TL;DR: Orbital hotel bookings are now open, but you must secure a medical clearance, choose a mission window, and pay a deposit within 72 hours. Act fast—only 12 suites exist per station, and slots for 2026 are already 80% sold.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility (Before You Even Browse)
Most orbital hotels (e.g., Voyager Station, Orbital Assembly’s Pioneer) require you to be between 18 and 65 years old, with a BMI under 30. You must pass a high-G tolerance test and a 3-day centrifuge screening. Contact the hotel’s medical partner to schedule your “Fit-to-Fly” exam. Do not book a room until this is done—refunds are only 50% if you fail later.
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Step 2: Choose Your Mission Window and Duration
Orbital hotels operate on 5-day or 12-day “cycles” aligned with resupply launches. Shorter stays (5 days) cost $8.5M; longer (12 days) run $19M. Pick a window 6–9 months out to allow for training. Avoid solar flare season (July–September) unless you enjoy extra radiation shielding fees (+$1.2M). Use the hotel’s live calendar—green slots are open, yellow are waitlist-only.
Step 3: Book Through a Licensed Space Travel Agent
Do not book directly on the hotel’s website—it’s a lottery. Instead, use agents certified by the FAA and UNOOSA (e.g., SpaceVIP or Axiom Space). They handle the complex booking interface, including your preferred suite orientation (Earth-view vs. deep-space view). Expect a non-refundable $500,000 deposit to hold your spot. You’ll receive a unique booking ID within 48 hours.
Step 4: Complete the 6-Month Training Program
Your package includes 240 hours of virtual reality training, 40 hours of parabolic flight, and 10 hours of spacesuit drills. Schedule these in 2-week blocks at the hotel’s ground facility in Mojave, CA. You must pass a final “abort scenario” simulation—if you fail, you can defer once (with a 10% fee) or forfeit 30% of your total.
Step 5: Pack Light and Prepare for Launch Day
Your carry-on is limited to 5 kg (11 lbs). Bring only: compression clothing, a personal hygiene kit, and a sealed journal (no loose pens). The hotel provides all food, water, and sleep harnesses. On launch day, arrive 6 hours early at the spaceport. You’ll be strapped into a SpaceX Starship for a 3-hour ascent. Once docked, you’ll spend the first 2 hours in “acclimation” before your suite door unlocks.
Step 6: Maximize Your Stay (And Avoid Hidden Fees)
Each suite includes a panoramic window, but the “zero-G spa” and “Earth-gazing lounge” cost extra ($150K per session). Book these at check-in via your wristband. Also, note: you cannot open any windows. Use the hotel’s app for daily schedules—sunrise viewings happen every 90 minutes. Tipping is not customary, but a $5,000 “crew appreciation” fee is auto-added to your final bill.
FAQ
Q: Can I cancel my orbital hotel booking and get a full refund?
A: No. Cancellations made 90+ days before launch lose 20% of the total; inside 90 days, you lose 70%. Only medical disqualification (documented by an independent physician) triggers a 50% refund.
Q: Do I need a passport for space travel?
A: Yes. You’ll need a valid passport for launch from the U.S. and a separate “Space Visitor Visa” issued by
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