From New Zealand to Costa Rica, see 5 retired planes that have been converted into hotels you can stay in

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Taylor RainsNov 23, 2022, 19:05 IST
From New Zealand to Costa Rica, see 5 retired planes that have been converted into hotels you can stay in

Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

  • People around the world have come up with unique ways to give retired aircraft a second life.
  • While some are converted into restaurants and diving attractions, others have become hotels.
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When an airline, military organization, or other entity is done flying an aircraft, people may think it's sent to the boneyard and that's the end of it.

When an airline, military organization, or other entity is done flying an aircraft, people may think it's sent to the boneyard and that's the end of it.
Christian Petersen/Getty

I went inside one of the US' largest aircraft storage facilities and saw how it isn't emptying out despite the rise in air travel

However, there are myriad ways to give old planes a second life.

However, there are myriad ways to give old planes a second life.
Corendon's 747 being transported to the hotel to be be a centerpiece on the property.Maarten Bell/Shutterstock

Check out these 6 retired Boeing 747 jumbo jets that have been converted into flightless tourist attractions and entertainment venues

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For example, companies will regularly sell or lease their unwanted aircraft to another operator to fly people or cargo.

For example, companies will regularly sell or lease their unwanted aircraft to another operator to fly people or cargo.
Avelo plane at Wilmington Airport on October 20. The carrier acquired its jets from Southwest Airlines.Vincent Games/ILG Spotter

Or, they may convert it into a luxury private jet, like Donald Trump's prized Boeing 757…

Or, they may convert it into a luxury private jet, like Donald Trump's prized Boeing 757…
Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images

Trump's beloved Boeing 757 private jet is finally flying again after a year of maintenance work and a new paint job

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…or hand it off to a company that will use it as a testbed, like Honeywell's 40-year-old Boeing 757.

…or hand it off to a company that will use it as a testbed, like Honeywell's 40-year-old Boeing 757.
Flying on Honeywell Aerospace's Boeing 757 testbed aircraft.Thomas Pallini/Insider

See Honeywell's 40-year-old Boeing 757 the company uses for testing things like private jet engines and weather detection technology

Because many aircraft have large cabins that can be stripped and replaced with beds and even dance floors, it's easy to see how one could be repurposed into something more than just a flying machine.

Because many aircraft have large cabins that can be stripped and replaced with beds and even dance floors, it's easy to see how one could be repurposed into something more than just a flying machine.
British Airways 747 "party plane" in England.Taylor Rains/Insider
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Take the flightless Boeing 747 that sits in England and can be used as a wedding venue or party space…

Take the flightless Boeing 747 that sits in England and can be used as a wedding venue or party space…
British Airways 747 "party plane" in England.Taylor Rains/Insider

A retired British Airways Boeing 747 was bought for $1.35 by an English airport and converted into a flightless 'party plane' event space — see inside the renovated Queen of the Skies

…and the Airbus A300 that was drowned for diving tourism.

…and the Airbus A300 that was drowned for diving tourism.
Airbus A300 being prepared to sink.Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Countries around the world have sunk aircraft like the Boeing 747 to boost diving tourism — here are 6 intentionally submerged planes

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One of the most enticing conversions for travelers is when aircraft-turned-hotels, and there are a handful that have popped up around the world.

One of the most enticing conversions for travelers is when aircraft-turned-hotels, and there are a handful that have popped up around the world.
Jumbo Stay 747.Taylor Rains/Insider

From New Zealand to Sweden to Costa Rica, here are five aircraft that you can rent for the night, and one in Australia currently being built with $100,00 from Airbnb.

From New Zealand to Sweden to Costa Rica, here are five aircraft that you can rent for the night, and one in Australia currently being built with $100,00 from Airbnb.
A 737-200 being converted into a rental.Mary Cotterell/737-200
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For those looking for a jungle vacation, Hotel Costa Verde in Quepos, Costa Rica, might be the perfect spot.

For those looking for a jungle vacation, Hotel Costa Verde in Quepos, Costa Rica, might be the perfect spot.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

For $260 a night, you can stay in this Boeing 727 airplane-turned-hotel suite perched 50 feet high in Costa Rica — take a look inside

Nestled inside Manuel Antonio National Park, the accommodation is an old Boeing 727 that has been converted into a two-bed, two-bath suite.

