Who doesn’t want to stay in luxury? On a train? Falling asleep to the clickety-clackety sound as you speed through darkened countryside, awaking to a rich breakfast served by liveried staff members on silver trays…
HOLD ON – that’s the Orient Express.
The Caledonian Sleeper is a different kind of luxury: practical comfort.
Let me show you the room, the facilities, how breakfast is served as I take this luxury hotel train from London Euston to Glasgow Central. Can one tall man fit in a 60cm bed? Can he sleep? In the time of Covid? And what does all of this goodness cost? Should you fly instead? So. Many. Questions.
This is the *written* review based around photos. You can jump straight to the video version by clicking here.
London Euston was deathly quiet, despite the fact there were quite a few trains yet to run past 9pm. This was my first glimpse of the famous logo, using a stag’s horns as part of the livery. I do look pretty pleased! Well, this is a luxury product (both in terms of the offering and the cost). Double checking that I’m headed for Glasgow Central! The train splits in two at Carstairs early the next morning – one part goes to Glasgow and the other to Edinburgh Waverly. Yes, still Glasgow Central! Of course, at the time of travel (end June 2021), masks were compulsory everywhere in the station and aboard the train. I did find the corridors narrow, but then again I’m 6′ tall (183cm) and a little wider than the average bear! The bed looked nice and comfortable all made up in crisp white linen. I liked the idea of a cover on which to lay your luggage, minimising stains. The guide laid out how to use the room. Useful? Yes! I found out there was a hidden table! The Classic room gets a little goodie bag. Just water, earplugs and an eye mask! The sink became the ideal (read: only) place to pop a tripod! The walls are extremely thin. But people were respectful of one another (and most crisp eating noises were drowned out by the train noises! So, did I enjoy it? The price was great (£125) but I did miss the fact the Club Car was not operating. I’ll just have to go again!
If you’d like to see the full video review, just click below:
