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Taking a loop on the London Eye—or at least Instagramming it—is a must for many travelers visiting the U.K., even when the nearly $30 ticket comes with time restrictions and really, really long lines (cough queues). But what if you could skip the line and have the landmark all to yourself, all night? TripAdvisor Rentals is making that happen by offering the “Eye Spy A Home In The Sky” competition, where one winner and a guest will be the first people ever to spend a night in the 443-foot-tall Ferris wheel. The famous landmark took its first spin in 2000, and has received more than 60 million visitors since. Now, along with home goods company Wayfair, TripAdvisor is set to transform one of the attraction’s all-glass capsules into a fully furnished bedroom—oh, and you'll also get 360-degree views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities while you're up there, too.
While you'd think the sky-high pod would be outfitted with things like Union Jack decor, the design team at Wayfair opted for tropical greenery. After Pantone named "greenery" the color of the year for 2017, the home goods company thought the overnight could double as "an exotic getaway" and "slice of serene paradise."
The capsule will sit at the top of the London Eye’s rotation overnight, offering travelers the best views of the city. Guests will be able to call down to the London Eye operator to bring the capsule down as needed overnight—including for use of the bathroom. Based on the winner and guest’s preferences for their #SkyHighStay, TripAdvisor Rentals will arrange a champagne reception and a special dinner for two in the capsule, as well. No need to worry about privacy as you're so high up. (But, if do need to come down for any reason, we suggest you have public-appropriate jammies on hand.)
“We’re excited to welcome travelers for the first ever overnight stay in such an iconic spot,” TripAdvisor Rentals spokesperson Laurel Greatrix tells Condé Nast Traveler. “The winner and their guest will have amazing views of London and a pretty unforgettable night," followed by a three-night stay in a local rental. "It really is the trip of a lifetime, and the winner will be making history in the process.”
Interested in spending a night atop one of London's greatest landmarks? Go to the contest page from March 7 through March 19 and enter your information as requested. One winner will then be chosen at random on March 20. The once-in-a-lifetime overnight will then take place ten days later, followed by a three-night stay in a TripAdvisor rental nearby. Round-trip airfare is also included.
