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

June 16, 2021
3 min read
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.

Featured image by (Photo courtesy of Aerotel Hoedspruit Limpopo/Facebook)
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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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.