I Booked The Best Room On The Caledonian Sleeper Train-I WAS SHOCKED!
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- I Booked The Best Room On The Caledonian Sleeper Train
It cost me £425
I have tried to be as honest as possible about my experience and if you're thinking about booking this trip I hope you find this review helpful.
Thank you for watching and all comments are appreciated
I’m guessing staying home might be your best option.
I would gladly stay at home if the choice was between a night on this train again or my bed 😂
Dude, IT'S A TRAIN - what did you expect? Of course things rattle and creak... It'S. A. TRAIN.
Hi Harry, Caledonian have a huge advert in London saying fall asleep in London wake up in Scotland… which is why I booked it rather than flying and getting a hotel for the night….I rest my case.
Thank you for watching 👍😁
Errr..............actually I have been on trains in Europe and Japan and they were as smooth and quiet as a plane! This is the 21st Century, not 1875, and so I totally agree with Mark.
Of course it's a train but, it's outdated, albeit cosmetically revamped, rolling stock. I've travelled on sleeper trains in Europe and they're extremely comfortable and quiet.
@user-lm4mn3yr2h ...its all new Rolling Stock !!!
Have you been on the caladonian sleeper since the new coaches have been in service..... if you have the misfortune of having a cabin over the wheel bogie your screwed. The noise is genuinely unbearable. They shouldn't be marketing it as a sleeper train when some of the cabins you wouldn't be able to sleep!
Thank you for sharing your trian trip. Yes, I see the shaking there in your cabin. But trains do shake as they travel on the tracks in general. And you are right if it is bothering you then the shaking or vibrations are going to be bothersome!!😊 Well, at least you have tried to pay for the extra First Class Cabin suite to enjoy some level of comfort for an overnight trip. Glad you experienced this well renowned train company there!!😊😊
Hi LMays and thank you for the great comment 😊
Hopefully one day I can try it out again and enjoy it more. I was really hoping to see the views of Scotland as I woke up but it didn’t end up working out like that 🤦♂️
Thank you for watching 😊👍
You ate welcome. I do live seeing and experiencing trains but it was my Mother who loved buy the First Class Sleeper Cabin here in the USA. She would always take the train out to see her sister in California on the Amtrak Train Southern Route and it took the 2 1/2 to 3 days days from Chicago to Los Angeles. I have taken the Amtrak Train but I love flying better. ☺ Having the membership points to upgrade helps all the time. ☺
Wow that sounds amazing.. the Chicago to LA sleeper sounds incredible and I hope I can try it out one day soon 🙌
I’m the same and prefer flying but could definitely be very easily persuaded to try the 🇺🇸 sleeper 🚂 😂
Yes, I feel you will take the First Class Sleeper there again. Traveling to Scotland and seeing the country sides you are travel closer to see how beautiful they are. I am sure you would probably see cows and sheep from the farm fields. In the aircraft it is nice to see land areas but not as close to see things like that. ☺
Have you ever been on the lapland express ? I can highly recommend it. You basically get almost all of what tou have here , except a bunk bed , but toilet, shower , and an incredible artic experience, for basically 1/4 the price. You can also rent in second floor of the coach so you dont hear the rails cracking .
Hi Stefan, thank you for your recommendation, I’ll have a look and try it out if possible 🙌😊
Thank you for watching 👍
I take it you could not serve in HM Forces then, lying in the train corridor from Plymouth To Aberdeen for 16 hours and ready for work next morning :-)
Absolutely not!
I take my hat off to you 😂
Thank you for your service 🙌👍😊
I got the train from london to dover and it was full of matelots and I bedded down with them in the corridor.
Took it twice, broken sleep both times from noise, and even worse the rough movement. No excuse for it not to be insulated for noise and sufficient comfort the prices they charge. Even the regular rooms were £150 each
Hi John, I had exactly the same experience as you
Thank you for sharing 👍
@@tradingplaces787 people seem to rave about the GWR night riviera, so may have to give that a go!
I’ve seen the same and want to try it when I get chance 😁👍
I too wanted to scream "You're on a train!" However, I've seen a few reviews on the Caledonian Sleeper and they've been hit and miss as to the quality of journey which can be down to where you are on the coach and I can't remember which was better, over the wheels or in the middle... Some reviewers suggested a few drinks to help with sleeping too so maybe bring a bigger bottle than the one's they serve next time! I also wonder if it's because you were lying down on a train as opposed to sitting? We're used to dozing off in a car or train seat so that might have been better, assuming others in the carriage aren't snoring! 😂 Shame the trip ended at Preston, hope you managed to get some sleep in the end.
