A Unique Stay: Sweden's Jumbo 747 Hostel Near Arlanda Airport

In the realm of unique travel accommodations, Sweden’s Jumbo Stay hostel takes a front-row seat. Nestled near Arlanda Airport, Stockholm, this retired Boeing 747-200, once a globe-trotting Pan Am Clipper, has been ingeniously converted into one of Europe's most distinctive hostels. The conversion of decommissioned airplanes into novel spaces isn’t new, with examples like The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs and the Twin Jets Resort hotel in Malaysia. However, Jumbo Stay stands out for its creative reuse of the "Queen of the Skies," making it a landmark for aviation enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unforgettable lodging experience.

Jumbo Stay's Journey from Air to Ground

The Boeing 747-212B, with a rich history stretching back to its 1976 production, found its final resting place at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport. After serving an array of airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Pan Am, and surviving the collapse of Transjet, its last operator, this jumbo jet embarked on a new chapter. Oscar Diös, envisioning the aircraft’s potential beyond the skies, transformed it into Jumbo Stay in 2009. Named affectionately after his daughter, 'Liv', the hotel exemplifies a successful blend of aviation history and hospitality.

Inside the World's Coolest Aircraft Hotel

Jumbo Stay offers a range of accommodations, from single rooms to dormitories, catering to solo travelers, families, and groups. The hostel boasts 33 rooms with a total of 76 beds, merging the thrill of aviation with the comforts of modern lodging. While retaining its majestic exterior, the interior has been completely overhauled to meet hotel standards, removing 450 seats to make way for guest rooms. Among its unique offerings, the cockpit suite provides panoramic views of Arlanda Airport, offering guests a pilot’s eye view from their bed.

An Experience Like No Other

With rates starting at approximately $43 per night, Jumbo Stay presents an accessible yet extraordinary experience. Whether opting for a bed in a gender-specific dorm or indulging in the luxury of the cockpit suite, guests are treated to a stay that is anything but ordinary. This innovative hotel not only pays homage to the golden era of air travel but also sets a high bar for creative recycling, providing a memorable stay under the watchful wings of a jumbo jet.

A Final Word

Jumbo Stay's transformation from an airliner to a hostel symbolizes a fascinating intersection of travel, history, and innovation. As it stands proudly on the tarmac of Arlanda Airport, it invites travelers from around the globe to rest in the belly of a jet, offering a story to tell and an experience to cherish.