Title: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 20, 2014, 12:46:23 Has anyone used the Highland Sleeper in the seated carriage? What is the comfort like? Would it be suitable for someone like me who doesn't sleep easily?
The reason I ask is that I've found an interesting (read rather cheap) fare that gives an itinerary involving the seated sleeper between Crewe and Inverness (23:53 to 08:36) but was wondering whether I'd find it very comfortable. I'm not so concerned about showers etc as I would be able to check in immediately on arrival at my final destination of Thurso. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 20, 2014, 12:56:48 I have taken the seated sleeper all the way from Euston to Fort William. It's not something that I'd do again, but I wouldn't say it was uncomfortable. You get 1st Class style reclining seats with foot rests, curtains and dimmed lighting. Biggest issue is noise from other passengers - particularly snoring. So I'd suggest some ear plugs. Also an inflatable neck pillow would be a wise investment.
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: grahame on April 20, 2014, 13:52:44 Biggest issue is noise from other passengers - particularly snoring. I have snored my way from London to Craigendoran in the past ;D ... and woken for the beautiful scenery beyond Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 20, 2014, 13:55:37 I'm in two minds about this at the moment. Do we know if there are power sockets at seats (the website doesn't say, only mentions the lounge car)?
The other option is ^62 supplement for a solo berth, but I'm not able to book this online (I assume because the fare isn't strictly designed to be used on the sleeper, even though it will offer a seat reservation). Also I'd rather board at London, but again the ticket won't allow that. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: TaplowGreen on April 20, 2014, 13:57:05 I once snored my way from Dublin to Waterford on the train following one too many pints of the Black stuff in O'Connell St around St Patrick's day............I awoke to find a fierce looking Priest staring at me, if I end up in Hell's fiery torments when my time comes I will know why! :D
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 20, 2014, 15:14:29 I'm in two minds about this at the moment. Do we know if there are power sockets at seats (the website doesn't say, only mentions the lounge car)? Almost certain there are no power sockets in the Mk2 Seated Sleeper carriages. Just remembered another reason for ear plugs. The tread brakes on the Mk2 carriages. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: SDS on April 20, 2014, 15:32:13 Ive done the seated section before but I always use the sleeper section now. First time I used the section there was a party of students that decided they would stay awake all night.
Yes invest in a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones or earplugs. No plug sockets at all in the seated section on FSR and you'll not be allowed to use the lounge car as "its for the use of sleeper passengers only". Reservation Mandatory. Have seen people at EUS being turned away because there being no seats available (everyone turned up) and not having a reservation despite having a valid 'open' ticket. Neck Pillow is a defo. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 20, 2014, 16:46:32 I'm tempted to fly to Edinburgh and spend an afternoon/evening there exploring. Costs about the same as a solo berth if I were to stay in a budget hotel. The journey is also a lot quicker.
Hmm, too many options I can't actually make a decision >:( Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: SDS on April 21, 2014, 20:01:59 Could always pick up a "bargin berth" for ^29-^59. No idea on availability and only available through tickets.scotrail.co.uk (dont forget to register your nectar card.)
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 21, 2014, 20:05:44 Could always pick up a "bargin berth" for ^29-^59. No idea on availability and only available through tickets.scotrail.co.uk (dont forget to register your nectar card.) Cheers but there aren't any available on the date I plan to travel. The fare I would be using is less than ^30 and includes my journey into London, the tube transfer and 153 miles the other side of Inverness.Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: thetrout on April 22, 2014, 18:54:11 Can First Class Ticket holders use the Lounge Car without a Berth on FSR? (First Scot Rail and not First Class Off-Peak Return)
I know the FGW Night Riviera you 'used' to be able to use Coach C if you held a First Class ticket. Not the case these days frustratingly. But the staff in the Buffet will give you complimentary drinks if you present a First Class ticket. (Well it worked for me when I did it a while back) Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: SDS on April 23, 2014, 13:28:47 It all depends on the crew.
ScotRail can be extremely strict, "the lounge car is ONLY for sleeper car passengers". They have been know to turf out standard sleeper car passengers. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Phil on April 23, 2014, 13:33:04 It all depends on the crew. ScotRail can be extremely strict, "the lounge car is ONLY for sleeper car passengers". They have been know to turf out standard sleeper car passengers. "They have been known to turf out Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 23, 2014, 14:03:23 What? Even the London crew?
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: bobm on April 23, 2014, 18:44:35 The only thing I have noticed about the lounge car on the Caledonian Sleeper is you need to sit at one of the tables rather than the settee type seats or they will not serve you hot food.
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 24, 2014, 22:04:53 Completely decided against the idea of sleeping on a seat and investigated a completely different short break down in Cornwall. Have a solo berth booked PAD-PNZ for the bargain price of ^49.00, plus ^3.95 for the advance fare from Whittlesford to London.
I know the 1st class lounge at Paddington is available prior to departure, but what time is the train ready to board, given it departs at 23:45? Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 24, 2014, 22:13:48 The E.C.S. working of the Sleeper stock is usually timed (weekdays) out of of Old Oak Carriage Sidings at 2121, arriving into Platform 1 at Paddington at 2139.
