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Quirky accommodation is one of the key things to having a fun and memorable time away. If one is planning a trip to England, then England has its fair share of unique and quirky accommodations. Spice Girl's fans out there can even stay in the original bus that starred in the 1997 movie "Spice World."
This was the bus that the Spice Girls used to explore London - just as anyone visiting London today can do. Tour around London in a red double-decker and then venture over the Isle of Man and spend the night in the original Spice Bus. Much of London can be seen in two days if one is pressed for time. Few things are as iconic in England as the country's red double-deckers.
The Story Of The Original Spice Bus
Remember from the movie the brightly-colored Union Jack painted tour bus that took the Spice Girls around London? In the film, the bus was driven by a character called Dennis, played by Meat Loaf.
At the end of the movie, the bus is destroyed by a bomb. But that was only heard off-screen, and the real bus survived the making of the movie.
Fans of the movie Spice World will recognize this bus; it is the actual and original bus from the movie but with an extensive interior makeover. The old Spice World bus has been transformed into accommodation where people can stay the night while enjoying a stunning view of the Island Harbour Marina.
- Built: In 1978
- Retired: In 1997
The Spice Bus is actually a 1978 British Leyland Bristol VRTSL3 double-decker (i.e., an iconic London bus). This type of bus was manufactured from 1966 to 1981. When it was in service, it had 43 seats upstairs and 31 seats downstairs. She operated in the East Midlands and later on in Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire before being withdrawn from service in January 1997. When she was operating in Sussex, she had a completely different paint job.
Transformation Into A Unique Spice Bus Hotel
Since 2014, The Spice Bus has been owned by Island Harbour Marina and has been on display ever since. The Island Harbour Marina is located in Southern England on the picturesque Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is also one of the most stunning places in England to visit - it is famous for its beaches and its rich history.
In 2019, the bus was converted to become a unique and quirky accommodation.
As it is part of the Island Harbour Marina, there is also a bar, restaurant, and small shop on site. The marina can also be reached by land, sea, and air.
On the outside, the bus is a classic British bus with the famous Union Jack exterior (just like in the Spice World movie). Inside, the bus has been decked out and inspired by the girls and their music. It has been fashioned to be just as iconic as possible.
While there is no Meatloaf, the driver's seat remains there in the front of the bus while the back of the bus has been transformed into a spacious seating area. It has a table and three Union Jack cinema-style chairs. Relax and re-watch the Spice World movie in the actual bus seen onscreen.
Spending A Night On The Spice Girl's Bus
Guests have access to both floors of the double-decker bus. The upstairs is the sleeping area; it has two beds and a separate dressing room area. There is no partition between the two beds. The bus can sleep up to three people with a double bed and a single day.
- Capacity: Three Guests
- Beds: One Double and One Single.
- Age Restriction: All Guests Need To Be 12 Years Or Older
The facilities are outside the bus, located a block just a few steps from the bus for guests' private use. The facilities include a toilet, sink, and shower room. It also has a kitchenette area with a kettle, microwave, sink, and cutlery. The bus has a mini fridge ad electricity points but otherwise doesn't have running water or kitchen facilities.
- Price: $258 Per Night (May Vary By Season)
- Reviews: 4.86/5.00 Stars With Over 200 Reviews
The Spice Bus can be booked on Airbnb and has a self-check-in. It has proven popular, with the guests getting a rating of 4.86/5.00 stars on Airbnb.