For travellers who find the idea of sleeping on a plane more appealing than the reality of a cramped economy seat, a new hotel in Malaysia offers a curious alternative: spend the night inside a retired Boeing 747. At 1975 Avenue & Hotel in Johor Bahru, two jumbo jets have been transformed into 18 suites, giving aviation enthusiasts a chance to experience the iconic aircraft from the comfort of a hotel bed.
The hotel, which soft-opened in August, has named the two planes Bove and Bey. Each suite is themed after a different country, including Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Czechia, England, Italy, and Switzerland. The interiors span two floors and include a king-size bed, a freestanding bathtub, a rain shower, and a separate living area. Suites accommodate up to three guests, with September rates ranging from 1,706 Malaysian ringgit (€360.66) to 2,786 ringgit (€588.99) per night, depending on the category.
More than just a novelty stay
Beyond the aircraft suites, the property offers a range of amenities designed to appeal to a broad clientele. The Hanareya @ 1975 restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine, with sushi, sashimi, and wagyu dishes accented with truffle shavings. For relaxation, the Gem Spa & Wellness provides treatments and holistic therapies. Guests can also use a gym, a steam room, a rooftop swimming pool, a sunken jacuzzi, and a man-made beach pool. Families with children can head to the Playscape Water Park, which features waterplay activities.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the hotel has a separate block with 20 conventional rooms. The property is located near Senai International Airport and within easy reach of Johor Premium Outlets, a luxury shopping mall with 150 designer and brand-name stores.
The concept of repurposing aircraft as accommodation is not entirely new, but it remains a niche within the hospitality industry. In Europe, similar ideas have been explored, such as the Jumbo Stay hostel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which uses a decommissioned 747. However, 1975 Avenue & Hotel appears to be one of the few to offer such a high level of luxury within the aircraft itself.
For European travellers, the hotel could be an intriguing stop on a broader Southeast Asian itinerary. Johor Bahru, located at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, is a gateway to Singapore, just across the causeway. The city itself has been developing its tourism infrastructure, and this aviation-themed property adds a distinctive option for those seeking something beyond the usual beach resorts.
While the hotel's location in Malaysia may seem far from Europe, the concept taps into a universal fascination with flight and travel. As sleeper trains across Europe offer a nostalgic alternative to flying, this Malaysian hotel takes the opposite approach, turning the plane itself into a destination. For those who struggle to sleep on aircraft, the irony is not lost: here, the plane is the bed, and the only turbulence you might face is deciding which themed suite to choose.
The hotel's pricing, while not budget, is comparable to mid-range luxury stays in the region. For a traveller accustomed to European hotel rates, the cost of a night in a 747 suite might seem reasonable, especially given the novelty factor. As the hotel continues to refine its offerings, it could become a talking point for aviation enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.
For now, 1975 Avenue & Hotel stands as a testament to creative reuse of decommissioned aircraft, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and comfort. Whether you're a plane spotter, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates an unusual place to rest your head, this Malaysian property might just be worth a detour.
