Work to start on Gary Neville's hotel in February 2013, could be first of many

Construction of the 140-bedroom hotel close to Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground is set to commence in February next year subject to a few last minute plans, Neville told an audience of 500 hoteliers earlier today.

Speaking at the opening of the Annual Hotel Conference 2012 in Manchester, Neville said his decision to open a hotel had come following his involvement in a Maltese hotel company which he joined as a board member three years ago. 

"After I'd been on the board of the Maltese company I wanted to make my life something different than just football, I don't want to be just an ex-footballer," he said. 

"I'm excited about the hotel. It will be my first real foray into the world of hotels on my own with other people alongside me. Like everyone who wants to be part of a hotel I want to achieve success." 

Hotel plans​ 

Despite its location and Neville's ties with Manchester United, he confirmed it would not be a football themed hotel, but would have one floor that would be Manchester United themed.

"We have to engage with all fans of all clubs if we want to survive," he said. "We want to attract all types of guests." 

The former England player said he recognised that having good staff on board was also crucial to the hotel's future success and underlined the importance of teamwork both on the pitch and within a hotel.

He said although it was early days, he would certainly consider opening more hotels elsewhere if successful. 

"The plan would be to do more," he said. 

When questioned about his hotel 'bugbears' Neville said the chocolate in the mini bar was always a disappointment and questioned why hotels couldn't include more well-known brands. 

"I'll have large bars of Galaxy in my mini bars," he said. 

The ex-footballer also revealed his affection for the free white towelling slippers found in many hotels.