Hi, I’ve had a few people in the comments actually scream that tbh 🤦♂️😂
You’re right lying down definitely didn’t help, the train was also a lot more noisy than I anticipated.
I’m trying out the GWR London-Penzance Night Riviera soon to compare, hopefully I can get a better nights rest 😂
Thank you for watching 😊👍
The only way to guarantee sleep on trains or planes is to use ear plugs and pop a zopiclone pill. 💊
I hear you but I always feel a bit worried about that type of thing incase I don’t wake up 🤦♂️😂
I think different people react very differently to that train or sleeping on a train generally. Personally I love going to Scotland on that train and get a reasonable amount of sleep, but others like yourself don't get on with it at all.
Hi Andrew, that’s a fair assessment tbh 😂👍
Some people enjoy it and others find it a tough journey.
I wouldn’t get on it again even if someone paid me, but that’s me 😂
Thank you for watching 😁👍
Loved this review! I would easily take a holiday inn rather than over a century old train pod. I make that kind of last min decisions as well, so i totally get you. If you don't vibe it, just leave.❤
If it’s not for you then just leave 👍😂
Thank you for the positive feedback 😊
No prob, I'm glad that I found this review cuz others were raving about this train so was thinking of trying it out. Very honest review! Love that.
Is there a reason why you can't look into the camera? 😒
Because it was one of my first ever reviews and I wasn’t very good 🤷🏻
Personally I don't like the new Caledonian sleeper. It's expensive and the carriages are worse for comfort and noise than the old rolling stock. I much preferred the previous stock, which often had affordable accommodation. I'd much rather sleeper option was more European with affordable couchettes or expensive doubles for those that want it. A true alternative to flying.
£425 FROM London to Aberdeen you could alternatively get 1900 LNER service to Edinburgh for £60 (Seatfrog upgrade to 1st approx £30), a night at Motel One for £169 and then 0530 train to Aberdeen for £22. Travelodge would only be £80.
Prices for travel 28.4.24
Hi Michelle and thank you for the great information 👍🙌
The seat frog upgrade sounds fantastic and I haven’t heard of that before but il definitely look into it going forwards
Thank you for watching 👍😁
Remember that travel blogging isn't always about the easiest, cheapest, through to the most expensive options. People get on a 4-5 day Greyhound bus across the US to show what it's like rather than a simple 5hr flight - people do this for cost reasons etc. every day and probably survive. Some things workout well, others are pure hell, but it shows both sides of the coin, positive or negative.
It's good to see an experience that wasn't all glossy and full of praise. It's not to say that the next person filming their experience won't have a better time of it
I would have thought that for the price paid, dinner might have been included rather for forking out another £30ish.
I used to use the sleeper a bit years ago when my father was in the Navy and he got leave and we went from Somerset to London and then up to Aberdeen and onwards to Keith. Always a novelty back then having the top bunk.
Also did the standing in the door area from Aberdeen to London a couple of times on an overpacked train that took a few more hours than it does these days.
About thirty 5 years ago I got the Sleeper from Liverpool to Euston. It was so uncomfortable I could not rest - I went straight home and cancelled the morning meeting I was travelling for and passed out for 10 hours! I was still exhausted when I awoke.
NEVER AGAIN!
Exactly the same as my experience 🤦👍
I only booked it as I’d seen some other reviews saying how good it was and how they slept well 🤷🏻
Thank you for the comment and hopefully people will see this and weigh things up before booking it 😁
@@tradingplaces787 One is always better off getting the very earliest train in the morning and dozing to catch up with any lost sleep.
Why the Caledonian Sleeper is using freight locomotives to pull their carriages seems bizarre. Also putting the premium sleeper cars anywhere near the loco makes no sense. Past experiences of modern diesel multiple units (Turbo Stars, Voyagers and the ilk) with one or two engines per carriage under the passenger floor seem quieter than your allocated compartment. I don't think CAF the carriage manufacturers are to blame, it's more likely they were forced to build bare bones units for a bargain basement price by the railway operator; and I think this is shown by the at best 'Utilitarian' lounge facilities at Euston.
Hi Engels and thank you for the comment, I didn’t know that information so thank you for sharing it. 👍😁
Its nothing to do with the locomotives, its the quality of the ride which is the problem. Having separate locomotive power is quieter than having individual carriage power for obvious reasons.
Ok expert.. what is the difference between a "freight locomotive" and a "passenger locomotive" ?
@@davey1121 no difference apart from the fact that passenger locos have an auxiliary power feed. Ironically, it’s called “hotel power” in the rail industry. It wouldn’t result in higher noise levels.
