A Decommissioned Jet Once Owned by Pablo Escobar Has Been Turned Into a Luxury Airbnb in Bristol — Complete with Sauna, Hot Tub, and a 1980s Private Jet Interior
It’s not every day you can spend the night inside a piece of aviation and criminal history — but now, thanks to one creative entrepreneur, you can. In Bristol, England, an old Boeing 727 that once belonged to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar has been completely transformed into a luxurious Airbnb stay, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard a jet that’s as infamous as it is fascinating.
The aircraft, which sat unused for years on an industrial site, was purchased and renovated by entrepreneur Johnny Palmer, who saw more than just rust and metal in the old fuselage. What many would consider a forgotten relic, Palmer envisioned as an art piece — something that could inspire curiosity, conversation, and a bit of wonder. After an ambitious restoration, the jet has now reopened as a high-end holiday rental, drawing attention from travelers, aviation buffs, and history enthusiasts across the world.
From the outside, it’s clear that this isn’t an ordinary aircraft. The plane’s exterior is covered in a vibrant mural created by street artists, transforming the once somber jet into a kaleidoscope of color. Inside, though, is where the real magic happens. Palmer retained much of the original 1980s luxury jet aesthetic — complete with polished walnut panels, soft leather seating, and gold trim that hints at its extravagant past. But he didn’t stop there. The interior also features modern comforts, including a private sauna, a hot tub, and even a fully functioning cockpit where guests can sit and imagine they’re about to take off.
“It’s a museum piece you can actually live in,” Palmer told reporters during the unveiling. “This plane has seen history — but now it’s creating new memories for people who stay in it.”
The aircraft was originally owned by Escobar in the height of his wealth and power during the 1980s, used for private travel before eventually being grounded and sold off after his death. It eventually found its way to the United Kingdom, where it was stored for over a decade before Palmer took ownership. His goal wasn’t to glorify Escobar’s legacy, but to repurpose something once dark into something meaningful.
“I wanted to take something that symbolized greed and destruction and turn it into something that gives back,” he explained. True to his word, proceeds from Airbnb bookings are partly directed toward local Bristol charities, particularly those supporting youth development and environmental projects. In that way, the plane’s story has come full circle — from a symbol of excess to one of purpose.
Guests who book a stay often describe it as surreal — equal parts nostalgic and futuristic. The glowing neon lights and vintage fittings feel like stepping into a time capsule from the 1980s, while the amenities and artistic touches make it feel like a boutique hotel. And while it’s a stationary aircraft, the experience reportedly evokes the thrill of travel without ever leaving the ground.
The transformation of Escobar’s former jet into an Airbnb has quickly become one of Bristol’s most talked-about attractions. Whether for its design, its history, or simply the novelty of sleeping in a plane, it’s a stay that invites reflection — on how objects tied to complicated pasts can still find new life and meaning.
Johnny Palmer’s bold vision proves that reinvention isn’t just about creativity; it’s about purpose. What was once a private symbol of power is now a shared space of joy — a vibrant piece of art where travelers can dream, reflect, and, for one night, live inside history.
