Caledonian Sleeper Experience

[Requeststop]

Did the trip up from Euston to Inverness the other night. First Class. Oh dear, the rooms are just like in the early 80's. No power points for charging your phone/laptop etc. No USB points, dire décor. A total up-grade needed URGENTLY. Breakfasts plastic. Decent sleep though. Only bonus was at Inverness and the First Class Lounge across the road from the station open until 10:30 am and a decent guy manning the place.

As one who uses the Night Riviera occasionally, I was really disappointed at the accommodation. Not really Recommended. It's a pity because all the other experiences at Inverness station with staff and trains were first class.

 

[me123]

Thanks for the brief review.

I've been tempted to try out the Sleeper, but to be honest the reviews have been pretty poor as of late. It's quite sad really - it's being marketed as a premium product (and with competition from daytime trains, coaches, the private car, and airlines, it really has to be a premium product in order to be competitive), but the reality seems to be somewhat more like a budget experience that doesn't really tempt me away from daytime trains or planes.

The idea appeals to me, both as an enthusiast and a "normal" person wanting to make efficient use of time. In reality, I suspect that I'd prefer getting up at the crack of dawn, driving to the airport and boarding the first flight of the morning. I can stay in my own comfortable bed overnight, and could buy a decent breakfast at the airport, still arriving into London City Centre at an acceptable time.

I really hope Serco up their game once they've got the new rolling stock.

 

[causton]

Aren't they the same trains and therefore decor as the Night Riviera? Which also doesn't have power points per se (unless you stick a European adaptor in the shaver socket!) but this is all nothing new. The food is as good as you'd expect from a microwave, unfortunately that's as good as the conditions get, but this is nothing new. Come back in 2018 with the live entertainment, pod beds and whatever, it will certainly be a different product and hopefully that means it will be better!

I will not comment on the reliability of the service as that is something completely different!!

 

[Kristofferson]

Serco should market this as a premium product when the new carriages are ready - until then, they should continue with Scotrail's "travelodge on wheels" marketing instead of this faux-premium stuff.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Serco should market this as a premium product when the new carriages are ready - until then, they should continue with Scotrail's "travelodge on wheels" marketing instead of this faux-premium stuff.

The vehicles are a bit old, but they could improve the breakfast to a proper plated sit-down affair in the lounge car (for those who wish) before the new stock arrives. That's what they claimed they were doing, but evidence seems to be that they aren't.

Even if the actual food is microwaved it could be served on a proper plate with proper cutlery; there's all day to pay someone to wash it up before the next journey.

 

[Hadders]

Well it looks as though the OP managed to arrive on time. That is a significant achievement since Serco took over!

 

[causton]

The vehicles are a bit old, but they could improve the breakfast to a proper plated sit-down affair in the lounge car (for those who wish) before the new stock arrives. That's what they claimed they were doing, but evidence seems to be that they aren't.

Even if the actual food is microwaved it could be served on a proper plate with proper cutlery; there's all day to pay someone to wash it up before the next journey.

Would there be enough room to seat everyone who wanted to eat breakfast there?

And last time I had breakfast on the Sleeper I was going towards Glasgow Central and it was served as we passed Polmadie depot... not enough time to even get to the lounge car before I had to alight!

 

[dk1]

Whenever I use the sleeper I'm only interested in the lounge car, sleeping & dealing with a hangover whilst trying to get up & dressed at the last minute.

 

[Chrism20]

Serco should market this as a premium product when the new carriages are ready - until then, they should continue with Scotrail's "travelodge on wheels" marketing instead of this faux-premium stuff.

The worrying thing is they have jacked up the price for what is basically still the same as the ScotRail Travelodge on wheels.

New rolling stock, higher overheads etc I wouldn't be surprised if the ticket prices are jacked up again in 2018.

It will be interesting to see what happens with fares in the dead if winter as ScotRail couldn't fill it half the time and that was with tons of loyalty card £99 1st class returns on them.

Well it looks as though the OP managed to arrive on time. That is a significant achievement since Serco took over!

im glad it's not just me who was thinking that whilst reading the OP

 

[Starmill]

Serco should market this as a premium product when the new carriages are ready - until then, they should continue with Scotrail's "travelodge on wheels" marketing instead of this faux-premium stuff.

There's a lot of truth in this. They have unfortunately been overreaching themselves.

The Caledonian Sleeper is not a luxury service. Just google what year the coaches were built in; they are almost entirely in the condition now that they were back then, just with all the wear!

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, particularly not if you get a relatively cheap shared berth. Even at the £130 (if you can get the lowest tier) cost of a First Class berth is not that bad for the length of journey being made (London to Inverness) and the fact its also a room for the night plus a few extras. The real problem is starting to occur because the new branding and marketing is making it out to be a luxury service. I'm sure that in a few years when the new stock is out and bedded in this will be a lot different, but right now they are over-selling it a bit, which is probably what has caused you to have such a negative experience of it. The way First ran it was very different; it's as if overnight it has become a proper premium service and it actually hasn't changed at all hardly aside from the menu revamp.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thanks for the brief review.

I've been tempted to try out the Sleeper, but to be honest the reviews have been pretty poor as of late. It's quite sad really - it's being marketed as a premium product (and with competition from daytime trains, coaches, the private car, and airlines, it really has to be a premium product in order to be competitive), but the reality seems to be somewhat more like a budget experience that doesn't really tempt me away from daytime trains or planes.

The idea appeals to me, both as an enthusiast and a "normal" person wanting to make efficient use of time. In reality, I suspect that I'd prefer getting up at the crack of dawn, driving to the airport and boarding the first flight of the morning. I can stay in my own comfortable bed overnight, and could buy a decent breakfast at the airport, still arriving into London City Centre at an acceptable time.

I really hope Serco up their game once they've got the new rolling stock.

I recommend that if you can afford it you try it out for yourself! It is actually rather expensive, but with the price of the cheapest Highlands <> London First Class ticket going down from £150 to £130 from the new fares round it is worth looking at - particularly if you're a railcard holder.

Besides if you're local to Edinburgh you've no excuse really The Sleeper is rotten for Manchester and I've done it several times this summer

 

[DarloRich]

Did the trip up from Euston to Inverness the other night. First Class. Oh dear, the rooms are just like in the early 80's. No power points for charging your phone/laptop etc. No USB points, dire décor. A total up-grade needed URGENTLY. Breakfasts plastic. Decent sleep though. Only bonus was at Inverness and the First Class Lounge across the road from the station open until 10:30 am and a decent guy manning the place.

As one who uses the Night Riviera occasionally, I was really disappointed at the accommodation. Not really Recommended. It's a pity because all the other experiences at Inverness station with staff and trains were first class.

To offer balance:

The berths are exactly the same on the Caledonian as on the Night Riviera,
The lounge on the Caledonian is much better than that offered on the Night Rivera which is basically a normal first class carriage.
There are no power points, usb ports etc on the Night Riveria although there are several sockets in the Caledonian lounge car.
Breakfast was almost the same the last time I traveled on either. I admit this may have changed since Serco took over.
Food i find better on the Caledonian. Haggis, neeps & tatties?

I sleep better on the Night Rivera than on the Caledonian but he Caledonian has a better whiskey menu!

 

[Greenback]

The truth of it is that expectations are much higher than when the sleeper coaches went into service. I hope that this will be addressed by the new stock. Sleepers never were a luxury service, even in the days when seaside landladies would kick you out of the guest house after breakfast and not let you back in until tea time!

 

[sprinterguy]

Did the trip up from Euston to Inverness the other night. First Class. Oh dear, the rooms are just like in the early 80's.

The Caledonian Sleeper carriages were last heavily refurbished in 1999 - 2000, but generally retained the same berth layout and structure as when the trains were introduced. I find them to be quite well laid out, but then again I'm not known for moving with the times.

My bigger issue has been with the reliability problems that the Sleeper has been suffering since Serco took over: In recent months I have taken to booking a hotel overnight in Glasgow and continuing my journey in the morning rather than take the Highland sleeper - The price is slightly cheaper, as well.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Whenever I use the sleeper I'm only interested in the lounge car, sleeping & dealing with a hangover...

Exactly this!

 

[Furrball]

The replacement of the shaver sockets with USB was part of the franchise agreement.

15. Refresh of the Initial Train Fleet
15.1 Within one week of the Franchise Commencement Date, the Franchisee shall
complete a deep clean of all Vehicles in the Initial Train Fleet. Within two weeks of
the Franchise Commencement Date, the Franchisee shall install new brand decals on
each Vehicle, undertake a refresh of any damaged upholstery, bedding or signage,
and install USB charging sockets in place of the shaving sockets in each Cabin.
These works will be carried out at the vehicle maintenance Depots alongside the
planned maintenance activities and will not affect the overall availability of Vehicles
for service.

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk...ement EXECUTION COPY 23 May 2014_Redacted.pdf

 

[gazthomas]

The replacement of the shaver sockets with USB was part of the franchise agreement.

15. Refresh of the Initial Train Fleet
15.1 Within one week of the Franchise Commencement Date, the Franchisee shall
complete a deep clean of all Vehicles in the Initial Train Fleet. Within two weeks of
the Franchise Commencement Date, the Franchisee shall install new brand decals on
each Vehicle, undertake a refresh of any damaged upholstery, bedding or signage,
and install USB charging sockets in place of the shaving sockets in each Cabin.
These works will be carried out at the vehicle maintenance Depots alongside the
planned maintenance activities and will not affect the overall availability of Vehicles
for service.

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk...ement EXECUTION COPY 23 May 2014_Redacted.pdf

Where these contractual conditions or nice to haves? If the former then is there a breach?

 

[Iskra]

The riviera does have plug sockets in the cabin. There is one plug in the lounge car too.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

The replacement of the shaver sockets with USB was part of the franchise agreement.

....install USB charging sockets in place of the shaving sockets in each Cabin.

OK... how am I supposed to shave now then?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Wet shave? Battery razor? Those using plug in shavers must be a tiny minority these days.

Though those using adapters to charge laptops may not be pleased either.

 

[Starmill]

None of the shaver sockets have actually been converted though have they?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Wet shave? Battery razor? Those using plug in shavers must be a tiny minority these days.

Though those using adapters to charge laptops may not be pleased either.

I have a back up battery powered shaver, yes, but it's not very good!

Wet shave? no fear - too much hassle....

 

[Bletchleyite]

Wet shave? no fear - too much hassle....

Must admit I find I can have a good wet shave in less time than faffing about trying to catch stubborn hairs with an electric one of any kind (and I have tried a few).

 

[Peter Mugridge]

You're talking to someone who is liable to have accidents with wet shave blades!

 

[DarloRich]

dont have a shave - grow a hipster beard

 

[backontrack]

Are there really no power sockets?

 

[Chrism20]

Are there really no power sockets?

Only in the lounge car. You can use an EU adaptor in the cabins to plug something in but it does cut out from time to time.

 

[me123]

I recommend that if you can afford it you try it out for yourself! It is actually rather expensive, but with the price of the cheapest Highlands <> London First Class ticket going down from £150 to £130 from the new fares round it is worth looking at - particularly if you're a railcard holder.

Besides if you're local to Edinburgh you've no excuse really The Sleeper is rotten for Manchester and I've done it several times this summer

I absolutely plan to try it! I had wanted to take the Aberdeen or Inverness sleeper when I was up North, but it just never worked out. Virgin had really good air fares from Aberdeen, and the Inverness sleeper Northbound got in too late to be of use to me, so I tended to fly.

I had been hoping to give it a go quite soon from my new Central location, but my next trip will most likely be on Virgin frequent flier miles before they abolish their domestic flights next month.

 

[Requeststop]

As the OP here, there are a couple of things I'd like to add upon reflection. Firstly, the additions I suggest may not be in the Night Riviera but are available now even in economy on flights; ways of plugging in computers and USB ports and the TV in each booth. One other thing I'd like to add is the departure times of the Northern Sleepers. Way too early to my mind. Why a later departure from Euston is not possible is beyond me. 23:00 - 23:30. Punters can then take in a show/concert/ a decent restaurant meal in the West End and connect in good time to the sleeper. Finally, what cannot hotels connect to the Sleeper? Kick out time in hotels is 12:00 Midday, later if you have a frequent membership, but 3PM seems to be the latest add-on for free both in Scotland and in London both Euston/Paddington areas and in West Cornwall. Surely the Night Riviera and the Caledonian Sleepers providers could negotiate a deal with certain hotels to allow paying guest/travellers time to overstay at not an over exuberant cost? Even if certain people think about it a link to previously mentioned Shows/concerts/restaurants. Yes yes yes, I know the time the Night Riviera leaves Paddington.

Could not the appropriate authorities make this a condition for franchises, as much as I hate them?

 

[leightonbd]

One other thing I'd like to add is the departure times of the Northern Sleepers. Way too early to my mind. Why a later departure from Euston is not possible is beyond me. 23:00 - 23:30

<snipped a bit>

Could not the appropriate authorities make this a condition for franchises, as much as I hate them?

That's funny, because my bugbear is the opposite: I'd value an early boarding for the lowland sleeper. You can work till say 8 pm to make a really long London day and the ideal would be to get on the sleeper, kick back a bit, and then wake in Ed/Glas at 7 am. Hanging around Euston till nearly 11 is no fun even with lounge access.

Re hotels - well the franchise agreement isn't going to change any time soon but I think the operator is, or should be, able to tune in to consumer demand and negotiate something commercial if it works for all parties?

 

[Bletchleyite]

There is of course the option to take the Lowland Sleeper and change to a connecting service.

 

[me123]

Finally, what cannot hotels connect to the Sleeper? Kick out time in hotels is 12:00 Midday, later if you have a frequent membership, but 3PM seems to be the latest add-on for free both in Scotland and in London both Euston/Paddington areas and in West Cornwall. Surely the Night Riviera and the Caledonian Sleepers providers could negotiate a deal with certain hotels to allow paying guest/travellers time to overstay at not an over exuberant cost? Even if certain people think about it a link to previously mentioned Shows/concerts/restaurants. Yes yes yes, I know the time the Night Riviera leaves Paddington.

Do you mean keep your hotel room until nearly midnight whilst you catch the sleeper? I don't really see the point to be honest. You won't need the room that evening, and I've never known a hotel that won't keep your bags for you.