@@robllan the sleeper to fort William used to be hauled by class 37 locomotives. The “passenger” variant (the subclass 37/4) made just as much noise as the “freight” variant which didn’t have ETH facilities, so the argument that using freight locos instead of passenger locos is not true.
Thats absolutely abysmal! for £450 I'd have expected way better than that and just last month none of these compartments had any water! What do you mean you had to pay for your food on top! Thats just a rip off! sorry It wouldn't be me!
I totally agree with you, its NOT a sleeper, its a lie awaker.
I made the mistake of getting the 'sleeper'from Glasgow to London on a Monday night, then spending the day in London before getting the 'sleeper' back to Glasgow on the Tuesday night..Even though I was shattered I hardly slept and went straight to my bed on Wednesday morning..NEVER AGAIN..
As soon as I got on the train back at 10.30pm I was asleep in minutes, but woken as it left Euston at 11.45pm.
Hi Robert,
I’m really glad you left a message 🙌
It definitely is a lie awaker 😂
I’m just in the process of booking the GWR Night Rivera have you done that one before?
Thank you 😊
@@tradingplaces787 So coming down to my neck of the woods - the sleepy old SW!
Biggest load of clickbait balderdash Ive seen on RUclips in a long time.
You are such an absolute drama queen. Put some bloody ear plugs in. I just slept for about 7 hours on the Aberdeen sleeper in room 10 on top of the wheels. It was bouncy but its not THAT BAD
“Not that bad” for £450?
For £450 I expect a great nights sleep so I can feel rested and refreshed for the next day
Imagine arriving into Aberdeen and just as breakfast is being served instead of enjoying the final moments of your trip and living in the moment you’re jumping on here and giving me your negative thoughts 🤦♂️😂
@@tradingplaces787 your video was completely full of negativity 😂, I really enjoyed my ride on the sleeper. Yes it rattled a bit and it was bouncy but it’s a TRAIN with metal wheels on metal rails.
My video 👍 Yes, at least you got something right!
Meaning, it was my hard-earned money that I spent and with that comes my honest opinion.
Are you implying that because you found it okay, and “Not that bad” that my experience and opinion is now invalid? 😂
You realise that human beings can have a difference in opinion about the exact same thing? 🤷🏻
Go and enjoy your morning in Scotland, life is far too short to be arguing on the internet with someone who you don’t know, about stuff that you won’t remember in a few weeks time.
Have a good morning 😁
You complain too much.
Would you prefer it if I pretended it was amazing like all the other big RUclipsrs who are obviously getting 💸 for saying it’s brilliant when it’s awful? 🤷🏻
Check out the review I did of Iryo for less complaining 👍
I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do he says.............my advice is get off the train and stand outside with the other snowflakes.
Imagine being that guy who spends his Saturday afternoon writing negative comments to someone who they don’t know and that they’ve never met.
You’re not forced to keep watching 🤷🏻
Have a great weekend and enjoy 😁
@@tradingplaces787 The irony is you have done the very thing you have self righteously complained about. I bet you are the kind of person who would fetch my stick when I throw it. Now off you go and fetch my stick. You cannot help but watch it's like a car crash you know it's bad but you just keep watching.
Every click helps, good or bad 👍
Thanks for this it was really helpful...................it got me off to sleep in under 30 seconds.
Brilliant, I’m glad it helped!
I’d never have thought that my vlog would be a better sleeper service than the Caledonian.
Thank you for watching 🙌😁
Look at the lens not your image on the screen.
😂
😂
I agree if you’re paying £450 you should feel comfort and maybe proper shower room .
You know not too get on one again. Lesson learned .
Many years ago I took an overnight train from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, bunk bed, it was fab. Great way to spend a night and amazing views.
The trick with the sleeper is to get a room in the middle of the carriage. They are much less rocky.
Why would you complain about a "wet bath" in your private train cabin? You are on a train for fuck sake! You should be thrilled that you have your own private bathroom with a toilet and shower. So what if the toilet seat is wet because you just took a shower? Your bum is going to get wet? Is that such a big problem? I don't get it.
Hi and thank you for the comment.
If I’m paying £450 for an en suite I personally expect higher standards.
If it was £100 for the night I’d totally understand but you can’t expect to charge £450 then offer a shower and toilet area that is similar to a portable toilet on a building site.
Just my opinion though 👍
@@tradingplaces787 I agree, it's a ridiculous price for what you get. Other countries do good showers on trains and sleeper compartments that are quiet enough for sleep. Very useful video, thank you.
