Deep beneath the picturesque mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, an extraordinary hotel has emerged, offering an once-in-a-lifetime experience for thrill-seekers and adventurers. Aptly named ‘Deep Sleep,’ this remarkable accommodation claims the title of the world’s deepest hotel, nestled 1,375 feet below the Earth’s surface within an abandoned slate mine.
Without connection to the traditional power grid, Deep Sleep uses micro-hydro turbines inside the mine to harness the force of falling water, ensuring independence. The hotel’s lighting system is powered by 12 volt batteries that operate low-voltage electric sources. The cottages are intelligently insulated to provide comfort in contrast to the chilly weather outdoors, which can drop to 10 degrees Celsius.
The difficult trek to Deep Sleep requires tenacity and bravery. Visitors must walk a strenuous road that is steep and difficult; the journey takes about an hour. During the building of the hotel, Peredur Hughes, a former quarryman and shipwright, recalled his shock when the owner asked for underground apartments in the deepest chamber. He was in awe of this grand vision.
While safety protocols are not explicitly detailed on their website, Deep Sleep assures guests that inspections for safety are conducted on the mines used, equipment undergoes regular checks, and their guides possess qualifications, experience, and emergency first aid training. Accreditation from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, a branch of the HSE, further validates their commitment to safety.
Operating once a week, Deep Sleep offers four cabins and a grotto for intrepid guests. A cabin accommodating two people costs $445 (£350), while the price for a grotto is set at ($699) £550.
As visitors descend 420 metres below the Earth’s surface, communication becomes increasingly difficult until mobile phone reception is completely lost. However, guests can stay connected during their underground stay thanks to a 1-kilometre-long Ethernet connection that is connected to a 4G antenna on the surface.
A once-thriving mine that employed hundreds of people until it closed in the middle of the 20th century has been revitalised by this hotel. It now calls out to adventurers looking for once-in-a-lifetime encounter and offers a wonderful sleep deep within the Earth’s surface.