Everybody knows that soccer instills a cult-like fanaticism in Europe. But the Portuguese hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar of Real Madrid and captain of the Portuguese national team, is taking soccer fever to new heights.
The newly-opened Pestana CR7 is a luxury hotel in Funchal, Madeira, that is partly owned by Ronaldo. It is the dream destination for every one of his super-fans.
The hotel is designed to be sleek, modern and full of Ronaldo’s favorite things. The name, CR7, is taken from the player’s initials and his jersey number for Real Madrid.
In the lounge, there’s a neon sign that reads, “To be the best, you need the best,” Ronaldo’s personal motto. Framed jerseys, shoes, balls and trophies line the walls. True Ronaldo fans can head down to the hotel’s open-air gym and go through a workout designed by the athlete himself. Afterwards, relax in the sauna, open-air jacuzzi or infinity pool, or with a drink at the hotel’s sports bar.
The hotel is also big on tech. Guests can check in and take a private elevator to their rooms via the hotel’s app. Each room also includes an HD TV with Android or Apple streaming.
There are 48 rooms and one deluxe suite, with prices starting at $240 per night. Future properties for the hotel are planned for Lisbon, Madrid and New York.
Portugal's Ronaldo obsession does not stop at the hotel: Next door is an entire museum dedicated to Ronaldo—complete with gift shop.
And Madeira’s airport, formerly called Santa Catarina Airport, was just renamed for the superstar. Now visitors to the hotel will fly in and out of Cristiano Ronaldo Airportto make their Ronaldo-cation complete.
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