@@tradingplaces787 Agreed. £450 is ridiculous for this
Pathetic....
I just typed a several paragraph long guide to mitigating sleeper train problems, the best service to purchase and a great idea for those getting to an evening long haul flight next day. It didn't upload and I cannot decide whether to cry or smash things up in my living room.
Dagnabbit !
Oh dear! 🤦😂😂
@@tradingplaces787 Regarding the suggestion of doing the sleeper from Chicago to Oakland .......
search on RUclips for California Zephyr. There are many reviews. If I may suggest, take it in stages, staying over varying durations in particular places. Some sections will only need a seat. Overnight sections might tempt you to a Bedroom or more likely a Roomette, but both are hugely expensive.
I suggest the following waypoints to stay over at : From Chicago , going west .......
Lincoln ( arr about midnight ) several good things by car both east and west of Lincoln, including Omaha. Hotel right by station.
Denver ( arr early morning ). Speaks for itself.
Grand Junction ( arrive later afternoon ). This is after the most or equal most spectacular part of rail trip. Hire a car and do a section of southwest Colorado and eastern strip of Utah e.g. Moab area.
Salt Lake City might surprise you if you want to get off there too. Truckee just over into Califrornia in the mountain area- rent a car, go see the mountains , Lake Tahoe and Yosemite ( season depending ).
Sacramento, for a one day stop, lots to do near the station, like Old Town and the railway museum.
Staggering the journey like this makes a whole trip of it and makes the train less expensive for you as reduced need for bedroom occupancy.
Don't expect too much at the other end as San Francisco has declined so much sadly and has become a pitiful sight in places due to irresponsible lunatics running it.
Just so I’m clear as I’m not sure you said - why did you get off the train? Could you not sleep?! Was it noisy?! Did you have to get off the train?! Seriously, once you’ve explained your feelings a couple of times, then most viewers will get it. Unfortunately your video was prolonged by you stating the same thing over and over again. I get that you were gutted but you actually had me wondering at one stage how I was at fault?!!
Hi Ash, it was like trying to to sleep on top of a washing machine on its full spin cycle 😂
Thank you for your feedback and have a great week 😁
@@tradingplaces787 Enjoy your content - looking forward to the next video
Hahahaha brilliant......I will never do this train thanks to this true review.....
Glad you enjoyed it 😂🙌
@@tradingplaces787 most sleepers across the world are the same, I've done quite a few. But the price is unbelievable for that. Loved how you sacked it off !!!! lol - did you get any money back btw?
As someone who has been on the Caledonion Sleeper over 10 times, with these Spanish built MK5 coaches used for the sleeper, it's not ideal for anyone really especially in the seated coach. I've not had a problem getting to sleep but if you do travel with Caledonion Sleeper next time, make sure to wear the ear plugs to try and block the noise out.
For the hot food, pretty much no UK operators do hot food in 1st class lounges, basically just have sweets which is unfortunate but atleast you had something in the lounge :)
Hi SRV, thanks for your comment. I did try to use the ear plugs but they didn’t work at reducing the noise. I’m trying the GWR sleeper soon and then will be able to compare the two options which will be fun 😂
Thank you for watching 👍😁
Is this a joke? I mean what you expected? It is a moving train and of course you hear and feel that. But if you have the possibility to cancel the ride after 2 hours, I guess you didn't have to work the next day. So where is the problem if you had not much sleep for one night?
A few years ago I wanted to visit a friend in Büsum at the north sea for celebrating new year together. I had to work until friday afternoon, so I took a normal night Inter City train to Hamburg in a normal seat. I had to use 3 additional regional trains and had no sleep at all.
The next day we had a breakfast, a strong coffee and we went swimming. In the afternoon I had a 2 hous nap and after that we went out for dinner and some beer. Where the hell is the problem to have one night without sleep? I would not cancel a trip because of that.
That’s because you are Michas, and I am Mark and we both have different outlooks on what’s acceptable to them and what is not.
No sleep for me when I’ve been promised a good night by Caledonian is not acceptable.
It sounds like you had a great afternoon with your friend though and I enjoyed reading your comment 👍
Thank you for watching 😊
I would say it was because the track underneath is not great. The tracks are not built for sleek running. The sections are too short.
Subscribed! Your good looks definitely had something to do with it!! Ha Ha Sorry you couldn't get to sleep, you're right get a flight next time! X
Thank you for your very kind words and thank you for watching and subscribing 😂🙌👍
@@tradingplaces787 ❤
Oh my god that meal looks like something my dog did thismorning.
Hi Sarah, it probably didn’t taste much better either 🤦😂
Thank you for watching 😁👍
I liked your apt comparison to sleeping on top of a washing machine! A few years ago, I stayed in a hotel in Copenhagen with a similar washroom to what you had on the train -- with the shower right on top of the toilet, and water splashing everywhere. I entered in my socks in the middle of the night, forgetting the situation, and that wasn't too pleasant. You were gutsy to just get off the train, potentially in the middle of nowhere, and in the middle of the night. I imagined that you might find yourself in the dark, damp, midnight blue English countryside -- but you managed it all very well! I'm travelling from LCY to Edinburgh in a couple of weeks. Initially, I considered the Caledonian Sleeper, just for the experience. But am I ever glad that I booked a business class ticket with BA -- for considerably less than this overnight trip!
Hi Chris, thank you for your great comment 😁
You’ve definitely made the right choice in picking BA I’d definitely do the same and you’ll arrive in Scotland with way more energy than if you’d spent the night on the Caledonian 😂
Have a fabulous trip and enjoy the take off at LCY 🛫👀😂
Have you never been on a train before? Try some of the commuter lines around London or Leeds. Trains shake rattle and roll! You paid for one of the best services on the network, and had some of the best moving accommodation available in the UK. You paid a fair price for the distance, customer service, and great accommodation.
Hi Graham, I take it you haven’t travelled in a double room on the Caledonian?
There are a lot of other people who are saying the same as me in my comments.
The price is ridiculous and the room isn’t great.
Thank you for watching.
@@tradingplaces787 Several friends from Scotland have commented on how much better the facilities are in the refurbished rolling stock. I look forward to travelling on it one day. You asked why it's called a sleeper train. Do normal trains have bedrooms and lounges? Your bedroom takes up the space of several seats. Train journeys locally in Dorset cost about £65-£95 to travel 100 miles without any food or drink available on board. The price you paid seems excellent value by comparison. The continuous "shock" you experienced on your journey seemed to be excessive compared with other RUclipsrs. I hope your next train trip is more enjoyable. The presentation was good.
@@grahamhardy6323 I’m trying the GWR sleeper from Paddington to Penzance in a few weeks time. The total cost for that is around £230 so I’ll be interested to see the difference and compare both options.
I’ve been told the GWR is far quieter than the Caledonian so I’m hoping for a better nights rest 👍
@@grahamhardy6323 Not refurbished. Its new stock and with a worse ride than previous Mk3 coaches.
That's not the point. The point is that caladonian sleeper market is an alternative to a hotel, not just a train.
I get what you mean. I didn’t think it’d be so noisy
Hi
Great video - you should try the Night Rivera from Paddington to Penzance, it’s great, v comfortable, reasonably priced, fab staff and from all the videos I’ve seen made it easily out strips the Caledonian Sleeper - good channel BTW 😉👍🏻
Hi, i’ve had my eye on the Night Rivera for a while but haven’t got round to getting it booked yet 😂
Really looking forward to comparing the two and seeing who comes out on top 👀
Thank you for watching and have a great weekend 😁🙌
It's about expectations. Trains are noisy and the railbed is not smooth, but it's better than riding 13 hours in a coach seat. I've watched a number of Caledonian Sleeper videos, and some find the noise and motions interfere with sleep, though you're the only one to get off the train midway along the route. Some people can sleep almost anywhere, but obviously you can't. Most reviewers say they're glad they did it once but it's an expensive way to make the trip.
Hi Bob, it is a very expensive bumpy nights sleep 😂
I think the views of Scotland that I missed by getting off would possibly make it worth while but I’m still glad I got off where I did.
I’m trying the GWR night riviera soon to compare both experiences.
Thank you for watching 😁👍
Wet rooms are on camper vans/ RVs. Does them no problem. Was on this train before the en-suite was added and there was no double bed. You also just had a shower at the station.
It’s sold and advertised as a luxury sleeper cabin so I expected way more than a camper van Rv type space for the price I paid.
Thank you for your comment and for watching 😁👍
Malt whisky and ginger ale ???????
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it Fergus 😂👍
A lovely drink. Nothing worse than whisky snobs telling you how it should be consumed or questioning your choice. It's my drink and I'll damn well drink it how I like.
