Foo - Worlds first underwater hotel has rooms available

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/ddd2b2590077f010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
Pretty damn cool

Wow! Waaaay cool!

I'm sure they'll feature it in the next James Bond movie. :)

Very nice. But will it ever get built and survive financially?

sounds like fun

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/ddd2b2590077f010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
Pretty damn cool


Sounds expensive and if they do not build it correctly or use the right materials very well could be dangerous as well.

The Emerald Lagoon. When We lived in Florida, there was a scientific hotel . Not sure it was called Emerald Lagoon. Seems it was off of Marathon? But, recreational divers could stay when unused by science oriented divers. Think it was operated by the University of South Florida? And, yes. My dive club once had a program and photos of such. The viz might be as little as 50 feet as I recall.
An ideal location for such an underwater hotel, I suggest would be the Bahama sound.

The important question.....do they have waterbeds?

As an experienced SCUBA diver I can tell you that the "view" out of the rooms windows would not be anything at all like they have depicted in the artwork. The best visibility in the ocean in that part of the world is maybe 100" on a good day. Most days it would probably be more like 50' or less. You would be looking at water and whatever fish swim close enough to your window. Just go visit a flippin aquarium and avoid the $15000 per person per week price tag.

I'm with you on that...but what caught my attention was those thin plate glass windows!

I design submarine parts for a living...some of them see submergence pressure.

But I'm staying out of the hotel business!

Well, I figure the loading underwater should be fairly consistent...no winds or things like that. It doesn't change depth. You just have to factor in enough safety to deal with pressure changes from major waves. It would be expensive, but designing it to be safe should be no horrendous challenge.

I think it's pretty cool, but I'll never drop $15K for a night's stay there. Even a 100 foot view could be interesting if it's a busy area, and no doubt if not a fish hung around to keep it fun for guests they'd find a way of "encouraging" them to swim past the windows...nets or whatnot.

Was that 100 inches or 100 feet visibility?

I would rather spend my money on ammo. That or getting my Giant rolling again.

Besides, you don't need stay in a hotel to have an underwater window to the sea. I recall an Aquarium in Papeyette, Tahiti and restaurants museums with an open window to the sea. Don't have to spend all night under the sea for 15 k. Scuba can just as easily drop you down below for a sufficient amount of time.

While I'm sure you could have a far better experience learning how to dive and actually doing it, the really important point to keep in mind is the number of people out there with more money than they know what to do with who are having trouble figuring out who to give it to. :rolleyes:

Actually, scuba diving is one of those things I should add to my list of things to try out when I have the opportunity. I have some friends who are certified.

Honestly... after about 4-5 hours, wouldnt you be totally bored down there?

fish flying by constantly. I think I'd find the stay exhularating. I just would not pay more than it costs to stay at a 3 star hotel. not worth that much. Even if the hotel would unlikely have a decent bar.

What a ripoff.

The place doesn't even have a pool.

for $15K I could certify you and someone else, do your
open water certification in Palau Sipadan (malaysia), stay for a week
diving, and then complete your advanced certification in Cozumel.
That price includes lessons, Confined water cert (pool), all course materials
and a good servicable set of gear ( BC, Regulators, Mask, Fins, Snorkel, dive
computer, wet suit) air fare and lodging. Meal included and some drinks. . .
and you'd have MORE fun than watching through a window.

marty

Sorry. 100 feet of visibility was my intent. I hit the wrong key.

Hahaha

For some of my dives, 100 inches is good viz!

Actually, scuba diving is one of those things I should add to my list of things to try out when I have the opportunity. I have some friends who are certified.

From what little have have learned about you through your posts, I think you would enjoy scuba..try it!

Well, I actually thinking of going for a pilot's license first, but I'll certainly go for it if I have a good opportunity in the future.