January 2nd 2025.
Have you ever dreamed of staying in the coolest Airbnb in the world? Well, look no further, because it's right here in Bristol, on an industrial estate. And let me tell you, it's not just any ordinary Airbnb - it's an ex-plane with quite a storied past.
The mastermind behind this unique accommodation is businessman Johnny Palmer, who had a vision of letting guests experience the luxurious lifestyle of billionaires. After getting approval from the Bristol City Council, Johnny transformed a decommissioned Boeing 727 plane, originally built in 1968, into a stunning Airbnb just outside the city center.
But what makes this Airbnb even more intriguing is its rumored previous owners, including the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, the Mafia, and even an Arab Prince. Johnny discovered these tales through online conversations with plane enthusiasts and researchers. He quickly realized that there are vast communities of plane spotters on the internet, and they were more than happy to share their knowledge with him.
According to Johnny, some of these enthusiasts believe that Escobar was the previous owner because the plane was registered under a Cayman Island company. However, as Johnny points out, it's hard to verify these claims as the whole purpose of offshore registrations is to keep things secretive. But that doesn't take away from the thrill of imagining the plane's lavish past.
Johnny believes that the Airbnb offers guests a chance to indulge in a bit of "cosplay," living out their billionaire fantasies before returning to their normal lives. He also thinks that the contrast between this extravagant experience and reality can be beneficial for people.
Unlike your typical plane experience, where you're cruising at 42,000 feet, this boujie Airbnb lets you stay at a much lower altitude of just 32 feet. But don't worry, you won't be missing out on any luxury. The plane is equipped with a hot tub, sauna, gold-plated shower, leather seats, and walnut panelling - all at your disposal.
The prices for this unique experience are on the premium side, starting at £250 per night and going up to £850 for the most sought-after dates. But it's no surprise, given the extensive refurbishments Johnny has done to the plane. The two double bedrooms with ensuite toilets and showers, along with the original cockpit, are all still intact. And if you're traveling in a larger group, the seats can even convert into extra bed space.
Johnny's love for aviation is evident in every detail of the plane. He always dreamed of owning a private jet, and this was his chance to make that dream a reality. And even though it took years of hard work to refurbish the plane, Johnny never lost his passion for the project.
Apart from hosting paying guests, Johnny also opens up the plane for free tours for the local community, in exchange for a charity donation. He also offers the space to local artists for photoshoots or music videos, using the income to improve the Airbnb instead of taking it for himself. For Johnny, the joy and inspiration the plane brings to people is worth much more than any financial gain.
And if you thought one ex-plane Airbnb was cool, get ready for Johnny's future plans. At the end of 2024, he applied for permission to station a second, bigger and more impressive plane on the same industrial estate. So, if you're ever in Bristol, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind Airbnb and who knows, you might even get a chance to stay in the second one too!
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