Nestled inside Manuel Antonio National Park, the accommodation is an old Boeing 727 that has been converted into a two-bed, two-bath suite.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde
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The aircraft is perched 50 feet above the ground, overlooking the Pacific Ocean…

The aircraft is perched 50 feet above the ground, overlooking the Pacific Ocean…
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

…and is just down he street from El Avion restaurant, which is made from a downed Fairchild C-123 airplane.

…and is just down he street from El Avion restaurant, which is made from a downed Fairchild C-123 airplane.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde
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Both bedrooms are air-conditioned and a total of three queen-sized beds are available for guests.

Both bedrooms are air-conditioned and a total of three queen-sized beds are available for guests.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

Meanwhile, a private bathroom with standing showers is connected to each bedroom.

Meanwhile, a private bathroom with standing showers is connected to each bedroom.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde
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The jet's owner, Allan Templeton, has custom-build the plane with several cool features, like tropical hardwood inside the fuselage…

The jet's owner, Allan Templeton, has custom-build the plane with several cool features, like tropical hardwood inside the fuselage…
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

…and outdoor decks over each wing.

…and outdoor decks over each wing.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde
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He even left the original cabin windows in place.

He even left the original cabin windows in place.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

According to rental agency VRBO, the suite costs $770 per night on average, which is steep, but likely worth it for the views and tranquility of the plane.

According to rental agency VRBO, the suite costs $770 per night on average, which is steep, but likely worth it for the views and tranquility of the plane.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

Source: VRBO

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A special "Cockpit Cottage," which can only be accessed by a suspension bridge, is also available about 330 feet away from the 727.

A special "Cockpit Cottage," which can only be accessed by a suspension bridge, is also available about 330 feet away from the 727.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

The tucked-away spot was made from an old airmail plane flown by French carrier Aéropostale in the early 1900s. Today, the small suite is perfect for a romantic getaway and even features a kitchenette.

The tucked-away spot was made from an old airmail plane flown by French carrier Aéropostale in the early 1900s. Today, the small suite is perfect for a romantic getaway and even features a kitchenette.
Courtesy of Hotel Costa Verde

Source: Insider

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If you want a quiet escape from the hustle of Amsterdam, the nearby city of Teuge has created a suite out of an old Soviet Ilyushin 18.

If you want a quiet escape from the hustle of Amsterdam, the nearby city of Teuge has created a suite out of an old Soviet Ilyushin 18.
Michel Porro/Getty Images

Source: Vliegtuigsuite

The plane was once owned East German leader Erich Honecker, as well as flew for German airline Interflug.

The plane was once owned East German leader Erich Honecker, as well as flew for German airline Interflug.
Michael Porro/Getty Images

Source: Vliegtuigsuite

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Called the Vliegtuigsuite, the plane, which was built in 1960, has a two-person bedroom…

Called the Vliegtuigsuite, the plane, which was built in 1960, has a two-person bedroom…
Miche

Source: Vliegtuigsuite

…and a private bathroom, including a jacuzzi tub.

…and a private bathroom, including a jacuzzi tub.
Michel Porro/Getty Images

Source: Vliegtuigsuite

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Also offered are a sauna and small kitchen with an oven and microwave...

Also offered are a sauna and small kitchen with an oven and microwave...
Michel Porro.

Source: Vliegtuigsuite

...and a living room with seating and TVs.

...and a living room with seating and TVs.
Michel Porro/Getty Images
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Another old aircraft lives just down the road from the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, which are home to the world-famous glowworms.

Another old aircraft lives just down the road from the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, which are home to the world-famous glowworms.
Glow worms dot the walls of the dark Waitomo Glowworm Caves.Shaun Jeffers/Shutterstock

Source: Woodlyn Park

The vintage Bristol Freighter Plane, which is one of the last allied aircraft flown in Vietnam, has been turned into a small two-room hotel.

The vintage Bristol Freighter Plane, which is one of the last allied aircraft flown in Vietnam, has been turned into a small two-room hotel.
Woodlyn Park

Source: Woodlyn Park

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The rooms are split — one in the cockpit and one in the tail — and are separate accommodations. Woodlyn Park owns the hotel, which can run guests over $200 per night depending on the season.

The rooms are split — one in the cockpit and one in the tail — and are separate accommodations. Woodlyn Park owns the hotel, which can run guests over $200 per night depending on the season.
Woodlyn Park

Source: Woodlyn Park

Both suites can sleep four people with a combination of double beds or bunks. Moreover, each has an ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette, complete with a gas cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

Both suites can sleep four people with a combination of double beds or bunks. Moreover, each has an ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette, complete with a gas cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Gary Danvers Collection/Flickr

Source: Woodlyn Park

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In Pembrokeshire, England, guests can stay in a retired Etihad Airways A319 aircraft. Dubbed the "Arabian Nights Airbus," the plane has been stripped of its flight controls with just the fuselage still standing.

