This new ultra-luxury train suite costs $100,200 a night — see why it's been such a hit with wealthy travelers

This new ultra-luxury train suite costs $100,200 a night — see why it's been such a hit with wealthy travelers
  • Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' new ultra-luxury sleeper carriage is set to debut in March.

  • The L'Observatoire suite has a butler, a secret lounge, and a marble bathroom for $100,200 a night.

  • Belmond's luxury train has seen a booking boom amid a revived rail renaissance.

A $100,200 check could change someone's life — or be just enough to cover their one-night stay in Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite, debuting in March.

Luxury travel company Belmond operates a fleet of six trains. Rail enthusiast or not, you'll likely recognize its famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a 108-guest moving hotel with revamped century-old carriages that still retain the extravagance of the time.

It's this old glitz and glamour that has made the swanky train — and its forthcoming suite — a magnet for the growing luxury rail aficionado community.

Gary Franklin, Belmond's senior vice president of trains and cruises, told BI that reservations for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express spiked 10% from 2023 to 2024.

A navy blue train with gold trimmings stopped at a platform with mountains in the background
The Venice-Simplon Orient Express train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Its six Grand Suites are often the first accommodations to be booked, despite its starting price of £22,360 — about $27,310 — for one night. That's more than triple the cost of the train's basic cabins.

These suites, considered a bucket list for wealthy travelers, are the most luxurious accommodations on the train.

Come March, this title will be dethroned by the L'Observatoire.

The more than 330-square-foot suite would be the largest on the train, spanning an entire carriage.

composite of bathroom and tub in Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite
The marble bathroom has gold-toned fixtures contrasting the marble and black-and-white mosaic flooring. The bathtub is located outside, next to the bed.Belmond

Travelers in the lowest-tier cabins have to share a bathroom with other parties.

Meanwhile, guests luxuriating in the L'Observatoire would have their own freestanding bathtub, separate from the en-suite marble bathroom.

Take a soak while sipping a glass of Champagne — alcohol is complimentary.

French artist JR designed the restored carriage-turned-cabin.

empty bedroom in Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite
The suite has a bedroom with a double bed, a bathtub, an ensuite bathroom, and a wardrobe. It's separated from the lounge by a small hallway.Belmond

As such, expect creative details in the bedroom, such as green scalloped walls and a round skylight with wood covers that pivot like a camera lens.

It's perfect for gazing at the night sky while lying on the double bed.

Spend your afternoons lounging in the living room.

empty dining table in Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite
The suite sleeps up to two people, although the lounge can accommodate five.Belmond

Peruse the fully stocked bookshelf or take a catnap on the window-side daybed.

If you're more social — or don't feel like eating in the three dining cars — consider hosting a group of friends at the adjacent dining table.

The space can also be rearranged into a living room with couches. Your butler, available around the clock, can likely help you with this furniture jigsaw.

Play a few rounds of 'I Spy' as you look for hidden nooks and messages around the suite.

empty lounge with full bookshelves in Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite
The suite has a lounge hidden next to the bookshelf and desk.Belmond

Look closely at the library to find a secret door. It will lead you into the "tea room," which is finished with a fireplace, another round skylight, and a miniature train model.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express has 17 carriages — 18 when guests request this lavish suite.

empty desk next to full bookshelves in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' L'Observatoire suite
The cost includes amenities such as transfers to and from the train.Belmond

The L'Observatoire carriage is available upon request for £82,000, or about $100,170, per night, according to Franklin.

Despite the steep cost, reservations have been "fantastic," he said, noting that it had been booked for nine nights — about halfway to its first-year expectations — as of mid-December 2024.

Not bad, considering that it costs more than a year's tuition at a private American college.

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