Cabins on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Every Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a piece of history. Built between 1926 and 1931, each carriage was individually designed, and no two cabins are quite the same. What they share is an extraordinary level of craftsmanship that no modern train has come close to replicating.
Passengers travel in private compartments and are attended by personal cabin stewards throughout the journey. Each steward looks after a small number of cabins and is available around the clock at the ring of a bell. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your compartment; lunch and dinner in one of the three Art Deco restaurant cars.
There are three categories of accommodation: the Historic Twin Cabin, which is the most authentic and affordable option; the Suite, which adds a private en-suite bathroom; and the Grand Suite, which provides a separate living area, exclusive extras and the ultimate experience on the world's most famous train. The L'Observatoire carriage offers a fourth and entirely new way to travel, with a private panoramic observation lounge.
All cabins and public areas on the train are air conditioned. The train has WiFi throughout, though guests are requested to keep their phones on silent while on board.
Historic Twin Cabin
From £3,885 per person • Based on two sharing
The Historic Twin Cabin is the original VSOE experience — the type of compartment in which Agatha Christie set her passengers, in which diplomats and royalty have crossed the Alps since the 1920s, and which remains the most authentic way to travel on the world's most famous train. Each cabin is a private world of polished wood, inlaid marquetry and crisp white linen.
During the day the cabin is a comfortable private lounge with a banquette sofa, footstool and small fold-out table. A cabinet conceals the washbasin with hot and cold water, along with luxuriously soft towels. While you enjoy dinner, your steward converts the seating into upper and lower sleeping berths with crisp linen and a feather duvet. The transformation is complete and the resulting bedroom is unexpectedly comfortable.
The cabins are individually heated via radiators, and each has overhead luggage racks, two coat hooks and two hangers. Continental two-pin sockets (230 volts) and a 115-volt socket for razors are provided. Toilets are shared and located at the end of each carriage — this is authentic to the original design of these carriages and is part of their character.
Historic Twin Cabin Features
- Private compartment with marquetry wood panelling
- Banquette sofa and fold-out table by day
- Upper and lower sleeping berths by night
- Washbasin with hot and cold water
- Feather duvet and crisp white linen
- Soft towels and Temple Spa amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour personal steward service
- Individually controlled heating
- Continental and US power sockets
- Overhead luggage racks
- Shared toilets at end of carriage
The New Suites
From £8,785 per person • Based on two sharing
The Suites are a new addition to the VSOE fleet, available on journeys from June 2023. Each is inspired by a fusion of Art Deco design and the landscapes and cultures through which the train travels. They were restored by an expert team of craftsmen in France, using materials and techniques consistent with the original carriages, and they complement the existing Grand Suites and Historic Twins seamlessly.
The key advantage of the Suites over the Historic Twin Cabins is the private en-suite bathroom, which includes a marble-effect shower, washbasin and toilet. The daytime configuration provides a generous lounge area, and when your steward prepares the bed for the night you have the choice of a double or twin arrangement. Plush fabrics and furnishings reference Art Deco designers including Dufrene and Lalique, and the overall effect is one of refined luxury that sits entirely in keeping with the character of the train.
Video: Crafting the New VSOE Suite
Suite Features
- Private en-suite marble bathroom
- Shower, washbasin and toilet
- Choice of double or twin bed
- Generous lounge area by day
- Art Deco inspired fabrics and furnishings
- Kimono and slippers to take home
- Complimentary Temple Spa amenities
- 24-hour personal steward service
- Air conditioning throughout
- Continental and US power sockets
The Grand Suites
From £12,300 per person • Based on two sharing
Launched in 2018, the Grand Suites add a new level of luxury to the world's most famous train. There are six in total: Istanbul, Paris and Venice were introduced in 2018, followed by Prague, Budapest and Vienna in 2020. Each is individually designed around the character, architecture and culture of its namesake city, making them not just accommodation but immersive expressions of the destinations the train serves.
Each Grand Suite comprises a double or twin bedroom together with a generous living area that has space for private dining and a sofa that can be converted into a child's bed in the evening. The private en-suite bathroom includes a shower, washbasin and toilet, along with bespoke amenities and complimentary designer bathrobes. Free-flowing champagne is served throughout your time in the suite, and complimentary caviar is presented on arrival.
For those who require the ultimate in privacy, the entire carriage of Grand Suites can be reserved exclusively. The Grand Suite service also includes exclusive car or boat transfers between the station and your hotel at each end of the journey, and guaranteed preferred dining arrangements in the restaurant cars or privately in your suite.
Video: The Venice Grand Suite
Istanbul Grand Suite
Hand-carved timber, embossed leather and exaggerated metal details. Embroidered pillows and rugs echo the colours and patterns of the Grand Bazaar.
Paris Grand Suite
Light and classically French, drawing on the grand architecture of the city with flourishes of haute couture. Chic and understated in equal measure.
Venice Grand Suite
Silk, woven fabrics, glass lamps and Venetian furniture reflect Italian Baroque and Renaissance design. Water and light are the recurring themes.
Prague Grand Suite
Rich gold and maroon embroidery with Cubist-inspired mosaic patterns reflecting the Baroque and Gothic architecture of one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Budapest Grand Suite
Intricate marquetry and sumptuous silk embroidery patterns capturing the essence of both sides of the Danube and the character of this dual city.
Vienna Grand Suite
Gold and emerald green silk panels with touches of dark wood, embracing the imperial grandeur of the Austrian capital and its extraordinary musical heritage.
What Is Included in Every Grand Suite
- Exclusive car or boat transfers between station and hotel at journey start and end
- Guaranteed preferred table in restaurant car, or private dining in suite
- Complimentary a la carte menu during lunch or dinner
- Complimentary celebration breakfast in the suite (pre-ordered the day before)
- Complimentary caviar on arrival and free-flowing champagne throughout
- Bespoke amenities and complimentary designer bathrobes
- Private en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet
- Separate bedroom and living area with space for private dining
- Private coupe on the Belmond British Pullman for those joining from the UK
L'Observatoire Suite
The newest and most exceptional way to travel
The L'Observatoire carriage represents an entirely new concept on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A private observation lounge with panoramic windows runs the length of the carriage, making the passing landscape the defining feature of the journey in a way that no other accommodation on the train achieves. This is a singular experience, new to the VSOE and available nowhere else.
Full details of the L'Observatoire Suite, including photographs, specifications and pricing, are on our dedicated page.
Cabin Comparison at a Glance
The table below summarises the key differences between the three main cabin types to help you choose the right accommodation for your journey.
| Feature | Historic Twin | Suite | Grand Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private en-suite bathroom | No Shared WC at end of carriage | Yes | Yes |
| Shower | No | Yes | Yes |
| Double or twin bed option | No Upper and lower berths only | Yes | Yes |
| Separate living area | No | No | Yes |
| Private dining option | No | No | Yes |
| Free-flowing champagne | No | No | Yes |
| Complimentary caviar | No | No | Yes |
| Exclusive transfers | No | No | Yes |
| Bathrobes and slippers | Yes | Yes Kimono to take home | Yes Designer bathrobes |
| 24-hour steward service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price from (per person) | £3,885 | £8,785 | £12,300 |