Train services: Belmond Royal Scotsman vs. Eurostar Neo
Quick Verdict
Belmond Royal Scotsman is a luxury, scenic experience within Scotland, while Eurostar Neo is a practical, international travel option.
- Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a luxury experience focused on the Scottish Highlands with high prices and limited accessibility.
- Eurostar Neo provides high-speed travel across Europe with a focus on sustainability, but has faced criticism regarding wheelchair assistance policies.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Belmond Royal Scotsman | Eurostar Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Route Options & Destinations | Tours of the Scottish Highlands, itineraries ranging from 2 to 7 nights. Tours start and end at Edinburgh Waverley station. | High-speed routes between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Winter 'Snow' service to ski destinations in the French Alps. |
| Cabin Size and Comfort | Cabins are designed with marquetry and tartan furnishings. Options include twin, double, and grand suites. All cabins have an en-suite bathroom. | Generally comfortable with reclining seats and sufficient legroom. First class options provide larger seats. |
| Dining Experience & Menu Quality | Meals and wines are included. The food is prepared onboard with menus featuring Scottish ingredients. Options range from formal dinners to barbeque lunches. | Revolutionizing dining experience with Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers. Menus use sustainably and locally sourced ingredients. Eurostar Premier offers a four-course menu with wine selections. |
| Onboard Activities & Entertainment | Observation Car with an open-air viewing platform. Onboard entertainment may include Scottish singers and storytellers. A Bamford Haybarn Spa offers treatments. | Onboard entertainment streamed to personal devices, including TV shows, films, documentaries, games, and news. |
| Price & Value for Money | Prices vary depending on the itinerary and duration, starting from around £4,500 per person for 2 nights and rising to over £13,000 for 7 nights. The price includes meals, drinks, accommodation, and excursions. | First class tickets can be more expensive, but are considered worth it by some for the lounge access and enhanced experience. |
| Accessibility for Passengers with Disabilities | One twin cabin in the Spa Car is designed for disabled access, with a wider corridor and a wet room bathroom. However, the rest of the train does not have disabled facilities. | Provides assistance to passengers with disabilities. Wheelchair spaces are available in Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. Faced criticism and reversed policies regarding wheelchair assistance. |
Overall Comparison
Scenery: Belmond wins; Speed: Eurostar wins; Price: Eurostar wins; Accessibility: Eurostar is better but has issues
Pros and Cons
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Pros:
- Stunning views of the Scottish Highlands
- High-quality food and beverage options
- Attentive and professional staff
- Unique onboard activities and entertainment
- Luxurious and comfortable cabins
Cons:
- High price
- Limited cabin space
- Potential for schedule changes due to railway constraints
- Limited accessibility for passengers with disabilities (except for one cabin)
Eurostar Neo
Pros:
- Comfortable cabins with reclining seats
- High-quality dining experience with sustainable ingredients
- Onboard entertainment streaming to personal devices
- Generally friendly and helpful staff
- Reliable schedule
- Focus on sustainability
Cons:
- First class tickets can be expensive
- Views can be limited due to high speed and window thickness
- Criticism regarding wheelchair assistance policies
User Experiences and Feedback
Belmond Royal Scotsman
What Users Love
- Cozy and comfortable cabins with marquetry, tartan fabrics, and plush bedding.
- High-quality food with fresh, local Scottish produce.
- Wide selection of beverages, including wines, liqueurs, and over 30 types of whisky.
- Relaxing in the Observation Car and enjoying views from the open-air platform.
- Attentive, friendly, and professional staff.
- Stunning views of the Scottish Highlands, including mountains, lochs, glens, and viaducts.
Common Complaints
- Timings and routes are subject to change due to railway network constraints.
- Luggage space is limited in the cabins.
Value Perception
- Many reviewers consider the journey a worthwhile experience despite the expense.
User Recommendations
- Reviewers consistently praise the staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism.
Eurostar Neo
What Users Love
- Comfortable cabins
- High food quality
- Helpful staff
- Reliable service
Common Complaints
- Limited views
- Expensive first class tickets
- Issues with wheelchair assistance
Value Perception
- First class worth it for lounge access