Boarding time is usually from 2230 at Paddington. Kick back in the lounge with a complimentary coffee and nibbles and relax. Staff there usually inform Sleeper passengers when the service is ready to board. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 24, 2014, 22:17:30 Boarding time is usually from 2230 at Paddington. Kick back in the lounge with a complimentary coffee and nibbles and relax. Staff there usually inform Sleeper passengers when the service is ready to board. Wonderful. I suppose the showers are also available to use prior to boarding? I have 4 hours between arriving at Liverpool Street and departing Paddington, so have quite a bit of time to spare.Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 24, 2014, 22:43:24 Showers are now over the other side of the station, by Platform 12.
The facilities there should be open 24 hours, and showers should be complimentary for departing or arriving Sleeper passengers. FGW's website (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/Night-Riviera-Sleeper/Cabin-Passenger) says: Quote Cabin ticket holders departing or arriving at London Paddington can use the Network Rail showers located on platform 12 available 24 hours a day. Also bear in mind that the complimentary toiletries on board are very limited. A bar of soap and a hand towel is all. So for your morning freshen up it's best to ensure you have all you need, toiletry wise. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: SDS on April 24, 2014, 23:41:07 The new showers over by Platform 12 arnt all that bad. The old ones by Platform 1 you would be dirty as soon as you stepped out of the showers. The old saying "wipe your feet on the way out" springs to mind for the showers on Platform 1.
As for the First Class Lounge, there is an internal briefing that restricts when standard class sleeper customers can use it. I think they will only let standard passengers in from 21:00. It seems that some customers were abusing the facilities and sitting in their from lunchtime! Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 24, 2014, 23:55:12 I think they will only let standard passengers in from 21:00. That's basically all Sleeper passengers then. The Night Riviera is effectively single class these days. Yes, you can have a flexible 1st Class travel ticket valid for use on the Sleeper, but all berths are sold as Standard Class regardless of the ticket for travel held, and holding a 1st Class travel ticket gives nothing by way of improved facilities. Except of course the right to sit in the 1st Class Lounge all day if you so wish. ;) Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 25, 2014, 20:59:31 As for the First Class Lounge, there is an internal briefing that restricts when standard class sleeper customers can use it. I think they will only let standard passengers in from 21:00. It seems that some customers were abusing the facilities and sitting in their from lunchtime! Still plenty of time to relax though. I arrive in Liverpool Street at 19:45, so by the time I find Wetherspoons for Tuesday steak club, get the tube and have a shower, it will definitely be after 21:00.Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: SDS on April 25, 2014, 23:37:55 I think they will only let standard passengers in from 21:00. That's basically all Sleeper passengers then. The Night Riviera is effectively single class these days. Yes, you can have a flexible 1st Class travel ticket valid for use on the Sleeper, but all berths are sold as Standard Class regardless of the ticket for travel held, and holding a 1st Class travel ticket gives nothing by way of improved facilities. Except of course the right to sit in the 1st Class Lounge all day if you so wish. ;) Only Standard Sleeper Berth customers. Its where they corral the customers when the sleeper 57 goes belly up. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: trainer on April 26, 2014, 19:26:35 The Night Riviera is effectively single class these days. Yes, you can have a flexible 1st Class travel ticket valid for use on the Sleeper, but all berths are sold as Standard Class regardless of the ticket for travel held, and holding a 1st Class travel ticket gives nothing by way of improved facilities. Does this mean you cannot have single occupancy on the Night Riviera even with a First Class ticket? Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: Brucey on April 26, 2014, 19:35:08 The Night Riviera is effectively single class these days. Yes, you can have a flexible 1st Class travel ticket valid for use on the Sleeper, but all berths are sold as Standard Class regardless of the ticket for travel held, and holding a 1st Class travel ticket gives nothing by way of improved facilities. Does this mean you cannot have single occupancy on the Night Riviera even with a First Class ticket? Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: JayMac on April 26, 2014, 19:42:07 Single travellers on the Night Riviera get a single berth, regardless of the class of travel on their ticket. That's why there's little point paying for a 1st Class ticket. If a 1st Class travel ticket is already held then it can of course be used on payment of the berth supplement (at the same rate as for Standard Class ticket holders), but there's no improvement in facilities or the complimentary items offered on board.
The only time you can share on the Night Riviera is if you are travelling with someone known to you. No sharing with strangers, unlike on the Caledonian Sleeper where, to guarantee solo occupancy, you have to pay for a 1st Class ticket and 1st Class berth. Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: trainer on April 26, 2014, 22:18:32 Thank you for your info about travelling as a single, Brucey and BNM. I have held back from using it in the past with a 1st Class All Line Rover because of the uncertainty.
Title: Re: Facilities on Sleeper Services Post by: bobm on April 27, 2014, 07:46:47 As we have moved away from discussing just the Caledonian Sleeper services, I have renamed the topic just in the interests of ...er.. what's the phrase Chris from Nailsea uses? ;D
I would also draw your attention to a review posted by bignosemac a year ago which gives more details and photos - http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12330.0) This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |