Trenhotel is a long distance, high-quality overnight train service which uses Talgotilting trains technology and sleeping cars developed by the Spanish railnetwork operatorRenfe. It is operated by Renfe when it operates within Spain, and was operated by its subsidiary Elipsos when in France, Switzerland and Italy. The specially developed Talgo carriages are sometimes used by other railway companies, although usually in other livery. As with most quality European overnight trains, Trenhotel can offer special facilities for disabled passengers. Previously a competing night train service called Tren Estrella operated within Spain ; this used traditional carriages on conventional Spanish tracks.
Composition and services
Each Talgo train is composed of several interchangeable carriage types, permitting flexible composition depending on the mission. Tilting train technology is used with the series IV, V, VI and VII carriages. The series IV do not have gauge change required for cross-border routes and high speed lines, consequently being restricted to operate within the Iberian Peninsula standard network. The series VI are approved for circulation in France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Portugal. A typical Trenhotel composition has:
Tourist Seats : similar to the first class seats on regular trains. On Series VII and international carriages these can be reclined until they are completely horizontal.
Tourist Cabins: These have washing facilities and four beds which are sold either as a family unit or alternatively individual beds may be sold separately so that male and female passengers who may be strangers are not mixed
Preferred Cabins: Equipped with a sinkflush toilet closet these have two beds, which are sold as single a unit for one or two occupants.
High-class cabins, feature a shower, toilet and two beds, which are also sold as single a unit for one or two occupants.
Cafeteria service units usually with seating and often some limited cabin service.
Dining car providing full European style meals of different types, depending on the time of the day, and some limited service outside of usual working-hours.
Trenhotel units ordinarily travel at between and with an average speed of around.
Traction
Trenhotel units are trailers so all need to incorporate a tractor locomotive. On international routes the locomotive unit is changed at the border. Within Spain Trenhotel usually uses a Renfe series 252 in electrified areas and Renfe series 334 diesel locomotive in non-electrified areas.
Routes
Trenhotel routes are named after famous Spanish places or people. Lately routes are limited, be sure to check with the train station as to which ones are running.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trenhotel connections were discontinued from March 17, 2020. At the end of May 2020, Renfe announced the suspension of all night Trenhotel services due to lack of profitability. Therefore Lisbon loses its only international train connection to Spain and France, and thus also to the rest of Europe. After talks with regional governments, Renfe announced on May 2, 2020 that Trenhotel services to the Spanish region of Galicia would not be discontinued.
