Lap of Luxury in Outer Space? Russians Plan Galactic Hotel by 2016

Looking for the mother of all extreme vacations? Look no further. In just five years, you could be riding high -- literally -- in a space hotel.

According to the Daily Mail, this hotel being created by the Russian company Orbital Technologies, formally called the Commercial Space Station, will orbit 217 miles above Earth and hold up to seven guests in four cabins. Orbital Technology reported the station would be complete by 2016.

In the weightlessness of space, visitors can choose to have beds that are either vertical or horizontal, while showers will be sealed affairs to stop water going where it shouldn’t (those aboard the International Space Station must make do with sponge baths until they return home).

Tourists, who will be accompanied by experienced crew, will dine on food prepared on Earth and sent up on the rocket, to be reheated in microwave ovens.

The plan is to do away with the freeze-dried tubes of nourishment given to astronauts and replace them with delicacies such as braised veal cheeks with wild mushrooms, white bean puree, potato soup and plum compote.

The Daily Mail reports Sergei Kostenko, chief executive of Orbital Technologies, as saying  that "the hotel will be aimed at wealthy individuals and people working for private companies who want to do research in space."

At £100,000 ($165,513.59) for five days plus £500,000 ($827,567.94) for the flight up, it will be costly. For nearly $1 million, this could be you:

But the hotel is not just those looking for peace and quiet in the luxury of space; it may be used for astronauts needing to get off the International Space Station in the event of an emergency.

[Daily Mail via Popular Science]