For many people, their choice of hotel is based on factors such as convenience, affordability, and view. A cosy hotel room close to the action and offering an expansive vista sounds like a refreshing and relaxing getaway for most. However, there are also those hotels that offer something a little different. They are typically off the beaten track and substitute convenience and relaxation for adventure and excitement. One such experience can be discovered at Deep Sleep, considered the deepest hotel on Earth. Situated 1,375 feet below the surface of a Victorian-era mine, guests will need to make a challenging one-hour descent just to reach it.
Reaching The Deepest Hotel on Earth
If your idea of a holiday is one of relaxation and convenience, the Deep Sleep hotel experience may not be your cuppa tea. However, if you enjoy a challenge and the rewards it can bring, then look no further. There are no Uber lifts or elevators at this hotel. In fact, after meeting your trip leader at the Tanygrisiau Base, near Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales, you will need to first take a 45 minute hike just to reach the point of descent. Situated atop a steep mountain, you will find the cottage where you will be provided with the necessary climbing equipment to reach the hotel. Once equipped with your harness, helmet, boots, and headtorch, you will begin your descent into the old abandoned mine.
The Descent Into the Mine
The route down is a steep descent and includes challenging obstacles, such as decaying bridges and ancient stairways used by the miners. Your instructor will also inform you of historical information about the shaft as you make your way down to the deepest hotel in the world. There is no rush to get there, so the climb down usually takes around an hour to reach 1,375 feet underground. Once at your destination, you will see massive steel doors that form the entrance of the hotel.
Drink and Meal Provided
Upon your arrival, you will be offered a warm drink and provided with the necessary information to get yourself accustomed to the place. Considering that you are at the bottom of a mine shaft underground, there won’t be any grocery stores or sidewalk cafes. That’s not an issue, though, as the hotel staff provides you with a meal at their large picnic table. You can choose from a selection of firepot meals, such as Tuscan stew, Dal and rice with spinach, pulled pork and beans, and vegan orzo bolognese.
Deep Sleep Accommodation
After a long and challenging hike and descent, and a satisfying meal, you may find yourself starting to look forward to bedtime. You have several cabins to choose from, each of which contains two single beds. There is also the grotto room, which has been carved out of the walls of the mine and contains a double bed. There is also running tap water, battery-powered lighting, and a dry toilet. While there is no cell phone reception, there is a Wi-Fi signal down there. Guests are recommended to bring loads of warm clothing as the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius down there.
Maybe not for Everybody
This is not your typical getaway experience and may not suit everybody. It requires several hours of walking, scrambling, balancing, and ducking, which may prove a bit much for the elderly. The company that runs the experience, Go Below Underground Adventures, advises that it requires a “moderate level of fitness and agility.” It may not prove to be a good family option either, as the minimum age requirement is 14. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Availability and Rate
At the moment, this experience is only offered from Saturday evening to Sunday morning. You can expect to pay around $440 for a cabin that sleeps two guests and $691 per night for the grotto room. Included in the price is accommodation for two people, as well as dinner and a light breakfast. However, it must be noted that you may not bring alcohol to the site, nor may you smoke down there.
A Truly Unique Experience
It seems that what attracts many people to this hotel is the sense of adventure it brings. Additionally, everything you require will be provided for you, from your climbing gear to your accommodation and food. While it is the deepest hotel in the world, they have provided plenty of internal cabin lights and bedside lights, as well as others that stay on all night. Everything that you bring with should ideally fit into a single backpack, so pack wisely!
The Bottom Line
As far as hotels go, the deepest hotel in the world sounds like a truly unique and unforgettable experience. While it may not be for everyone, those that are healthy enough to take on the adventure will find it extremely fulfilling. It’s definitely not something we get to experience every day, that’s for sure! But if you are willing to swap elevators for climbing gear, and swap panoramic views for an underground experience, it may be just the right place for you!
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