A more basic night train service called Tren Estrella previously operated within Spain; this used traditional carriages on conventional Spanish (broad gauge) tracks.

This was due to some routes being covered by daytime high-speed trains, the age of rolling stock and the diminishing popularity of some of the services.

[2] Each Talgo train is composed of several interchangeable carriage types, permitting flexible composition depending on the mission.

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.

At the end of April 2020, Renfe announced the suspension of all night Trenhotel services due to lack of profitability.