inside the heartbeat of English football. Any fan would be in heaven.

This wasn’t just a tour; it was a deep dive into how elite football operates,
leaving you with a new appreciation for the game.

A Taste of What Fuels England’s Finest

Dinner at the hotel restaurant was outstanding. Seated at our private table
next to the Crossbar, the sleek, modern setting was a welcome sight and the bespoke three-course menu that followed was impressive to say the least.

The tuna tataki and beef fillet, finished off with the Final Whistle chocolate fondant was my ideal line up.

Even without alcohol included, the soft drink pairings worked brilliantly,
though we were treated to complimentary red wine which was a lovely touch.

The staff were attentive without being intrusive, guiding us through the menu and ensuring we felt like VIPs.

Cocktails start at £13, red wine £8 a glass, draught beer £6.

Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast the next morning was, without hesitation, the best hotel
breakfast I’ve ever had.

The variety was incredible: hot options, pastries, fruit, cereals, and unique choices rarely seen in standard hotels.

The à la carte section let me eat what England players fuel up on before training: smoothies, protein bowls, custom eggs.

Clean, carefully prepared, and delicious; food made for performance.

Breakfast is included with the suite, but pricing is £16 for adults and £8 for children.

So, was it worth it?

Every penny. At £650 for up to two adults and two children (or three
adults), the value is unquestionable if you’re in the market for a bucket list treat.

You’re not just paying for a room, you’re paying for exclusive access and unforgettable experiences.

What surprised me most was how well-rounded the stay was. It’s football-centric but also a genuinely relaxing luxury getaway.

Throughout my wife and I felt looked after, appreciated, and understood.

The staff made the experience shine, and every interaction felt personal.

Limited dates are available until 4 January 2026. If you’re even considering it, book it, this is a rare experience. You can do that on the Hilton website.

So that leaves one last question… what hotel is next? My DMs are open.

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