I find myself in one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, but not just any room – this is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ Grand Suite, and it costs a whopping $25,850 for a one-night trip from Venice to London. The manager, Matthieu Ollier, claims that this equates to $2,000 per meter and that bookings usually need to be made a year in advance. However, due to a fortuitous cancellation, I got to experience this luxurious train journey first-hand.
Being a passenger in one of the Grand Suites means joining an exclusive list of travelers, including John Travolta, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, the Beckhams and Wes Anderson. Each carriage has its own unique story, and I was lucky enough to be staying in 3309, the oldest sleeper car which operated across various Orient Express train routes in the 1920s and 1930s and was even stranded in a snowdrift outside of Istanbul for five days, inspiring Agatha Christie’s famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express.”
But it’s the Budapest Suite, where I was staying, that truly captured my heart. This mobile work of art boasts Art Deco luxury and exquisite craftsmanship, from embroidered silks to Lalique glass and Baccarat crystal. Even the mirrors alone reportedly cost €27,000 each. While most guests on the train have a washbasin in their cabins and must share a bathroom, the Budapest Suite boasts an ensuite bathroom with onyx, marble, and Murano glass. Although space is limited, closet room is available for guests’ tuxedos and evening dresses.
One of the highlights was the train’s partnership with Chef Jean Imbert from the one-Michelin-starred Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée in Paris, ensuring a stellar dining experience on board. From the Champagne breakfast served in-suite to the afternoon teas and four-course dinner, the food was sublime.
However, luxury has its costs, and this train journey is no exception. The hefty price tag can be justified by the historical significance of the trip, especially in our fast-paced world. Plus, train travel is more environmentally sustainable than many other modes of transport, and it’s worth noting that this type of journey is out of reach for most people. But for those who can afford it, few travel experiences compare.
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