With great respect to you, you were on a train! You would know about sleep deprivation if you were in the seated carriage. I've used Caledonian Sleeper, slept and rested. If you are horizontal, surely you could rest... You had your own en suite in the carriage.... I don't understand why you would moan about it. It's luxury compared sitting in a seat all night on the train, or a cramped economy seat on an aircraft, queuing and the inconvenience of travelling to and from airports. You had a clean bed on a very comfortable glencraft mattress- if you were travelling for a reason, this is the very best way. Your vlog was one long moan.... I suppose you expected no motion at all... You are not going to get that on a train. Yes, the shower is different, but it is what it is, and you were travelling in your own space in bed.... what's not to like?
Thanks for your comment Simon 😁
See my review of Iryu first class where although the train was still bumpy (most trains are bumpy) the noise in the carriages was very low and far more tolerable and I could have easily got a good nights sleep on that train.
Even if you paid me I wouldn’t get on the Caledonian again 😂
Thank you for watching and again just my humble opinion 👍😊
@@tradingplaces787 I apologise if I appeared rude, I've worked in some cramped environments, and have used this from point A to B without the hassle of airport parking, and getting into the city etc. I must admit, using the shower was a bit of a challenge, especially waiting for the breakfast, and the coffee wasn't my usual. I suppose we all have different experiences, and you were reviewing the double. Your hotel room in Preston looked very comfortable. All best wishes.
@@simonnicklin1313 Hi Simon and absolutely no need to apologise 👍😁
I totally understand your points and welcome all healthy debate 😂
The hotel was nice and I got 5 hours of decent kip, so all was good in the end 🙌
Thank you for watching and take care ☺️
I'll be going on it in May and I believe from what I've seen they give you in your room as am booked in a Club room, a sleep kit including earplugs and an eye mask as well
The point is it's worse than the previous service AND more expensive.
When i book I will try and get a room near the middle of the train, some earplugs and an eye mask will be helpful, I could just be rocked to sleep! I have medication that helps me sleep too, thank you for the advanced warning. My mother lives near Preston if I need to escape!
Hi David, Caledonian do give ear plugs out but they didn’t stand a chance to be honest.
Pack your medication (and some whisky) and don’t forget your credit card as if all else fails The Holiday Inn is next to Preston station 😂
Do you watch Walk With Me Tim? He’s always shocked too!
Hi Sarah, it’s because it’s a key word that the RUclips algorithm looks for and promotes.
In this review I was literally shocked so much I had to get off the train so I used it but it can feel slightly click bait if you use it a lot 😂
The Sleeper to Penzance is older but much quieter... single malt and Ginger ? ... ? The seats are good value .
Hi Richard, I’m hoping to try the GWR to Penzance soon 🙌
Have you tried it?
Thank you
@tradingplaces787 yes but before it was modernised... much quieter stock...
Ahh okay, thank you for getting back to me 🙌😁
Pretty surprised you abandoned ship. Train sleepers are a bit of a lore unto to themselves, but almost always the rocking and motion is (ultimately) conducive to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs.
Sorry that wasn't the case, but I think you may be an outlier in terms of what you can tolerate for a night's sleep. Probably another [x] Scotches would have worked the charm!
Hi Mike, this wasn’t a nice rocking motion that would be conducive to sleep, it was more of a pneumatic drill type of motion 😂
Definitely needed at least another 5 or 6 glasses of the dark stuff 👀😂
Thank you for your comment and for watching 😁👍
@@tradingplaces787 I was born in the UK, but have lived most of my life in the US, so Amtrak is my only sleeper experience . . . . but I've done all the routes. And on that the ZZZZZZZZZZs definitely do work. Others have remarked on the Caledinion that it has a lot of "extraneous" noises, which i agree is far from ideal. Also, on Amtrak, you lie parallel to the tracks, lengthwise, not perpendicular to, so that might make a tangible difference.
I love it too, I find it soporific like being on a boat.
I traveled 57h on the sleeper from Chicago to San Francisco and it was a journey that I loved. Was it bumpy and noisy? A little bit and I did adjust and enjoy it. Also did this sleeper and it was the worst. The noise, rattle vibration and bounce was beyond acceptable. The soft product was nice and the staff lovely but the current train is not fit for purpose.
Hi Chloe, I totally agree with you, it’s isn’t fit for purpose.
I wouldn’t get on it again even if they paid me😂
The Sleeper from Chicago to San Fran sounds amazing, il have a look into it and see if I can try it out 🙌
Thank you for your comment and for watching 😁
@@tradingplaces787
Comment meant for OP poster.
search on RUclips for California Zephyr. There are many reviews. If I may suggest, take it in stages, staying over varying durations in particular places. Some sections will only need a seat. Overnight sections might tempt you to a Bedroom or more likely a Roomette, but both are hugely expensive.
