Pole Position Getaways: Tripeden.com Presents the Ultimate Stays to Celebrate the End of the Motorsport Season
Famous for its speed, noise, glamor and money, motorsport’s top championship is one of the fastest growing sporting events on the planet, in terms of popularity, with loyal fans devoted to their favorite drivers and teams. With 20 drivers competing over 24 races throughout the year, the 2024 Championship reaches its climax on December 8 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi where the reigning champion hopes to be crowned the Drivers Champion for a fourth successive time. Of those who are planning to travel for a sporting event this year, 47%* will do so just to make a trip out of the occasion. To help, we have undercut some of the ultimate motorsport destinations that will leave travelers racing to the checkered flag.
Baku, Azerbaijan
The capital of Azerbaijan on the coast of the Caspian Sea, Baku is one of the more recent additions to the grand prix calendar - and one of the most exciting. As well as being home to one of the championship’s longest straights, the twisty Baku City Circuit presents a unique mix of challenges for drivers because it’s one of the few city circuits where spectators are right in the middle of the racing drama. Cars race along the city shoreline, through the narrow and winding streets of Icheri Sheher old town and flash past the medieval city walls to get to the checkered flag at the end. Away from the racetrack, Baku is a buzzing city. Rich in architectural history, evident through the Flame Towers and Old City, the bustling streets continue to fill with travelers eager to discover the city’s culture. With motorsport set to keep hearts racing here until at least 2026, Baku is a destination for any bucket list.
Where to stay: Fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the action from their rooms should check out the spacious surroundings of the art-deco ART Gallery Hotel. Within eyeshot sits Maiden Tower, near turn 18 of the track, where drivers prepare to take on the uphill transient before looping the Old City. If visiting outside race weekend, travelers can explore the city’s cultural and historical gems through a Baku City Tour, or visit nearby sights close to this property including Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theater and The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, all within walking distance of the hotel.
Spielberg, Austria
Located in the picturesque Alpine valley of the river Mur, Spielberg has hosted a grand prix race since the late 1960s at the Spielberg Circuit. One of the shortest circuits on the calendar, the track has been significantly transformed over the years to enable good quality racing with long straights, overtaking opportunities and record speeds-a-plenty. The track is just a short drive away from the city center, where in the off-season there is plenty of exploring to be done including wandering around castles and ruins, taking a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Semmering Railway, or for the automobile superfans, visiting the Volkswagen Museum.
Where to stay: Located directly at the world famous racing circuit, Schönberghof Spielberg is a dream property for racing lovers. Guests can enjoy picturesque mountain views from a trackside balcony, or when not catching a race photo finish explore the other sporting facilities in close proximity, including a golf course and cross-country skiing options in the colder months.
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
The spirit of racing comes alive at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, with Daytona Beach, situated on Florida’s Atlantic coast, hailed as “The World Center of Racing”. The international race circuit hosts the famous Daytona 500 and a hatful of other motorsports events throughout the year, including 24-hour endurance races and US stock car championships that attract the cream of motorsport and up to 100,000 spectators from all over the world. Beyond the track, Florida offers endless possibilities for relaxation and exploration, from the iconic “World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona Beach, to activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy including Kennedy Space Center, exploring Cape Canaveral and Daytona Boardwalk Amusements.
Where to stay: Inspired by the world of motorsports, travelers can start their trip to Florida on pole position by booking into The Daytona, Autograph Collection. Upon walking into the hotel’s reception, prepare to drool over some of history’s most iconic cars that have raced along the famous Daytona International Speedway, just 0.62 miles (1 km) away. And make the most of the property’s facilities while away from the circuit with free bikes available to rent, an outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped leisure facilities onsite.
Sakhir, Bahrain
First introduced to the motorsports calendar in 2004, Bahrain became the first country in the Middle East to host top class single seater racing, taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit. Since its introduction, the track has evolved through five different layouts, with various degrees of difficulty. Located in Sakhir, an hour’s drive from the capital city Manama, this circuit proves one of the most challenging for drivers who have to battle high temperatures and difficult weather conditions while racing in the desert. Check out this Half Day Desert Tour for a taste of what lies on the outside of this racing track's white lines. From the city’s history, charm and buzzing life around the traditional mosques and souks to hidden peaceful sandy beaches, there is also so much of Bahrain to explore away from the glitzy world of racing.
Where to stay: A short drive away from the Bahrain International Circuit lies Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, a luxury secluded sanctuary away from the lights and noise of the country. After an exhaust-ing day of racing, there is no better place to kick up the heels than within this hidden oasis.
*Research commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (including 2,000 from the US, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from the UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from the Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 500 from Austria, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled for leisure in the past 12 months including an overnight stay, planning to travel for leisure in 2024 and involved in travel planning. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2024.