A guest at the San Jose copper-gold mine raises his arms in triumph after completing an extended checking-out process.

Despite providing sustainable, if not luxurious, accommodations to 33 miners for 69 days, the San Jose copper-gold mine in Copiapó, Chile has closed to visitors until further notice.

According to the occasionally reliable Wikipedia, a 500-square-foot shelter provided guests with two benches for sitting or perhaps laying down. Visitors were able to explore their subterranean surroundings through more than one mile of galleries. And while the accommodations did not have an waterfront view, guests did find its proximity to underground water sources refreshing. Although the San Jose copper-gold mine does not have a proper fitness room, most people who stayed there have reported significant weight loss. And guests at the mine also enjoyed the unique perks of a handshake with Chilean president Sebastián Piñera and a free medical exam upon departing (although express checkout was not an option, with some guests reporting it took more than 15 minutes).

The author did not receive anything complimentary from the Chilean mine in exchange for this article.

Photo: Courtesy Wikimedia