This football season, cheering on your favorite team goes beyond the stadium – it’s about making a weekend getaway out of game day. From luxury resorts steeped in history to boutique hotels steps from campus, fans can enjoy the perfect blend of hometown spirit and elevated stays across the country.
Whether its UCLA fans soaking up the California coast at Shore Hotel, Arizona State fans celebrating in desert luxury at Arizona Biltmore, or University of Memphis fans experiencing Southern Hospitality at Big Cypress Lodge, these handpicked properties deliver the ultimate game day home base. With exclusive fan packages, unbeatable locations, and unforgettable amenities, it’s time to take your college football weekends to the next level.
Please see below additional details on these properties and more, and many thanks for keeping them in mind for any travel coverage surrounding football season.
UCLA FANS stay at Shore Hotel | Santa Monica, CA
Make the most of game day weekends with the Bruin Friends and Family Package at Shore Hotel — the perfect home base during UCLA football season. Located just steps from the beach and a short drive from the stadium, Shore Hotel offers luxury, comfort, and unbeatable convenience. Fans can enjoy 15% off their room stay, a waived destination fee, or 15% off at the new hotel restaurant Shoreside, plus complimentary room upgrades for stays of two nights or more (based on availability). Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from the pool, Shore Hotel is how Bruin fans do football season to the fullest.
ARIZONA STATE FANS stay at Arizona Biltmore | Phoenix, AZ
Arizona State fans—take your game day experience to the next level with a luxurious stay at the iconic Arizona Biltmore, a true desert gem just minutes from the heart of campus action. Set on 39 lush acres at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, this legendary resort has been a symbol of sophistication since 1929, blending Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture with modern luxury and a dash of old Hollywood charm. Following a stunning reinvention in 2021, the Biltmore now features seven spectacular pools—including an adults-only retreat and a family-friendly oasis with a 65-foot triple water slide—plus chic air-conditioned cabanas, reimagined luxury cottages, a serene new spa, and over 200,000 square feet of stylish event space. Whether you’re celebrating a Sun Devils win or making a weekend out of the big game, the Arizona Biltmore offers the perfect blend of heritage, hospitality, and high-end comfort.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS FANS stay at Big Cypress Lodge | Memphis, TN
Calling all University of Memphis Tigers fans—turn your game day into a memorable getaway at Big Cypress Lodge, a unique rustic retreat inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in downtown Memphis. Just minutes from the Liberty Bowl, this one-of-a-kind destination takes “city glamping” to new heights with lodge-style luxury and family-friendly adventure. Guests can explore the 535,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops, home to the Cypress Swamp filled with fish and alligators, enjoy friendly competition at the underwater-themed bowling alley, sharpen their aim at the archery range, and ride the Sky High elevator to dine at two sky-high restaurants with an outdoor observation deck offering panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and Mississippi River. Whether you’re rallying before the game or unwinding after a Tigers win, Big Cypress Lodge is the perfect place to elevate your college football weekend.
SMU FANS stay at Hôtel Swexan | Dallas, TX
A family-owned, 134-room boutique concept, Hôtel Swexan strikes the perfect fusion of its familial Swiss heritage with quintessential Texan hospitality (as denoted by its moniker). Situated in the heart of Uptown Dallas just minutes from the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus, Hôtel Swexan is the perfect place to stay for college football season. SMU fans can even book the Touchdown & Turndown package, inclusive of a 2 night stay, pre-boulevard brunch at the rooftop restaurant, Leonie, which includes an SMU themed cocktail, and even a recovery kit at turndown (ear plugs, electrolytes, under-eye mask, and more).
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Fans stay at Thompson Houston | Houston, TX
Situated just minutes from the University of Houston and a short drive from other major Texas universities, Thompson Houston is the city’s newest luxury hotel and a standout stay for college football fans traveling in style. Whether going in town to cheer on the Cougars or catching a high-stakes matchup at nearby NRG Stadium, guests can kick off game day with breakfast on the expansive rooftop before heading out, or stay to enjoy the action from Sol 7, the hotel’s vibrant lobby bar, which offers elevated game-day bites and cocktails. With plush accommodations, a rooftop pool, and sweeping skyline views, it’s the ultimate home base for college football weekends in Houston.
HARVARD FANS stay at Four Seasons Hotel Boson | Boston, MA
Overlooking Boston’s iconic Public Garden and nestled among Back Bay’s historic brownstones, Four Seasons Hotel Boston is the perfect choice for fans attending football games at Boston’s universities. Just 20-30 minutes from Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and more, this award-winning hotel combines unrivaled location with reimagined luxury. Guests enjoy the newly redesigned lobby-level Coterie restaurant and lounge, breakfast at Aujourd’hui, and a complimentary gourmet coffee bar, perfect for pre-game gatherings. Unwind post-game by the pool with Beacon Hill views, in the 24-hour fitness center, or in the recently renovated Royal Suite, ideal for hosting family receptions. Steps away, explore Back Bay’s boutiques, the Museum of Fine Arts, or Fenway Park, while enjoying personalized concierge service and timeless sophistication.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FANS stay at THesis Hotel Miami | Coral Gables, FL
Directly across the road from the University of Miami, THesis Hotel Miami is a top destination of choice for fans in town for football season. The 245-room lifestyle hotel offers contemporary guest accommodations with views of the scenic Mahi Waterway, chic architectural details and luxurious amenities. Fans can unwind at Ivy Rooftop, soak up the Miami sunshine by the pool, and enjoy island-inspired cocktails. Mamey, the signature restaurant led by Executive Chef Nicolas Mazier, presents globally-inspired dishes using local ingredients, while The Collab serves as a lively space for happy hour and live music events.
VANDERBILT FANS stay at The Hermitage Hotel I Nashville, TN
Just minutes from Vanderbilt Stadium, The Hermitage Hotel offers the perfect luxury home base for Commodores fans this football season. Located in the heart of Downtown Nashville, this iconic property has welcomed guests for over a century with timeless Southern hospitality and elegant Beaux Arts architecture. Following a recent top-to-bottom revitalization, the hotel now features spacious rooms and two standout restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, ideal for a pre-game brunch or post-game dinner. Whether you’re in town to cheer on the Dores or simply soak up the game day energy, The Hermitage Hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury for a truly unforgettable weekend.
