You know those stories about the forbidden fruit and the obsession that one day, at least one day, you will manage to get it? Well, this is my story. I don’t love so many things in my life, but I don’t know for what reasons I love flying and I am fascinated about planes; even more, or maybe I sould say, worst, I like reading/researching airplane crashes. But enough with my obsession for planes, because I am sure now you can link the subject of this post with me!
So here’s my story:
About one year ago I read about a hotel built up in a plane. It is the project implemented in Sweden’s main airport, Arlanda, where a Swede came up with the creative business idea of turning a huge aircraft as a Boeing 747 which was retired from duty, and make out of it a famous attraction, namely Jumbo Stay Hostel, in Stockholm.
The Queen of the Sky as this type of plane is known as well, has become since then the Queen of the Ground, with many travelers going to stay there by curiosity and interest in experiences otherwise forbidden in normal conditions (fx. Sleep in cockpit), the same way tourists visit royal palaces to experience and admire the way royal families live.
To have the chance to sleep in a plane -more or less like those affording and willing to pay for a first class sleep, when hundred other struggle to sleep while almost standing- that was a big temptation. Moreover, there was the possibility to explore the plane in almost all its compartments, as close as one cannot dream to do in an airport or other environment, due to regulations.
However for me the excitement was high, and since I had first read about this hostel, I was looking forward to the first occasion I travel to Stockholm to book a night there.
According to the standards of a night in a hostel, and to the prices in hostels around the world, a night at Jumbo Stay Hostel can be considered costly. I paid 1194 SEK for one night in a private room for two (including breakfast), where I stayed together with my girlfriend. Yet, even though the price is a bit high, one loving planes or new experiences won’t run away seeing the price list; so didn’t I.
So, all packed for a sunny and nice city break in Stockholm, I arrived in Stockholm’s Airport, somewhere around 20:12. From there are shuttles going to the Jumbo Stay Hostel, of which I knew from home; but I also knew the hostel is only 15 minute walk away from the same airport. Willing to arrive as soon as possible I chose the shuttle, but it proved to be an uninspired idea because although the shuttles should run four times per hour, every 15 minutes, mine skipped the 20:15 time, and so I was waiting for more than those 15 minutes needed to reach the hostel on foot. However, I arrived at Jumbo Stay Hostel, and the way to it cannot be missed because it can be seen already from the bus stop. Push by the excitement I drop my baggage, and I started shooting photos like a soldier shots enemies. The view was nice, but because of my Samsung S3 and even iPad cameras, the pictures are not of high quality. From the shuttle stop to the entrance in the hostel…I mean, to the plane there is a short distance, so soon I was at the door. There an unexpected request welcomed me, and made me smile feeling well-entertained: all the guest are required to take off their shoes before they enter the hostel…like I said, it is an experience similar to those when visiting a queen; wherefrom my link: Queen of the sky – Royal queen. I took off my shoes, and although I could have left them next to the door in a space specially designed for shoes, I chose to take them with me in my room.
At the reception, which is very small and very close to the door, the receptionist welcomed us and gave me and my girlfriend some details about the place; however, my attention was disrupted by the restaurant, which is placed on the left side of the entrance, at the actually head of the plane. I found it very cozy and warm, with those orange chairs, small tables, TV and the customers talking with a low tone.
Like I said I booked a private room for two, with two single beds, on up and the other down. To get to it I had to walk down a hall which is almost identic with those in hotels. The room was small, but not that small not to have place to arrange my stuff for a night. Of course there is no place to dance, but there is plenty of place for the baggage, especially due to the spaces designed similar to the baggage spaces in planes, above the head.
Although it was said there are two single beds, we needed it only the one down, which is big enough for two persons. The room price covers the linens, pillows and blanket as well. One important thing, the mattress is very comfortable, so we enjoyed a lot the sleep. There is a TV as well, but who cared when I was in an ecstatic state just for being there. Still the Wi-Fi high speed connection was more appreciated and welcomed by the internet addict inside me.
This category of rooms comes with the breakfast included in the price; the other meals are not; and because we are talking about food, of course I wanted to try out whatever they had to eat; and what a better moment than the evening of our arrival when we were hungry after all the travelling time. However, when we asked about what we can eat there at that time -around 21:00- we were sent to pick up whatever we wanted from the two fridges they have there. But what could we choose? There were only few very small –on board plane-like sandwiches-, ice cream and some snacks, and of course drinks. However we bought a tiny sandwich and some nuts.
Following the natural way of doing things, after eating we needed to visit the facilities; in this way we discovered them as well. There are nice little spaces, and they come with a message just below the mirror, urging everyone to clean the sinks with their own towels, in order to show respect to the other customers. I found it funny and wise, apart for the part with “own towel”, because then who will how respect to my face and hands?
Beside the fact that I had one of my best ever sleep, I would add that once the sun raised up I was up as well, ready to go out, explore the place and take pictures…as many pictures as possible. Once out I noticed that beside the pictures with the hostel-plane there is a great spot for plane spotting, because just meters away the tail of Jumbo Stay there is a fence separating the airport area –and one of its runway- from the hostel area. In this way I got the chance to take pictures with aircrafts of KLM, Air France and Norwegian Airlines.
There is also possible to walk on the wing of the Boeing 747 hostel, but for this you have to pay, which I didn’t do it, although walking on the wing is a very tempting thing since there is forbidden, or better said almost impossible to do that on a plane.
I bet this hostel, Jumbo Stay, is an attraction of Stockholm in itself, and it worth booking a night there, especially if you arrive late or leave early, when anyhow you plan to find accommodation in airports’ hotels.
So, enjoy it!
Spot'n'go! 