Sleeping in a train is no longer a thing of the past. In the past, long journeys on the tracks forced passengers to spend the night in modest sleeping cars. Today, the design of the 50s is much more functional and comfortable and there are hotels that seek to offer different experiences in the city.
Just 15 minutes from Madrid, we can stay in an authentic railroad carriage in the middle of nature. The hotel property Las Charolas, located in San Agustín del Guadalix, has two train cars that have been transformed into small apartments with their own living room-kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
A new life for the carriages
These peculiar accommodations give a second life to old wagons from the 50s and 60s. Companies specialized in restoration are in charge of refurbishing these spaces to make them habitable without losing their historical value. Throughout the process, the materials are reinforced, the wood is sanded and electricity and water are installed.
Once they are ready, the cars are moved to their destination and placed on a section of track, respecting the original layout of the building. In addition, to achieve the immersion in the railroad universe, it is important to take care of the decoration with old round tables, gas fireplaces, wrought iron fireplaces or wrought iron stairs that maintain the aesthetics.
The journey that never begins
Those who board these wagons do not take a trip. The idea of enjoying the road takes on an almost literal meaning in these spaces, where the strong point is to appeal to nostalgia. We can imagine the stories that would happen in these spaces, but without moving at any time.
In this tourist retreat to the past, one element cannot be missing: the natural environment. The Las Charolas estate is surrounded by a Mediterranean landscape with holm oaks, junipers, thyme, rosemary and wild flowers. They have installed small terraces outside the carriages, so that their guests do not look for the need for the train to move.
Thus, this proposal adds to the list of hotels located in idyllic enclaves and with original proposals for a getaway as a couple or different from the usual. As for the price, you can book a night for two people in these cars for about 190 euros.