The Orient Express first class experience is unmatched
In the spectrum of the finer things in life the grand suites on the Orient Express are gems within the hospitality industry. The grandeur and opulence of the train is remarkable but what makes the Venice – Simplon truly stand out within the vast variety of luxury travel, whether it is the means of travel, or the destination itself is the level of service.
It is truthfully an experience like no other, not unlike being transported back to the 1930’s when the likes of 5-star service was a daily requisite when it came to first class anything, an image of the Titanic first class cabins and dining rooms comes to mind at this point, but I can assure you the Orient Express was no less impressive. Impressing me is no easy feat, but the Belmond Orient Express managed to do just that and more. I left the train in absolute awe. Unlike my disappointing Ritz Paris experience (read my full Ritz Paris review for the details), this journey exceeded every expectation.
Orient Express dress code: embracing 1930s elegance
Despite regarding myself as modern I am fascinated with old world values such as dress codes, a dinner call time, not to mention men wearing a jacket for dinner and of course appropriate service, where the waiter in question knows exactly what the position of my fork means as well as to remove the 3rd glass after the wine selection has been made. I appreciate the old school etiquette and live by it whenever possible, so setting foot into a setting that upholds such decorum was a dream come true.
My excitement already sky-rocketed while packing when I read the dress code guidelines, you might not know me yet, but soon you will, and it will come as no surprise that the tulle Gucci gloves, and black veiled Jennifer Behr headpiece perfectly befitting the setting I was about to enter just happened to be in my closet.
With my suitcase meticulously packed we made our way to Verona, which is where we were to board the train as we were doing the overnight trip to Paris. After spending the night in Verona, at a cute little boutique hotel the time had come to embark on this journey through the decades.
Upon arrival to the train station, we were immediately met by an appointed Venice Simplon employee who checked us in, took our suitcases (not cabin bags), and escorted us to the platform to the correct car where our then butler was waiting for us. We had booked one of the Grand suites which up until recently was one of the 3 biggest suites offered on the Orient Express, they have a new room now called the observatory suite which takes up an entire car, but I am not sure if those trains are already running.
The Grand Suite experience
Nevertheless, the grand suite Venice was ours and it came equipped with a double bed, a sofa which can turn into a sofa bed, a small table by the window, a safe, a mini bar, and drawer with hygiene necessities, as well as bath slippers and 2 soft bath robes hung on the back of the beautiful ensuite shower room door.
A welcome box consisting of the Venice Simplon Orient Express soft toy, 2 champagne flutes with the VS engraving and some other little souvenirs was placed on the sofa in our suite, which I noticed last upon entering, as the first thing that caught my eye was the magnificently set table with a complimentary chilled bottle of Dom Perignon (my husband’s favourite champagne), my favourite Petrossian caviar served on ice and a breathtaking bouquet of red roses (one of my favourites).
Within seconds our butler approached us to make sure we that were settling in nicely and to confirm that we were happy with his lunch reservations in the Lalique dining car for us. Upon receiving our responses, he swiftly popped open the bottle of Dom and brought over the condiments for the caviar to be served. As we raised our glasses in cheers the train whistled and off, we were.
Orient Express sining: culinary excellence by Chef Jean Imbert
Soon after departure we were expected to make our way to the dining car to experience the exemplary culinary creations by chef Jean Imbert and he did not disappoint. We had free flowing champagne of our choice served, in this case Ruinart as an aperitive with some more Petrossian caviar, which is considered the best in the World btw, before switching to a bottle of Baron de L white wine to complement our meal.
Needless to say this wasn’t just lunch it was a culinary delight that took place over a few hours, but despite the captivating conversation over free flowing drinks we thought it was time to wrap it up and make our way to our suite, not without a little tour of the train particularly the onboard shop and the piano bar, which we looked forward to appreciating later that evening.
Upon returning to our suite, we found the little table set up yet again, but this time it was a 3-tier cake stand with delicious looking tiny pastries, some more champagne and a tea menu, as it should have been, as this was an afternoon tea set up. The butler effortlessly appeared from around the corner as if he was anticipating our return all afternoon to take our tea order and pop open yet another bottle of champagne – an offer we gladly accepted.
The incredible thing about the Belmond orient express is the ability to steal you away from the reality of the modern world, there is no technology in the room, you reach your butler via a button on the wall by the door and by the bed, moreover in our entire 24 hours on board we did not so much as reach for an ipad or laptop. They did however offer a deck of cards for entertainment, so we enjoyed each-others company old school style.
Dinner and the Orient Express dress code in action
Soon after our much-needed rest from our difficult day of consuming bottomless champagne and caviar it was time to start getting ready for dinner. I threw on my gorgeous Jenny Packham midi cocktail dress, accessorized with a veiled head band and tulle gloves and to complete my outfit I wore classic vintage looking Chanel pumps. The look couldn’t be more perfect for the dinner in question. As we walked in the dining car, I received countless compliments on my outfit which I accepted with grace and gratitude as any self-respecting 1930’s young lady should and took my seat at our table excited to see what was offered on the dinner menu.
My husband and I agreed on the beef course for dinner and ordered a bottle of a very special red vintage Chateau Mouton Rothschild to go with it, which was the only bottle of alcohol mentioned above that we had to pay for additionally, everything else was included in our ticket but more on that later.
After enjoying yet another impeccable meal accompanied by one of the best wines the world has to offer, we decided we were ready for the piano bar or in Orient Express language should I say bar car, so off we went.
While the piano man played the baby grand and sang the classics I opted for my favourite Hendricks gin dirty martini with 3 olives, and I must say the barmen did me proud.
After knocking down a few of these it was time for hubby and me to turn in, as we had a long day ahead of us upon arrival in Paris. Unfortunately, the magnificent escape had a time limit.
The next morning our butler as usual checked up us and offered breakfast menus consisting of scrambled eggs with caviar or French toast accompanied by a pastry basket filled with croissants and condiments, but after the consumption of alcohol I enjoyed the day/night before even if the very best, I could not imagine consuming anything but coffee, so I politely asked for a soya milk latte, which by the way was epic on the Belmond.
After all it was still early morning and they were serving a brunch before arrival, so if I decide I want to have a bite to eat I can always stroll into the dining car for one last meal before leaving the amazing Venice-Simplon Orient Express, however I wasn’t so lucky, in fact the rocking of the train only made my hangover worse, so much worse that I could not fathom pulling my head back in from the window it was hanging out of while rain was splashing across my face – this was my attempt to feel better after last nights festivities.
I am not a big drinker you see, but the Orient Express got the better of me, the atmosphere, the food, the waiters, the music, all of it is so inviting into the parallel universe that you are lucky to be a part even if for just a short while I could not help myself.
I can say without a doubt that this was one of the most amazing trips I have ever experienced, so much so that I am reluctant to do it again out of sheer fear that it might not meet the set standard we experienced on April 27th, 2024, but who am I kidding I am longing for more.
Links to outfits
