What could have been a simple business deal between Dionísio Pestana and Cristiano Ronaldo became both a friendship and a brand: Pestana CR7. A footballing legend joined forces with a hotel heavyweight to create modern and relaxed hotels in great locations.
To get to the top of the Pestana CR7 Gran Vía in Madrid, you have to climb four floors. The first of them was baptised “teamwork”, the second “fair play”, followed by “hard work”, and finally “glory”. This is one of the many references to football that signal a partnership between the Pestana Group and Cristiano Ronaldo. Saying that, the words could also describe the meeting of the two Madeirans, whose common goal is to create young, urban hotels, where life’s pleasures are enthusiastically celebrated.
The first time Dionísio Pestana and Cristiano Ronaldo spoke there was only one location on the table – Madrid. However, such was the rapport between the two that a single hotel didn’t seem quite enough. Dionísio immediately suggested a second spot (in Madeira, unsurprisingly) and, as fate would have it, the Pestana CR7 Funchal turned out to be the first to open in 2016, kicking off the Pestana CR7 brand, which already has five hotels and a sixth on the way (Paris).
A sporting spirit can be found everywhere in these hotels, from small details (healthy dishes and drinks) to major features (wonderfully equipped gyms). In addition to this, there’s the best side of a galactico holiday: wherever it may be, a Pestana CR7 is always a guarantee of style, comfort and a laid-back atmosphere, with the advantage of lasting well over 90 minutes.
PESTANA CR7 FUNCHAL. House next to the CR7 Museum, the Pestana CR7 Funchal has turned a building close to the docks into a football and leisure sanctuary, home to an iconic pink swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic.
PESTANA CR7 MARRAKECH. For many Moroccans, their devotion to Cristiano Ronaldo is comparable to few others. So, when the superstar visited the Pestana CR7 Marrakech building site, the first thing he did was greet and take selfies with the excited workers. Only then did he enjoy the view of the Atlas Mountains.
PESTANA CR7 TIMES SQUARE. Outside, the brick façade is pure New York City. However, inside, the Pestana CR7 Times Square oozes Portuguese cosiness, whether it’s the snacks or the country’s tradition of tiles, highlighted by the Ai Campbell mural in the lobby.
PESTANA CR7 LISBOA. In this 18th-century building, the full football experience can be enjoyed away from the stadiums, with the hotel bar broadcasting big games on various screens. Those using the stairs can expect to hear the chants of a packed stadium!
PESTANA CR7 GRAN VÍA MADRID. Fancy playing table football in a roaring twenties-style room? The Pestana CR7 Gran Vía in Madrid occupies a gorgeous 1920s building that mixes football with the glamour of that era
