Having read this thread recently, I was steeling myself for the worst when I made a northbound lowlander trip earlier this week. This was my first sleeper trip in over a decade.
Arriving at Euston at 2235, I was pleased to see boarding in progress. The boarding process was very smooth, perhaps 60 seconds from presenting myself to the first CS team member on the platform to being in my room. Certainly quicker and easier than any hotel I’ve been in (and I’ve been in a lot recently). It looked like the service was full, or close to it. The seats were nearly full too.
First impressions of the room were great. Not big, granted (I didn’t expect it to be), but everything was there and worked, including the ensuite. It was very well presented. Plenty of space under the bed for my (big) bag. Charging points a plenty. Cradles to put your phone / tablet in while charging. Nice bag of toiletries.
I withdrew to the lounge car, which was about half full. I was immediately seen to by a member of staff and a cold beer was on the table within a minute. The car filled up before departure (which when it happened, was imperceptible). All the other guests in the lounge car were tourists - American or Japanese. All had food and drinks. All were delighted (from what I could tell). One party of four had to sit on the ‘bar’ seats, but were invited to move to a table when it became vacant. I stayed for a couple more beers (which were lovely).
Back in my room, I went to bed. It is definitely longer than the old beds, as I now fit (unless I’ve shrunk considerably!), although they felt a little narrower. The bedding was much more comfortable than last time I use the sleeper, but that may be a more recent development generally. I was directly above the wheels, but the ride seems a little better than the old stock. I definitely slept better than on the old stock, and I put that down to the longer bed. I did wake most times we stopped though (as per the old stock). Room temperature was fine; I had no issues with the light from either the light switch or from the corridor - frankly this was negligible.
The detachment at Carstairs went without incident; the air con switching off was the only reason I knew it was happening (and therefore where we were).
In the morning, a bacon roll was delivered to my room at exactly the time ordered the previous evening. I then had a shower - which was much better than I expected. Temperature good, power good.
Arrival into Edinburgh was just about on time.
The only issues I observed were:
1) the staff ‘call for service’ tone was ringing regularly in the lounge car from boarding until a little after departure. I assume this was various people wanting room service. It was a bit annoying but I managed to tune it out after a while.
2) when someone flushed the ensuite next door I could hear it. Same as most hotels with adjacent bathrooms, but perhaps more obvious as the rooms are smaller.
3) I made the mistake of having a shower whilst we were stopped at a signal somewhere north of Carstairs, on heavily canted track. A little of the waste water did come through the door into the main cabin, but most was caught by the bath mat (which the instructions made clear was to be placed outside). What was left had dried by the time of arrival at Edinburgh.
4) one passenger appeared in the lounge car for a drink around midnight, because her air con wasn’t working.
In summary:
* A vast improvement on the old stock, in comfort, presentation and general ‘feel’
* crew were magnificent (and plenty of them)
* punctual
* a couple of very minor issues
* will be very popular with tourists - who don’t seem put off by the pricing
* I still don’t sleep well on a sleeper (but better than the old stock)
* I will use it again.
Of course many people have had issues with the service, but I thought I would lend some balance to the debate.
Perhaps all those on the thread providing their views on the service and the failings of CS (and what should happen to them) who have yet to sample it should wait until they use it before commenting.