Moon hotel by 2032? California startup opens $1 million bookings for lunar stay

A US-based space startup has unveiled ambitious plans to build the world’s first permanent hotel on the Moon, with construction set to begin in 2029 and the first guests expected by 2032.

What once sounded like pure science fiction may soon become a luxury travel reality. A California-based space startup has announced plans to build what it claims will be the world’s first permanent hotel on the Moon, with operations targeted to begin by 2032.

The company, Galactic Resource Utilisation Space (GRU), says the project has moved beyond the idea stage and is already drawing serious attention from the global space-tech industry. Founded by 21-year-old engineer Skyler Chan, GRU has secured backing from investors linked to SpaceX, Nvidia, Y Combinator and defence technology firm Anduril.

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In a move that underlines its confidence, the startup has opened early reservations for future guests. Interested travellers are being asked to place a $1 million deposit to secure a booking. According to company details and industry reports, room prices at the lunar hotel are expected to start at around $410,000 per night.

GRU plans to begin construction in 2029, once all regulatory clearances and technical demonstrations are completed. A test mission is planned that year to prove the company’s ability to construct long-lasting structures directly on the Moon. If these milestones are met, the first phase of the hotel could be ready to welcome guests by 2032.

To overcome the challenges of building on the Moon, GRU says it will rely on a proprietary construction system that converts lunar soil into usable building material. This approach aims to reduce the need to transport materials from Earth, cutting costs and enabling large-scale infrastructure. The company also plans to use automated systems and modular habitation units assembled on-site, allowing the structure to expand over time.

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The startup believes the same technology could later support lunar research bases and even early human settlements on Mars.

The hotel is expected to attract wealthy space enthusiasts, former commercial spaceflight passengers, and even couples seeking an unusual honeymoon experience. While prices are currently positioned in the ultra-luxury segment, GRU says costs could come down in the future, similar to how air travel evolved from an elite service to a mass industry.