Travel vlogger Scott Manson pitted two overnight sleeper train services against each other in a head-to-head comparison. The Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance and the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Scotland were scored on 36 criteria. The final score was Night Riviera 27, Caledonian Sleeper 23. Manson said the Caledonian 'shot themselves in the foot' due to a lack of apology after major service failures.
How the Challenge Worked
Manson, speaking on his YouTube channel Planes, Trains, Everything, outlined a 'two nights, two sleeper' challenge. He took the Night Riviera first, then returned to London to board the Caledonian the next evening. He used a checklist of 36 items for a like-for-like comparison.
On the Night Riviera, departing at 11:45 pm, Manson found his cabin 'spotless'. He ticked off items including a sink, soap, towel, and bottled water. He was impressed with the crew, who offered him a morning shower reservation. He noted a bin, shelf, and upper berth, but found the single bed narrow at 25 inches wide and 74 inches long. The upper bunk was almost 29 inches wide. However, Wi-Fi did not work on his mobile, and he complained of a 'racket' from overhead.
Night Riviera: Mixed but Enjoyable
In the morning, Manson said he had a 'rough night' without proper sleep, but enjoyed a coffee and bacon roll in his cabin. He praised the 'comfortable' mattress and 'lovely' pillows, though the 'racket' generated more noise than the train. Overall, he called the journey 'enjoyable'. Upon reaching Penzance, he showered and explored the town before catching a 2:15 pm return service to London.
Caledonian Sleeper: Service Failures
Back at Euston, Manson noted his ticket did not grant access to the Caledonian departure lounge. His sleeper departed at 11:45 pm. He awarded a point for welcoming staff and for providing a basin, soap, towel, and water. He measured the bed at 25 inches wide and 72-73 inches long. He criticised the ladder to the upper bunk, placed in the centre of the bed, calling it one of his 'pet hates'. He found two mirrors, a do-not-disturb sign, and coat hangers, but noted 'a couple of stains' on the carpet. A meal menu was available, but breakfast was not included, unlike on the Riviera. On a per-mile basis, the Caledonian was cheaper.
During the journey, Manson reported no internet, and the toilet had no water, soap, hand dryer, or power. In the morning, he had a 'pretty decent sleep', but the temperature control did not work. Upon arriving in Glasgow, he branded the trip 'not great'. He said: 'Two carriages, the toilets had no power in them whatsoever. No flushing, nothing. No heating in the cabin and zero internet access. Did we get an apology or an explanation? No.'
Lack of Apology Decides Winner
Manson noted that the train manager made an announcement half an hour out of Glasgow reminding passengers to prepare for disembarkation, but did not acknowledge or apologise for the power failures. He said: 'I'm almost tempted to contact public relations at Caledonian Sleeper just to see what they can say, because I thought, at least acknowledge it and at least apologise, because it is a world-famous service.'
Back at Euston, Manson's tally was a draw until the Caledonian's failures. He said: 'Caledonian Sleeper totally shot themselves in the foot. The final score was Night Riviera 27, Caledonian Sleeper 23. And it was mainly because of what happened last night.' He later contacted Caledonian Sleeper and was offered £40 in compensation.
