How to Choose the Perfect Cabin (with Photos & Comparisons)

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With a luxury train journey, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. From intimate suites with private lounges to cosy, traditional cabins, each option offers a unique experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cabin options on six iconic luxury trains and share tips on how to pick the perfect one for your style and budget.

What to Consider Before You Book

Before we dive into each train, here are the key factors that will help you choose:

  • Space & Layout

  • Privacy

  • Service Level

  • Price

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

Historic Cabin (AKA Twin Cabin)

The most common and affordable cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the Historic Cabin, formerly known as the Twin Cabin. Although it is the smallest of all categories on this train, it is still comfortably sized for two people and, with a large window, offers a light and airy space. This cabin is perfect for people who want to experience the classic feeling of traditional luxury train travel.

  • Comfortable seating area during the day, transformed into an upper and lower berth at night
  • There is a basin in the room with hot and cold water, but the bathroom facilities are shared with other guests
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily cabin conversion (day to night), bathrobes, slippers, and a pamper kit.
  • Prices start at £3,880 per passenger for a one-night/one-way journey

Double/Twin Suite

Double Suite
Twin Suite

The next accommodation types are the Double and Twin Suites. Each suite features 2 large picture windows and a private en-suite bathroom with an intricately designed mosaic floor, providing the added luxury of personal facilities.

  • A dedicated lounge area by day (sofa, chairs) which converts into a bedroom with either a fixed double bed or twin beds.
  • Private en-suite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin
  • 24-hour steward service, in-suite dining options available, plush bathrobes, slippers, and high-end toiletries
  • Prices start at £8,785 per passenger for a one-night/one-way journey

The Grand Suite

The largest and most opulent cabins onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are the Grand Suites. With only six available, each features its own unique interior décor inspired by the city after which it is named. Every Grand Suite includes a stunning marble en-suite bathroom, free-flowing champagne, and the services of a dedicated steward available 24 hours a day.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suites are exceptionally spacious, offering separate sleeping and lounging areas in addition to the en-suite. Three large windows flood the suite with natural light, allowing guests to fully appreciate the ornate finishes and intricate detailing throughout.

Each Grand Suite is crafted using the finest fabrics, exquisite wood panelling, and polished brass accents. The best way to describe a Grand Suite is a five-star hotel room on wheels.

  • Spacious, Art Deco-designed suites with a double/twin bedroom and a separate living area
  • Private en-suite marble bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin
  • 24-hour butler service and free-flowing champagne
  • Complimentary bespoke toiletries, designer bathrobes (kept as a memento), and a Dyson hair dryer.
  • Prices start at £12,300 per passenger for a one-way/one-night journey

Royal Scotsman (Scotland)

Twin/Double Cabin

Twin Cabin
Double Cabin

The Royal Scotsman’s Twin Cabins are thoughtfully designed to maximise space and comfort. Featuring cosy lower beds, ceiling fans and individually controlled heating, they provide a relaxing retreat for you and your travel companion in all seasons. Awake to sweeping views of Scotland’s remarkable landscapes, enjoying the scenery from the comfort of your bed before stepping ashore to explore the Highlands.

  • Plush twin beds/double bed, dressing table and wardrobe
  • Private en-suite shower, toilet, washbasin, bathrobes & high-quality toiletries
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily housekeeping, and turndown service
  • Prices start at £5,850 per passenger for a two-night journey

Grand Suite

Experience the Royal Scotsman Grand Suites, where Scottish tradition meets modern refinement. Created by local designers, the Heron and Magpie Grand Suites offer enhanced space and an array of exclusive privileges, reserved for you and your guests.

  • Larger cabin with a private lounge area and free-standing double bed
  • In-suite private dining on request, private en-suite shower, toilet, washbasin, plush bathrobes, slippers & high-quality toiletries
  • 24-hour dedicated butler service, one complimentary Dior Spa treatment per guest and personalised minibar
  • Private arrival and departure transfers
  • Prices start at £13,000 per passenger for a two-night journey

Britannic Explorer (England & Wales)

Twin/Double Suites

Twin Suite
Double Suite

The twin suites are adorned with serene blues, and the double suites feature a rich green colour scheme. Both are designed to complement the diverse British landscapes the train passes through. During the day, the suites act as an elegant seating area, perfect for watching the world go by through the large picture window. In the evening, this will be turned into plush twin beds/a double bed.

  • Luxurious twin beds/double bed, fold-out table and stool
  • Private en-suite toilet and shower with a vanity unit and undermount basin
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily housekeeping, and turndown service
  • Prices start at £6,300 per passenger for a three-night journey

Grand Suite

The three Grand Suites—Elder, Valerian, and Juniper—are each uniquely designed to capture the vibrant charm of an English country garden. As The Britannic Explorer's most luxurious accommodations, they offer an array of exquisite features, including a full-length mirror and an elegant marble dining table, providing unparalleled space and comfort as we journey through Britain’s scenic railways.

  • Larger suite with a private lounge area and free-standing double bed. Long-hanging wardrobe and sofa with storage drawers
  • En-suite bathroom with marble basin and shower cubicle & in-cabin dining available
  • Personal butler service, indulgent cabin amenities, one complimentary spa treatment per guest & private arrival and departure transfers

Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)

Pullman Cabin

A paradise of vintage charm featuring two comfortable beds. Relax into plush seating by day as your cabin is flooded with light, courtesy of the two large windows. At night, enjoy upper and lower berths with crisp linens.

  • Converts from daytime lounge to upper and lower berths with crisp linens
  • En-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, washbasin), hairdryer & vanity mirror
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily housekeeping, and night turndown service
  • Prices start at £3,400 per passenger for a three-night trip

State Cabin

The state cabin features two large picture windows, which fill the room with natural light and allow you to marvel at the views outside. The state cabin is more spacious than the Pullman and features a comfortable lounge during the day and two single beds at night.

  • Spacious seating area during the day and two single beds at floor level during the evening
  • En-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, washbasin), hairdryer & vanity mirror
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily housekeeping, and night turndown service
  • Prices start at £4,800 per passenger for a three-night trip

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite offers supreme space with extra luxury touches and a large bathroom with enhanced amenities. Use the wifi onboard and set the ambience with your own music as you recline in the plush seating area.

  • Spacious seating area during the day and twin beds during the evening
  • En-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, washbasin), hairdryer & vanity mirror, luxury toiletries
  • Caviar, fruit basket and flowers upon boarding
  • 24-hour cabin steward service, daily housekeeping, and night turndown service
  • Private arrival and departure transfers
  • Direct access to the General Manager to discuss your journey and excursions
  • Prices start at £8,800 per passenger for a three-night trip
Lucy
Luxury Train Travel Specialist
Lucy is LuxuryTrainTickets.com’s dedicated Luxury Train Travel Specialist, helping travellers discover the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys. With a love for vintage carriages, great storytelling, and perfectly planned itineraries, she brings expert insight and personal guidance to every booking.
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