Travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an experience in itself. How could that possibly be improved? Well, by being fortunate enough to spend the night in one of their luxurious suites.
Great Rail Journeys' James Eaton achieved this life-long dream recently as he boarded this world-famous train in Paris.
It didn't take long for our Independent Travel Executive to realise how special his journey was going to be.
"As soon as I boarded the train and arrived at my suite, I was overcome with pure emotion, excitement and delight," says James. "I wasn't expecting to feel this way, but the whole experience took my breath away."
Spectacular first impressions of the suite
"The Belmond porters took our luggage along the platform to the check-in desks," says James as he discusses boarding at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz station.
"You immediately got the impression everyone was very happy and enthusiastic to welcome us. There was plenty of time to take photos of the train's exterior.
"As we boarded, we were greeted by more friendly faces, with cabin attendants and kitchen staff going about their tasks. I was met by my attendant, Elle, who welcomed me with a beaming smile as she walked me along the corridor to my suite."
With the excitement and anticipation building after this fantastic welcome, James was introduced to his suite. It's fair to say the first impressions were impressive.
"I was absolutely blown away with how stunning my suite was," says James. "What struck me first was how bright it was. Everything sparkled - including the welcoming champagne on ice! This was accompanied by a selection of sweet treats, pastries and caviar.
"Everything was so incredibly clean, with the gleaming marble interior giving the suite a really elegant feel. Every part of the suite had a purpose and everything had a place. There was a small wardrobe with shelves and a luggage rack that could store two small suitcases. The sofa was very comfortable, and this was turned into a double bed while I had dinner.
"The ensuite bathroom was filled with plenty of amenities, such as shower gels and creams. There was a washbasin and a shower, both of which were incredibly clean and well-kept. There was all you could possibly need.
"My first impressions left me speechless!"
Attentive service enhancing the experience
As with many holidays, it's the people who make the experience extra special. With their exquisite professionalism and attentive service, the staff of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express elevate the journey. From the moment you arrive in the station and settle into your cabin to dining and departing, everything is taken care of.
"The service was incredible. Nothing was too much trouble, and everything was done with a smile and the utmost professionalism," says James.
"My attendant showed me how everything worked, from locking the suite door to closing the blinds."
Elle, James' attendant, took his breakfast order before dinner. "I said I would like it at 8am, and it arrived promptly on time - again, with a beaming smile.
"Prior to it arriving, Elle spent five minutes changing my suite from its nighttime setup to the daytime arrangement so that I could enjoy breakfast at the table. This was all very simple as I waited in the corridor watching the incredible Austrian scenery.
"There was a choice of breakfasts, and I decided on the Classique, which was incredibly tasty. I'm sure I could have had breakfast in bed, but sitting at the table made it even more enjoyable."
What struck James was how personable and passionate the staff were about their roles.
"It was clearly more than just a job for them. Even though they had their roles - which they carried out impeccably - it was apparent how they were encouraged to bring their own personalities onboard. I was also very impressed with how many languages they could speak - one member spoke an incredible eight languages!"
From the attendants to the kitchen staff, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one family.
"I was also given a tour of the tiny kitchens. It's quite remarkable that they can produce such quality from such a small space. Again, the kitchen staff were super friendly, and it was obvious they had passion in their work.
"I doubt I will ever experience this type of service again in my life."
Dining and cocktails 'out of this world'
One of the highlights of the journey whether you're in a historic cabin or a suite is the experience of dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. In refined, elegant surroundings, gastronomic delights are served to your table. It's not just a meal, it's an event.
There are usually two sittings across the three onboard dining cars - Côte d'Azur, l'Oriental and Etoile du Nord.
"All the dining cars had tables for two or four people," says James, "and there was also the eight-seater Grand Table located in Côte d'Azur.
"Everyone had made a real effort in getting dressed up and we met in the Bar Car for a pre-dinner drink as we weren't rushed to take our seats in the restaurant. In fact, there was no rushing at all throughout the whole experience. Everything onboard was done in a relaxing and calm manner.
"We sat at a table for four in l'Oriental and were treated to real culinary delight. Whilst the food and drinks were out of the world, the waiters and waitresses yet again made the experience a memorable one."
After the fantastic meal, passengers retired to the Bar Car.
"A real highlight of the journey was after dinner," says James. "The Bar Car (cocktail bar) is the real heart of the train. It's a really sociable and vibrant place. You knew you could go there at any time and there would be a welcoming face to greet you.
"From the moment you sat in the Bar Car, one of the friendly waiters would come straight over to take your drinks order, but not before placing some nibbles on your table. There were even bar stools inviting you to sit at the bar and chat to the bartenders if you preferred.
"With the train trundling along, sipping on cocktails and playing cards, we were treated to a pianist and a singer entertaining us into the night. "The atmosphere that evening was one of pure happiness. Everyone chatting, laughing and enjoying themselves.
"If ever there was a moment to summarise this once-in-a-lifetime journey, this was it!"
Exquisite views on an iconic journey
Enjoying the luxury aboard the train, it can sometimes slip your mind that you're travelling between two of Europe's most beautiful cities - Paris and Venice - and that you're passing through the Alps.
"There was a lot of spectacular scenery on the route, but going through the Brenner Pass with snowcapped mountaintops in the background was definitely a jaw-dropping highlight," says James.
The sense of occasion aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express extends throughout the train and even in the elegantly decorated corridors.
"I found walking through the carriages to be very enjoyable. I bumped into other passengers and staff, sharing a joke, smile or a nod of courtesy each time."
Being able to retire to a luxury suite is an unforgettable experience, unwinding as some of the continent's finest landscapes pass the large window.
"The chair with the foldaway table was a great place to sit and watch the world go by. On the corridor side of the suite, there were marble shutters that could be opened. This way, you could see the outside from both sides of the train, giving a real panoramic experience.
"I could certainly have sat there all day, enjoying the moments as the wonderful scenery rolled by."
Enjoy these treasured moments for yourself
Summing up his journey in a suite aboard the world's most famous luxury train, James said: "Finally, I entirely appreciate the allure of a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
"Would I consider booking this journey and experiencing it for myself? Absolutely, yes!
"It was one of those moments I will never forget and will treasure forever. An experience I will tell people about for the rest of my life!"
To view our full range of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holidays, click here.
