David Weekes has turned his fully-functioning Hackney carriage into a hotel for one, available to rent from today for £50 a night.
It has been kitted with a “memory foam” mattress, pillow and duvet – complete with official Olympic pillow case and bed spread – a bedside lamp, “curtains” and a Paddington Bear teddy.
There is also a solar-powered fridge, a radio and an iPad, while camping chairs and a portable table are available on request.
The taxi can be booked through the home rental website Wimdu.co.uk. A spokesperson said anyone interested would need to be flexible in order to fit into Mr Weekes’s daily work schedule.
They would be left with the taxi in the evenings, and would need to relinquish it in the morning, so he could begin work again.
Guests would need to discuss with the driver where they want the taxi left overnight – either outside Mr Weekes’s house in north London or somewhere else legally-permissible in the capital.
Finding a lavatory could be an issue, however, although Mr Weekes has agreed to allow guests who stay outside his home inside to use his facilities.
He added that the idea was an attempt to combat a predicted fall in revenue during the Olympics. Taxi drivers will not be permitted to use special Olympic Games Lanes, which could lead to slower journeys and fewer fares.
“I’m really excited that the Olympics are coming to the city but it’s going to be a nightmare for cab drivers,” he said. “When I heard that I could rent out my taxi, I thought it was a no-brainer.”
For more information, and to book, see https://www.wimdu.com/offers/4VMXNLLJ
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