Nearly 130 years ago, author Jules Verne first dreamed up the idea of humans living underwater. In 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Verne describes a crazy captain who lives underwater for years in a futuristic submarine.
In 1870, people thought Verne and his idea of underwater living were crazy! But his vision of the future turned out to be pretty accurate. Today submarines don't seem strange at all.
Still, even Jules Verne might be surprised by an amazing hotel in Key Largo, Florida, that bears his name. At the Jules' Undersea Lodge, guests don't just get to see tropical fish in a saltwater lagoon--they also get to sleep with them!
The lodge, which is located 21 feet underwater, has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room. Giant round windows allow guests to peer out onto an endless parade of sea creatures. Schools of angelfish, parrotfish and barracuda peer back at the humans inside the hotel!
The Undersea Lodge was originally built as a scientific laboratory for ocean research. NASA used it to explore the similarities between life underwater and life in outer space.
In 1986 the lodge was redesigned as the world's only underwater hotel. Guests, who pay $325 a night, arrive in diving suits and enter through a small pool and air lock. Once inside, they breathe normally. They can even watch TV and order underwater room service!
At night, escaping air creates soft bubbling sounds that are ideal for slumber. Says lodge worker Rick Ford: "Most people say it's one of the best night's sleep they've ever had."
Would Jules enjoy a stay at his namesake hotel? "I think so," says Ford. "It holds true to his dream of living in the ocean in comfort."
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March 12, 1999 Vol.4 No.20
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