JetBlue Opens New Hotel in Orlando, but You’re Probably Not Allowed to Stay There

JetBlue has opened a new hotel in Orlando — but you probably aren’t allowed to stay there.

JetBlue Airways has officially opened a new boutique hotel in Orlando, but The Lodge at OSC is not exactly what one might expect. The new property is specifically for JetBlue employees.

“OSC” stands for Orlando Support Center, JetBlue’s facility for training and new-hire orientation. The Lodge is adjacent to the support center, which is also known as “JetBlue University”. About 7,000 employees pass through the facility each year.

The Lodge is a four-story property with 196 rooms, and the company intends to operate it as a full-service boutique hotel. Although it’s designed to resemble an airport terminal, it comes outfitted with a 24-hour gym, walking track, bikes, fire pit, pool, free laundry, restaurant and bar, basketball court, and fields for soccer, kickball and softball.

“JetBlue’s one-of-a-kind culture literally starts from day one,” said JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes in a statement to USA Today. “Instead of ending the collaboration process as crewmembers disperse for the night, we can continue to build lasting relationships in our very own hotel. I personally try to attend each and every new-hire orientation to greet our new crewmembers as does our entire executive leadership team. With the Lodge we are investing in our most important asset — our people.”

Every aspect of the hotel is designed to emphasize JetBlue’s mission and company values, as well as encourage collaboration, team-building, and personal connection to the business.

[Photos: JetBlue Airways via USA Today]