The US men’s national soccer team is currently in Qatar, competing in the group stages of the World Cup. While the focus of the tournament is naturally geared toward the field, the hotels in Qatar might be just as interesting as the games themselves.
The team’s hotel is located on a private reclaimed island that cost around $15 billion to create and was booked well in advance — so far in advance that the team hadn’t even qualified for the tournament yet.
The hotel, named Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, is spectacular. It features six high-end and widely acclaimed restaurants, multiple stunning pools overlooking the rest of The Pearl Island, a rooftop nightclub, and a well-rated spa. There’s also a manmade private beach. Players have reportedly enjoyed video games, ping pong tables, and other personal touches in their own private lounge up to this point.
Rooms during the World Cup are running at over $5000 a night. An astonishing price for any hotel, regardless of the luxury involved. I don’t want to know what this level of luxury cost the team.