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AvGeek alert! You can soon sleep in a Boeing 727 at this aviation-themed hotel

June 16, 2021
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3 min read
Aerotel Hoedspruit Limpopo_FB
AvGeek alert! You can soon sleep in a Boeing 727 at this aviation-themed hotel
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AvGeeks, have you ever wanted to have a whole plane to yourself? Well, here's your chance ...

A retired Boeing jet in South Africa is being converted into a private VIP hotel suite that can accommodate up to six people. The aircraft suite will cater to AvGeeks or other travelers looking for a unique private accommodation.

The story first gained traction earlier this week as people took to social media with images and videos of airplane fuselage moving around South Africa.

The 727 — which is expected to be ready to accommodate visitors by October — will join an existing Boeing 737-200 that serves as a six-bedroom boutique hotel called Aerotel Hoedspruit. Reserving the whole 727 aircraft will cost between 10,000 and 12,000 South African rand per night — or about $700 to $850 — according to the hotel director, who adds that it will sleep up to six people.

In the 737, rates start at 1,800 rand per night ($128) for single-occupancy rooms and 3,000 rand ($214 USD) for double occupancy. Despite being inside of a plane, each room comes with almost all the traditional amenities you’d expect in a hotel: a queen bed, a private bathroom and shower, coffee and tea, a refrigerator and complimentary WiFi.

A Bedroom in the 737-200. (Photo courtesy of Aerotel Hoedspruit Limpopo/Facebook)

The hotel’s new 727 was seen being transported by road from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Int'l Airport (JNB) to its new home in Hoedspruit, South Africa, on June 11. Moving the plane was a logistical challenge. It took five days to transport the 727 fuselage to its new location, and its journey through the countryside drew the attention of locals who witnessed the jet pass by, according to The South African.

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For those interested in visiting, Aerotel Hoedspruit is about a five-hour drive from Johannesburg. But, despite its relatively remote location, it’s not completely off the tourist circuit. It sits near several noteworthy attractions such as Kruger National Park and various animal rehabilitation centers. A traveler could easily combine a safari with staying in a room in one of these unique accommodations. The hotel’s website even gives the option to add excursions while booking.

And, while the number of flights to South Africa remains significantly down as compared to pre-pandemic levels, frequent flyers have historically had plentiful options for using miles to get there.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.