Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sleep inside a shark tank for free in Airbnb's first underwater bedroom

Anyone looking to let the room must be ‘medically fit’.

FANS OF AQUARIUMS and the film “Jaws” take note: Airbnb is offering three people and their guests a free night’s stay inside the shark tank of Aquarium de Paris in April.

Winners of the competition will stay in Airbnb’s first ever underwater bedroom for one night between 11 and 13 April in an enclosed chamber surrounded by 35 sharks.

A clear 360-degree wall will be the only thing separating guests from their feared neighbours, making the prospect of a good night’s sleep unlikely.

To win a stay, prospective guests need to write to Airbnb with information about themselves along with an original reason for why they deserve to sleep beside sharks (with an explanation of 50-550 words). Entries are due by 10.59 pm Irish time on 3 April.

Contestants must be over the age of 18, medically fit (guests may need to show a medical certificate upon request and their weight must not exceed 190kg), and able to climb easily in and out of the bedroom, according to the Airbnb listing.

The listing’s house rules are also unconventional. Guests are warned not to take selfies after dark, for example, as “sharks are sensitive to light,” and to “keep your heads and feet into the bedroom at all times.”

Take a look inside the underwater bedroom…

The Aquarium de Paris opened in 1867 in front of the Eiffel Tower. It is the oldest aquarium in the world.

airbnb - 2 Airbnb Airbnb

On arrival, guests are treated to a tour of the aquarium with the host Fred Buyle (pictured below) — a freediver, underwater photographer, and shark conservationist — along with a marine biologist from the aquarium. Buyle will even begin the evening with a dance among the sharks for entertainment.

airbnb - 3 Airbnb

The cylindrical room is immersed in three million litres of water and plunged 10 metres deep. Though the space isn’t equipped with a bathroom, guests will have access to the biologists’ bathroom in the aquarium.

airbnb - 4 Airbnb Airbnb

In keeping with its aquarium theme, the room is furnished with cuddly sea animals and a fish bowl.

airbnb - 5 Airbnb Airbnb

The room even comes with marine-themed literature. There’s a copy of “Le Serpent de Mer” by Jules Verne for bedtime reading.

airbnb - 6 Airbnb Airbnb

Winners will also be treated to dinner with incredible tankside views. Following its use as an Airbnb, the room will serve as an observatory for the aquarium’s biologists.

airbnb - 7 Airbnb Airbnb

Read: You can rent ‘Van Gogh’s bedroom’ on Airbnb for $10

Also: Airbnb has become such a behemoth it’s generating spin-off businesses

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Published with permission from
View 14 comments
Close
14 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds