Riding the Rails in Style

Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Courtesy of Vogue & Orient Express

 
Riding the Rails in Style

by Sweiskloss Staff
May 2, 2024
Recently, a co-worker journeyed along the Pacific coast from Los Angeles to Seattle on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight. From her sleeper car, Jessica and company gazed at the Pacific Ocean along the central coast, and snow-covered peaks of Mount Shasta. She likened her Roomette to an RV, where every space is smartly utilized -- two comfortable seats by day transformed into beds by night, large picture window, a shelf doubled as a step stool to the upper berth, and storage was tucked under the seat.

This got us thinking about train car interior design. While Jessica’s trip was breathtaking in the scenery and landscape through which it passed, we think these train cars will take your breath away in their luxurious amenities and sophisticated style.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, “in an age when air travel is trying our collective last nerve, is it any wonder trains are making a comeback?” These luxury trains transport passengers not only to specular destinations but to a glamorous bygone era.
Passengers on Seven Stars enjoy live piano and violin music from the glittering Kazu Bar car, as they do a four-day loop around the Japanese island of Kyushu. Local craftsmen designed details of the 10 cabins, including the intricately crafted woodwork lattices, shoji paper window screens, and porcelain lamps. Deluxe Suites feature bespoke porcelain basins, rosewood touches, coffered ceilings, and screens to separate the bedroom from the living area. A large picture window at the rear of the largest suite ensures travelers enjoy the dynamic landscape of Kyushu’s mountains, forest, and sea. (CNtraveler.com)
Goose down duvets, marble basins with gold fittings, baths with under-floor heating, a writing desk and a soaking tub are just some of the luxurious design features of the Blue Train that travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa. Crystal glassware and Sheffield cutlery set the tone for an elegant formal dinner.
Feel like British royalty traveling in the restored 1920’s Belmond British Pullman trains. With vintage Lalique lighting, mahogany fittings, and heritage upholstery, each carriage preserves a different time in history. Enjoy afternoon tea as you make your way across the United Kingdom.
Traveling from Delhi to Mumbai, the Maharajas’ Express takes its inspiration from the carriages used by Indian royalty, with rich tapestries, antiques, and semi-precious stones. Passengers can enjoy the ultimate in privacy in the Presidential Suite (an entire carriage) featuring two bedrooms, separate living space, and dining room. (maharajaexpress.co.uk)
With a fleet of restored vintage carriages, the Canadian Pacific Railway combines unparalleled service with unforgettable views in their VIA Rail’s Canadian or Rocky Mountaineer trains. No need to “rough it” to explore Canada’s wilderness—enjoy leather seats, wood paneling and radiant floor heating. A team of hospitality attendants pamper guests with round-the-clock service from sunrise to turn-down service.
And of course, the most famous luxury train of all, the Venice Simplon Orient Express (operated by Belmond). With Art Deco stylings, antique fixtures, polished wood, and plush velvet furnishings, passengers can stretch out in a Grand Suite. Service and design are both discreet: “A washbasin is concealed in a handsome wood cabinet… a plush daytime sofa is transformed into cozy upper and lower berths with damask sheets.” (Belmond.com) The Bar Car features domed skylights while the Dining Car sparkles with a mirrored ceiling, and the suites create a decadent ambiance with “wood and leather with accents of mother of pearl and bronze”. (Dezeen) Operating several lines throughout Europe, Asia and South America, Belmond trains transport travelers in five-star style.

Peaceful and leisurely, romantic and timeless, when train travel is about the journey itself the design is part of the experience.
 
Laura McMahon