I suggest the following waypoints to stay over at : From Chicago , going west .......
Lincoln ( arr about midnight ) several good things by car both east and west of Lincoln, including Omaha. Hotel right by station.
Denver ( arr early morning ). Speaks for itself.
Grand Junction ( arrive later afternoon ). This is after the most or equal most spectacular part of rail trip. Hire a car and do a section of southwest Colorado and eastern strip of Utah e.g. Moab area.
Salt Lake City might surprise you if you want to get off there too. Truckee just over into Califrornia in the mountain area- rent a car, go see the mountains , Lake Tahoe and Yosemite ( season depending ).
Sacramento, for a one day stop, lots to do near the station, like Old Town and the railway museum.
Staggering the journey like this makes a whole trip of it and makes the train less expensive for you as reduced need for bedroom occupancy.
Don't expect too much at the other end as San Francisco has declined so much sadly and has become a pitiful sight in places due to irresponsible lunatics running it.
This is a often issue with these new carriages and this is the side effect of buying cheap carriages for very specific work. The times i had used the coach, the nat ex each time i had sleep. Sleeper's parent company is Serco same shower who provide prison transport
😂😂 That’s so funny! It did remind me of a portable builders toilet 👍
Thank you for watching and for your comment 😄
It's not Serco anymore, lost the franchise in June 2023.
@@77smp true but still fucking up left right and centre Next time they should stop buying things in from countries that still have resentment over brexit
Don’t even ride a train in India.
Hi James, now that would make one hell of a great review 😂
Thank you for watching 😁
Go and do the GWR Night Riviera sleeper and I bet you have a much better experience and sleep and it wont cost ya £400+ either.
Hi Steve, I’m looking at that at the moment 👀🙌
Thank you for watching 😁👍
@@tradingplaces787 MKIII coaches on that still...much better than the plastic shite of the CS stock.
I’m sold 🙌😂
I’m looking forward to it already 👍
That's fine and handy for getting up to Scotland 😄
Did u complain
Hi Douglas, I sent an email but they come back to me with a different view point than mine 🤦
Thank you for the comment and for watching 👍😎
Lol
My husband has booked us on the caledonia sleeper for a trip to london but as he iscdisabled we will be in a accessible room
We have watched numerous videos and each 1 saying positve and negative stuff about it and if each sharing their own experience and honest opinion i have no problem with that
Hi Patricia, I hope you both have a great time and enjoy the journey😄
If you’re both light sleepers (like me) then take some good quality ear plugs as the ones they gave out didn’t do the job.
Have a great trip and thank you for watching 😊
Hi read with interest your Caledonian experience. The reason I travelled to London from Glasgow(when I lived there), overnight, was so I'd have an extra full day in London. I'm a bad sleeper anyway, so little sleep on the train never bothered me. The alternative was an overnight coach journey, which believe me, is a lot worse! You were lucky that you got into the Lounge at Euston, for the last time(2 years ago), it was closed and had to wait for the sleeper in the concourse, then was hit with the news that they'd be a delay of 2hrs 30 mins before being able to board. Now live in Northern England, so travel down to London during the day. Always preferred trains over buses/coaches! Except for that last above mentioned experience, my sleeper Caledonian journeys were ok, and was my choice for having more time in London. Also got my coffee, bacon roll, fruit juice in my cabin, prior to leaving the train. Also you choose a cabin for privacy and a bed(which was ok). Sorry your experience was negative but everyone's opinions differ, some are ok with sleepers, some not! At least you eventually got some sleep at the hotel, and told your Caledonian experience as it related to you. Hope you have a better time should you do any future sleeper train journeys.
Hi Alan and thank you for the great comment 😊👍
I totally agree with your points and I’d even though I didn’t enjoy the Caledonian, I’d still take it over a long coach journey 😂
I think for me I’d always fly going forwards and stay a night in a hotel.
I’m going to give the GWR Paddington-Penzance a try soon to compare both trains have u ever been on that one?
@tradingplaces787 Hi, thanks for reply. No never done that journey, hope have better experience. Yes, flying might be a better alternative. Will be travelling to Totnes by train in the summer, during the day, but will be breaking my journey in London. 😀
The Totnes trip sounds great 🙌
It might be worth a look to see if you can get the night sleeper from Paddington as I’m sure it passes through just north of that area.
Have a great trip either way and take care 😊🙌
Thanks. Take care. 😊 👍
My man and I were thinking of doing this trip just for the sake of it - looks like I'm going to show him this vid! and NOTwaste our money.
