Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a jumbo jet? I don’t mean in the air flying over the Atlantic but in one that has been converted into a hotel .Well, we did just that, and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Along with my children, Matthew and Holly, we I stayed at the Jumbo Stay Hotel located at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. This unique hotel is actually a converted Boeing 747, and we booked our stay through booking.com. Here’s a detailed account of our quirky adventure.
Getting There
After spending the day exploring Stockholm we caught the Arlanda Express back to the airport, the journey only takes 18 minutes from the City Centre. At Stockholm Arlanda Airport, we made our way to the hotel using the free airport shuttle bus P2 from terminal 4, bus stop number 3. The bus P3 also services this route. Conveniently, the Jumbo Stay is the first stop on this route, making it easy to locate.
First Impressions
Upon arrival at Jumbo Stay, we spent some time exploring the exterior of this impressive jumbo jet. The outside area boasts a swing made from a Boeing 747 tyre, picnic benches, and a disused vehicle that was once used for loading and unloading luggage. The novelty of these repurposed items set the tone for the unique experience we were about to have.
A Brief History of the Jumbo Stay
Before transforming into the quirky Jumbo Stay Hotel, this Boeing 747 had an illustrious history. The aircraft, originally built in 1976, was used for transatlantic flights by Singapore Airlines and later by Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). After serving passengers for several decades, it was retired from service and eventually purchased by entrepreneur Oscar Dios, who envisioned a unique lodging experience. In 2008, the airplane was converted into the Jumbo Stay Hotel, preserving its aviation heritage while offering guests a one-of-a-kind accommodation.
Self-Service Check-In
The check-in process was entirely self-service. Earlier that day, we received an email from Jumbo Stay, and a message via booking.com, detailing the entry procedure. This information included directions, check-in and check-out times, the key code to enter the building, the key code for the electronic safe containing our room key, breakfast details, and emergency contact numbers. Although we didn’t see any staff during our stay, the process was smooth and straightforward.
Our Room: The Triple Room
We stayed in room 739, a triple room with a bunk bed above a double bed. The room also featured a TV, mirror, and bin. It was quite small, but the novelty factor made up for the lack of space. Jumbo Stay offers a variety of other unique rooms, including the Black Box Room, Wheelhouse room, engine rooms where you can sleep in the engines on the wing, and the cockpit. The cockpit is the most luxurious room, complete with all the original controls and a separate first-class lounge for your exclusive use
Exploring the Jumbo Jet
After settling in, we explored the interior of the jumbo jet. We climbed on the wing and spent a couple of hours enjoying the evening. It’s not every day you get to sit on the wing of a jumbo jet, and this was a highlight of our stay.
Breakfast and Amenities
The next morning, we had breakfast in the onboard dining area. The selection was basic, including ham, cheese, cereal, and bread. Just like the check-in process, breakfast was self-service. Despite the simplicity of the offerings, it was sufficient to start our day.
Checking Out
When it was time to leave, we checked out and took the free airport shuttle bus back to the terminal for our flight home. The entire experience was seamless and added a unique twist to our travel adventure.
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable and quirky place to stay, I highly recommend the Jumbo Stay Hotel. The cost for our triple room was only £64 for the night, including breakfast, which we booked through booking.com. While the facilities are basic and our room had a shared bathroom, the bathrooms were clean and equipped with showers. Only a few select rooms have en-suite facilities, so keep that in mind when booking. Overall, it’s an experience worth having for the novelty alone.
The Jumbo Stay is a unique blend of aviation history and hospitality, providing a memorable stay that’s different from any other hotel. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun and affordable place to stay near Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the Jumbo Stay Hotel is a fantastic choice.
For more information and to book your stay, visit Jumbo Stay.
