The historic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—arguably the world’s most famous train—recently announced that it will debut three new Grand Suites in completely renovated carriage for its journeys across Europe starting next March.
During weekly trips between London, Paris and Venice, and the annual ride from Paris to Istanbul, guests staying in the new Grand Suites will enjoy a bedroom with a double bed, a separate living room area for private dining, plus a sofa that can be converted into an extra sleeping space. The suites will also feature the train's first and only private en-suite bathrooms that include a shower, washbasin, and toilet.
In comparison, the other cabins on the train only afforded enough room for a sitting area that converted into a double or twin bed at night and a washbasin with shared full bathrooms at the end of the carriage.
While the three Grand Suites are all decorated in the Art Deco style, each cabin draws individual inspiration from some of the world's most romantic cities, including Istanbul, Paris, and Venice.
Grand Suite—Istanbul
Inspired by Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, this suite is full of opulent details included hand-carved timber, embossed leather, and embellished metal accents.
Grand Suite—Paris
The Paris Grand Suite draws its inspiration from the French capital's architecture and is decorated in a light and airy shade of sage green with floral accents.
Grand Suite—Venice
The Venice Grande Suite is influenced by Italian Baroque and Renaissance design. Guests will find plenty of silk and woven fabrics, glass lamps and Venetian furniture in rich shades of blue.
Since the three suites are located in the same carriage, the entire car can be reserved for larger groups as well.
A one-night journey from London to Venice in a Grand Suite costs $6,160 per person, and guests will be treated to a variety of other amenities including private transfers to and from the train station, a guaranteed table for two at their preferred dining car and seating time, complimentary caviar upon arrival, free-flowing Champagne throughout the journey, and an art-deco bathrobe to take home as a souvenir.
Sounds like something out of a dream.
Lyndsey Matthews is the Destination News Editor for AFAR; previously she was a Lifestyle Editor across all of Hearst Digital Media's brands, and a digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Travel + Leisure.