If I was offered the same cabin for free I’d turn it down 🤦
Much better to get a day time train or flight and hotel 👍😎
I will certainly take your advice..................such a bummer you had to be skinned of £450+ to bring this review to us. Just shows how much you deserve this channel to grow!. You are a real pleasure to follow.
@@maxthelab8457 Your message has made my day 🙌😁
Thank you 🤩
I feel your frustration. I would not be able to sleep either if I had to endure rickety sounds all night, and this is a SLEEPER train! The room doesn’t look that cosy either - quite clinical. The company should have done work to insulate rooms more strongly and in doing so to check where the rickety sounds emanate from and fix them with new infrastructure. Enlightening review! Thanks.
@@richardbutterfield412
Hi Richard, thank you for the comments and I totally agree with you
For the price charged Caledonian need to do something to drastically reduce cabin noise 👍
Such a shame that it wasn't up to scratch. Have been on the sleeper a several times over the years but before the upgrades. The snug cabins were bunkbeds or singles, with a small wash-hand basin that converted to a table, so you could watch the world go by (shared loo was along the hallway and kept pretty clean by the staff). The last time I went on the train was around 10-ish years ago. I booked two singles with an adjoining door, for my daughter and I. We went from London to Glasgow, drove to Inverness, then Inverness back to London on the train. For the trip there and back, we pre-booked the evening meal in the dining car and also an early morning call with breakfast brought to our rooms. I'm a very light sleeper and agree, that it's a bit of a bone shaker at times, as essentially it's an old train, on an old route, but found we got used to the rattle 'n roll over the years. However, to be fair to someone who hasn't travelled with them before, it sounds as though Caledonian may have to tweak their advertising, just a bit. Your review was very helpful, and if I booked their sleeper again, I think I would be quite content to choose the original rooms, if they still have them.
Hi, you make some great points along with giving some really good information.
I’ve got quite a bit of stick in the comments about my review so it’s very nice of you to give such measured feedback 🙌😁
Thank you so much for your comment and also for watching 😁
@@tradingplaces787 You’re welcome. :)
Everyone I know who has travelled on The Caledonian Sleeper, regardless of whether or not they purchased a seat or a bed, didn't sleep at all or had a few hours of broken sleep. I live in the Scottish Highlands and always fly to London as it's more comfortable. Thanks for sharing your experience, hope you're feeling better now.
What a lovely message 🙌
I’m great thank you and back fully recharged👍
If only I could have had this great information a week ago before booking it 😂👍
Thank you for watching and also for the message 😁
I think this review is one of the most honest on RUclips. A lot of the bigger RUclipsrs who have jumped on the trend of travelling on this train make it out to be some luxury orient expess, and although it's a nice experience, it's not exactly luxury in my opinion. I think the only point i dont think they could improve on is the complimentary food in the lounge. From what I've read, the caladonian sleeper is subsidised by the Scottish government, so selling food will be a big part of their revenue. I agree that the for the price you pay a meal should definitely be included, but i dont see it happening. The reason i think your cabin was so loud was because it was located above one of the wheel sets and suspension, so you would have felt every bump and the noise is literally the wheels beneath you turning.
Hi Lewis and thank you for your comment
I booked it after watching one of the big RUclipsrs making out he had slept like a baby.
Definitely something fishy going on with that review in my opinion 👀😂
Thank you for watching and take care 😁👍
I’m surprised sleeper trains are still running in Britain. There’s no real need for them in my opinion as we have plenty of day trains. If Britain was a much larger country (as in land area) then they may have more of a point. I did the Fort William sleeper in Aug/2015 and it was an absolute disaster. Check the video and you’ll see.
You’re sorry you didn’t do the review? I think you did. You proved sleeper trains are the lowest form of train travel in Britain!
Hi Nigel, I agree 👍
I’m going to try the GWR Night Rivera to compare the two but then I’m done with sleeper trains 😂
Thank you for your comment and also thank you for watching
@@tradingplaces787 My pleasure. When I did the Fort William sleeper it was three hours late. I had to get a taxi to Glenfinnan via to see the steam trains cross the viaduct. I wanted you to ride the second return trip, but it didn’t happen. I got little if any sleep. It was August yet I had a duvet more appropriate for December! I was drenched in sweat by the time the train finally made it on to the WHL! I’m not saying I’ll never ride a sleeper again at all. I may just do a short trip on the new stock to see what that’s like.
If you can't cope with train travel then go and stack shelves at Tesco. But do us a favour and don't film it!
No need for that kind of snark. Have you done this journey yourself? How did you find it?
Thank you for watching 👍😁