Normally, smelling diesel fuel during an Airbnb stay would be cause for concern, but of the few lodgings where it’s not only safe but expected is on the USS Cobia. Some 80 years after playing a pivotal role in World War II, the battle-hardened submarine is open to overnight guests. The 312-foot-long submarine became operational in November 1943 and went on to sink 13 Japanese ships. Following the end of the war, the decommissioned Cobia was used as a training vessel, ultimately landing in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where it served as a memorial. It became an official part of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in 1986, and in 1996 the institution began restoring the sub. The refurbished vessel now has period-accurate flooring and working radar, as well as features that sailors were unable to enjoy during their service, like heating and air conditioning. In 2019, the museum began offering overnight stays on board the ship, accommodating up to 65 overnight guests at a time. Rates begin at $500 per night, though the museum does offer discounted stays during select dates and cheaper youth group rates throughout the year. Unlike the Airbnb bookings, these dates aren’t private. The revenue generated from bookings helps the museum offset the costs of maintaining the ship. Of course, traversing the rooms requires some finessing through narrow entryways and hatches, but none of that seems to bother history buffs. Despite the museum’s commitment to realism, there is one anomaly — the onboard bathrooms are non-functional. Fortunately, the neighboring museum remains open all night.
