orient-express.com > Reviews > I enjoyed it but ...

Author's product rating:   

Frequency of trains	Good
Reliability of trains	Mostly on time
Comfort of trains	Very uncomfortable
On-board facilities	Good

Advantages:	Unique experience
Disadvantages:	Uncomfortable and expensive

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

My husband, myself and two friends made the journey to Venice from Waterloo. We reserved adjoining compartments.

The check-in was flawless but remember to take on to the train the bag containing the clothes, toiletries etc that you will need for the journey. The Pullman experience from Waterloo to the Channel Tunnel was excellent. The staff were professional, camp and fun. The food and drink were wonderful I think I enjoyed this part of the journey the most.

Unfortunately one of the carriages on the French side required some repair so we were taken to a "Travelodge-type" hotel whilst this was being dealt with. There was plenty of seating and soft drinks and snacks were provided foc. We were kept informed of progress.

When we did join the Orient Express there was time for a photo opportunity before boarding the train.

Tip: Visit the beautiful restaurant cars before dinner. The tables are laid out in readiness for diners and the Lalique glass is not to be missed. Great photographs.

The compartments are very compact. If two of you are travelling and you can afford to book two compartments, i.e. one per person this would be an ideal but an expensive choice. Once your steward makes your compartment up into the sleeping configuration of two beds (one lower and one reached by a small ladder) the noise insultation disappears and we found it extremely noisy. Very claustrophobic. Whether the train was travelling at breakneck speed because of the time that needed to be made up, I don't know, but it was a very uncomfortable experience.

Because our friends were next door we had the benefit of being able to have the adjoining door open. I think I would have gone mad within the confines of the small cabin.

If two of you are sharing remember one of you has to ascend the ladder. If you aren't as nimble as you used to be this could be quite an adventure. And not a pretty sight on the descent!

This all sounds very negative and yes I did realise that the rolling stock was 70+ years old.

The staff were wonderful throughout as was the food.

I am glad I have "done it" but I would not repeat the experience.

We travelled on to Florence, Sorrento and Rome afterwards using the Italian rail system. Highly recommended.