Have you ever dreamt of flying in a jumbo jet but also have a fear of flying? Are you a plane geek, but prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on earth? Well, fret no more. I have just the thing for you.
Jumbo Stay in the Scandinavian autumn night
Not far from Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is Jumbo Stay. You know we like quirky sleeps here on Sophie’s World, and this is definitely in that category. Jumbo Stay, you see, is a retired machine from now defunct Pan Am Airlines, a Boeing 747-212B, yet another iconic aircraft, transformed into cosy lodgings for curious folk, and one of the more unusual accommodation experiences around.
Jumbo Stay, in her former life
I have been meaning to check it out for quite a while, and on a recent trip to Copenhagen, I finally did. In fact, I flew home via Stockholm, solely to stay a night here (bit of a detour, let me tell ya).
A night in an aircraft, guaranteed turbulence free
The plane was retired from service in 2002 and was reborn as a hotel in 2008 and now sits 5-10 minutes away by free shuttle from the check-in counters at Arlanda Airport, its tail perching proudly above the Swedish landscape.
The converted 747 is a unique mix of aviation history and modern hospitality. As guests, we are given the unique chance to experience life inside an aircraft, but without the turbulence and, not least, the cramped seating of a commercial flight.
The Rooms: Sleep in the Sky
Travelling solo, with your significant other, or even with a group of friends or family? There are options for everyone, from dorm rooms, to standard cabin rooms and larger family rooms, and even two private suites, one of them on the flight deck. And you can even sleep in a plane wing.
The rooms are all comfortable, and each one has a unique perspective on aviation. All are decorated with airplane-themed décor and have runway views. Let’s have a look at the rooms:
In the back of the plane is the spacious Black Box Suite. In the front is the Cockpit Suite, the crown jewel, letting you sleep where pilots once commanded the skies – with the instrument panel still intact and fab views through the large windscreen. Both suites are equipped with a TV, and privat toilet and shower.
Unfortunately, when I was here, both suites were occupied, so I couldn’t stay, or even have a look, understandably. Last minute bookers can’t be choosers, so I stayed in a standard room, along the main body of the jumbo jet, where the seats once were.
These are single, double and triple rooms, some with and some without private bathroom. Some are two- and four-bed dorm rooms. They all have bunk beds, so there is a bit of a hostel or a ferry feel. My single room is compact, but cosy – and with everything I need. Plus, here inside the fuselage, I get a proper sense of sleeping in a vintage airliner.
You can also sleep in the engine room – or in wheelhouse rooms. Each has their own private entrance – and ladder – from the outside. Bit of a capsule hotel feel, delightfully unconventional.
How often do you have a chance to sleep underneath the wings of a plane?
Finally, the upper flight deck has a conference room with room for 8 – and the original plane seats from 1976.
The cool breakfast room
I love the restaurant/bar/breakfast room, in cheerful orange and as if taken right out of The Jetsons, which was my favourite cartoon from childhood. Even if you’re not staying the night, you can have a drink or simple meal here, whilst soaking in aviation atmosphere.
In the morning, you help yourself to the various, typically Scandinavian, breakfast items, such as bread and various cold cuts, cheeses and spreads. Breakfast is included in the room price and available from 03.00.
Outside, around the plane are picnic tables.
Picnic underneath a plane, anyone?
Flying high with your feet firmly on the ground, a one-of-a-kind experience
If you, like me, think it’s fun to try the unusual lodgings, this is for you. Where in the world can you spend the night in a plane – on the ground? There are a few places, mostly in England and France, offering helicopter glamping and the like. (I’d quite like to try the tower at RAF Wainfleet in Lincolnshire.) Then there is a private jet villa in Bali, and another in Puntarenas in Costa Rica. As far as I’m aware, though, this is the only giant jumbo jet turned affordable ground accommodations.
A night at Jumbo Stay is surely the perfect gift for the plane geek in your life. Even a dream come true. The attention to detail inside the plane, especially the aviation-themed rooms, as well as the possibility to explore the flight deck (check if this is possible in advance – or simply book the cockpit suite), will make you feel like you are part of the crew.
As a bonus, Jumbo Stay is situated directly at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, ideal for layovers, early morning flights, or simply as a quirky base for exploring Stockholm. The shuttle leaves just across the street, so you can literally roll out of bed and board your flight without worrying about transportation or long travel times.
Early morning at Jumbo Stay, Arlanda Airport, Stockholm
I mentioned affordable – and it is, in comparison to Stockholm hotel prices. It’s a fun, unique and budget-friendly way to do something extraordinary without breaking the bank. You’ll find up-to-date prices here.
In conclusion
Disclosure? Nope, nothing sponsored here
Jumbo Stay: Sleep in a 747. Without leaving the ground. is a post from Sophie’s World