“Let me tell you about this airport.” “Go on.” “Well, there’s a plane parked there, nothing unusual yet. But what if I told you that this plane, a 747 Jumbo Jet, is actually a hotel where you can spend a night or two, maybe even part of your honeymoon in a cockpit?” “Who’d want to stay in an airplane?”
If you’ve caught on to their conversation, then you’re already familiar with what we’re discussing: the Jumbo Stay. So, what exactly is the Jumbo Stay (JS)? But, it’s a hotel built inside a decommissioned 747 Jumbo Jet.
That’s correct, situated at ARN, or Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, someone had the ingenious idea that a 747 would make an ideal accommodation for visitors or travelers with layovers. Offering bunks, standard rooms, and even suites.
First off, let’s talk about the most intriguing room in this unconventional hotel the cockpit suite. Here, two guests have the opportunity to sleep in a double bed nestled within the former cockpit of this majestic aircraft. What sets this room apart is that the instrument panel remains intact, alongside the thruster handles and countless buttons.
Imagine waking up in this room with your significant other or even your family, enjoying your morning coffee in the pilot’s seat, and capturing countless Instagram-worthy photos. It’s an experience like no other. And guess what? This unique room comes at a surprisingly affordable price of around $170 (€160 at current exchange rates) per night.
Next up is the Black Box suite, featuring more space than the cockpit suite and also equipped with an ensuite bathroom. While lacking the cockpit instrumentation, this room offers a comfortable stay and even features one of the aircraft’s exit hatches for added authenticity. Priced at approximately $175 (€164), it’s another attractive option.
Additionally, the hotel offers various other accommodations, including single rooms with or without ensuite bathrooms, a wheelhouse room located within the aircraft’s belly, and several others, totaling 33 rooms.
So, how can you experience the Jumbo Stay for yourself? You have a couple of options. You could book a flight to Sweden specifically to enjoy this unique hotel experience for a few days. Alternatively, if you have a layover at ARN, consider spending your airport hours aboard the Jumbo Stay instead.
Keep in mind that staffing may be limited, so it’s advisable to plan ahead. While there is a restaurant on-site, guests can also enjoy sandwiches or tray dinners within the cockpit, just like real pilots.