In Pembrokeshire, England, guests can stay in a retired Etihad Airways A319 aircraft. Dubbed the "Arabian Nights Airbus," the plane has been stripped of its flight controls with just the fuselage still standing.
Apple Camping

Source: Apple Camping

According to the company, rates start at £179 ($207) per night for two people. Up to four guests can stay, but each additional person costs £20 ($23) per night.

According to the company, rates start at £179 ($207) per night for two people. Up to four guests can stay, but each additional person costs £20 ($23) per night.
Apple Camping

Source: Apple Camping

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The company, Apple Camping, has converted the cabin into a hotel, complete with a kitchen built into the galley…

The company, Apple Camping, has converted the cabin into a hotel, complete with a kitchen built into the galley…
Apple Camping

Source: Apple Camping

...a toilet and shower made from the two lavatories and a large outdoor deck…

...a toilet and shower made from the two lavatories and a large outdoor deck…
Apple Camping

Source: Apple Camping

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…and a combined bedroom and living room with a bedroom with two twin beds, a pull-out couch, chair, and TV.

…and a combined bedroom and living room with a bedroom with two twin beds, a pull-out couch, chair, and TV.
Apple Camping

Source: Apple Camping

The largest jet on the list is a massive Boeing 747 in Sweden's capital city.

The largest jet on the list is a massive Boeing 747 in Sweden's capital city.
Jumbo Stay 747.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

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The plane was built for Singapore Airlines in 1976 and flew for 33 years before being permanently parked at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, just a few minute's bus ride from the terminals.

The plane was built for Singapore Airlines in 1976 and flew for 33 years before being permanently parked at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, just a few minute's bus ride from the terminals.
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

Inside are 33 bedrooms, including singles…

Inside are 33 bedrooms, including singles…
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

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…private doubles like the cockpit suite…

…private doubles like the cockpit suite…
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insi

Source: Jumbo Stay

…and shared dorms that are hostel-style.

…and shared dorms that are hostel-style.
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

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Guests can even opt to stay inside one of the four engines or even the wheel well.

Guests can even opt to stay inside one of the four engines or even the wheel well.
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

Most of the rooms do not have a full bathroom attached, but there are shared showers throughout the fuselage.

Most of the rooms do not have a full bathroom attached, but there are shared showers throughout the fuselage.
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

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In addition to rooms, the mammoth 747 boasts a conference room with the original first-class seats…

In addition to rooms, the mammoth 747 boasts a conference room with the original first-class seats…
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

…and a cafe with breakfast and drinks available throughout the day.

…and a cafe with breakfast and drinks available throughout the day.
Staying at the Jumbo Stay 747 hotel in Sweden.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Jumbo Stay

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While not yet open, there is one Boeing 737-200 aircraft that is being converted into a rental in Perth, Australia.

While not yet open, there is one Boeing 737-200 aircraft that is being converted into a rental in Perth, Australia.
Mary Cotterell/737-200

The jet flew for defunct airline OzJet before being bought by Mary and Andrew Cotterell.

The jet flew for defunct airline OzJet before being bought by Mary and Andrew Cotterell.
The plane is named after Andrew's uncle, Joe Merrick, who worked on the 737-200 at the Boeing factory when the type was being produced, Mary Cotterell told Insider.Mary Cotterell/737-200
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The married couple applied to Airbnb's OMG Fund to try their shot at $100,000 to turn the plane into a rental, and they ended up being one of the 100 properties selected worldwide.

The married couple applied to Airbnb's OMG Fund to try their shot at $100,000 to turn the plane into a rental, and they ended up being one of the 100 properties selected worldwide.
Mary Cotterell/

Source: Airbnb

Mary Cotterell told Insider that the 737 is still in renovations, but will feature two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a porch.

Mary Cotterell told Insider that the 737 is still in renovations, but will feature two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a porch.
Rendering of the plans.Mary Cotterell/737-200
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Nightly rates will start at about $800 AUS ($500), she said, and the new Airbnb will open by August 2023.

Nightly rates will start at about $800 AUS ($500), she said, and the new Airbnb will open by August 2023.
Employees working on fixing up the jet.Mary Cotterell/737-200
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