Developers plan Florida luxury underwater hotel
Crowdfunding in the travel industry is not a new concept, but the latest innovation posted on the Indiegogo platform allows would-be investors the chance to be part of America’s first luxury underwater hotel.
Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel is seeking funds to build a luxury underwater hotel off Florida’s Key West comprising 12 guestrooms, lounge and dining area accessed by elevator.
It will be anchored at a depth of 28 feet with each guestroom ‘pod’ connected by a long hallway.
The elevator shaft would also be used to supply oxygen, electricity and other utilities.
Founder and managing director Tony Webb is looking for an initial $325,000 from investors toward the estimated $8 million start-up costs.
Investors are invited to contribute amounts large and small – from $10 up to $80,000 which offers exclusive use of the hotel and all guestrooms for a week.
Reservations are being taken for stays priced at $1,500 a night.
The hotel design which is a steel structure reinforced with sheets of acrylic, has a patent application pending and will be “similar to the International Space Station,” Webb said.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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