Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges

SKS1944 · Mar 16, 2024

Agree with Amtrak making sure that all the extras that come with sleeper accommodations are advertised number of times. And did you know that the Metro Lounge at Chicago's Union Station has shower facilities? Come on Amtrak, what a perk. Who knew?! I know, it is one shower in the Men's Bathroom and one in the Women's Bathroom...but two total is better than never hearing about them.
Hopefully Amtrak reads these comments and appreciates that the comments were written in our support of Amtrak snd to make it EVEN better than it is presently.

Eric in East County · Mar 16, 2024

Railspike said:
Recently rode the SL from LAX to Houston. While dining and visiting with other diners during the trip, we found 4 individuals who got on in LAX, had sleeper tickets, and had no idea there was a Metropolitan Lounge. I went to the website and looked at "Features" under the LAX station. It does say Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge. However, these were either first-time riders or one who hadn't taken the train in over 30 years. And even if they had seen it under "Features" they wouldn't know what it was and wouldn't know it's for sleeper passengers only because the website doesn't specify this. So how would they even know? Seems that Amtrak could make it well known to all sleeper passengers when they buy a ticket that if they choose, they have a specific lounge available if they're boarding in a Met Lounge station. To a person they all said it would have been nice to have known this especially for what they paid for the ticket.

Another perk which we didn’t learn about until after we’d taken more than a few trips was that arriving sleeping car passengers who are continuing on by coach are entitled to wait in the Metropolitan Lounge until their train is called away. Waiting in Chicago Union Station’s Metropolitan Lounge is much preferred to waiting in the old south waiting room when it is jammed to capacity with people waiting for several different trains to begin boarding. (We know because, back before we knew better, we were jammed in there, too.)

joelkfla · Mar 17, 2024

Eric in East County said:
Another perk which we didn’t learn about until after we’d taken more than a few trips was that arriving sleeping car passengers who are continuing on by coach are entitled to wait in the Metropolitan Lounge until their train is called away. Waiting in Chicago Union Station’s Metropolitan Lounge is much preferred to waiting in the old south waiting room when it is jammed to capacity with people waiting for several different trains to begin boarding. (We know because, back before we knew better, we were jammed in there, too.)

And furthermore, if you're riding coach to a same-day connection on which you'll be in a sleeper, you can wait for your coach departure in the lounge, if available.

John Santos · Mar 17, 2024

SKS1944 said:
Agree with Amtrak making sure that all the extras that come with sleeper accommodations are advertised number of times. And did you know that the Metro Lounge at Chicago's Union Station has shower facilities? Come on Amtrak, what a perk. Who knew?! I know, it is one shower in the Men's Bathroom and one in the Women's Bathroom...but two total is better than never hearing about them.
Hopefully Amtrak reads these comments and appreciates that the comments were written in our support of Amtrak snd to make it EVEN better than it is presently.

There are two showers in the Men's room. You need to get the key from the front desk and they keep some sort of security document (e.g. a driver's license) which you get back when you return the key.

They also give you a plastic bag with a couple of towels and wash cloths. There are soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers in the shower. There's a bin for used towels and the bag is handy for carrying your dirty clothes. I've used both showers, they are very large and spacious (plenty of room for a wheel chair if needed; I'm pretty sure they are fully ADA compliant.)

I've never been there or asked anyone about it, but I'm sure there are at least two showers in the Women's bathroom as well.

John Santos · Mar 17, 2024

Eric in East County said:
Another perk which we didn’t learn about until after we’d taken more than a few trips was that arriving sleeping car passengers who are continuing on by coach are entitled to wait in the Metropolitan Lounge until their train is called away. Waiting in Chicago Union Station’s Metropolitan Lounge is much preferred to waiting in the old south waiting room when it is jammed to capacity with people waiting for several different trains to begin boarding. (We know because, back before we knew better, we were jammed in there, too.)

My first sleeper trip, LSL connecting to coach EB to MSP, it wasn't an issue because we were very late and the held the EB for a few minutes while one of the OBS people walked us to the waiting EB. We never went inside the building. However, on the way home, I had no idea the Metropolitan lounge existed, and I waited in the extremely packed waiting room with the LSL and the CONO passengers (it had an equipment problem and left about two hours late.

Loved the sleeper anyway, and on my next trip (LSL connecting to a sleeper on the EB to SEA) we were on time, and I discovered the old Metropolitan Lounge while wandering around CUS. On the way home (with a multi-day stop-over in MSP and so coach from there to CUS), the Metropolitan Lounge had vanished

Then I found out about the spiffy new one with showers and snacks and a big luggage storage room! I asked because I was connecting from a coach to a sleeper, and they told me anyone with same-day travel on a sleeper was eligible to use the Metro Lounge, even if they are neither arriving nor departing from that particular station on a sleeper. For example, Boston to Atlanta, NER coach to NYP, Crescent sleeper to Atlanta, I was eligible to use the Metro Lounges in both Boston and NYP.

Eric in East County · Mar 17, 2024

For many years, we were also unaware that Los Angeles Union Station had a Metropolitan Lounge for departing/arriving sleeping car passengers. Instead, we waited in the main waiting room which is quite spectacular although during the summer it can get quite crowded and warm.

It was being stuck in the Chicago Union Station south waiting room that we most dreaded. It was someone on AU (and not Amtrak) who finally told us that we were entitled to wait in the Metropolitan Lounge. Now, whenever a Red Cap drives us passed the crowded south waiting room on the way to our train, we bless the day that we joined AU!

SKS1944 · Mar 18, 2024

John Santos said:
There are two showers in the Men's room. You need to get the key from the front desk and they keep some sort of security document (e.g. a driver's license) which you get back when you return the key.

They also give you a plastic bag with a couple of towels and wash cloths. There are soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers in the shower. There's a bin for used towels and the bag is handy for carrying your dirty clothes. I've used both showers, they are very large and spacious (plenty of room for a wheel chair if needed; I'm pretty sure they are fully ADA compliant.)

I've never been there or asked anyone about it, but I'm sure there are at least two showers in the Women's bathroom as well.

Thanks John for adding the specifics on the showers at Chicago's Metropolitan Lounge. It's more than a "nice to know." It's a real perk if you are traveling thru Chicago and need a refreshing shower.

Eternityroad · Mar 28, 2024

SKS1944 said:
Thanks John for adding the specifics on the showers at Chicago's Metropolitan Lounge. It's more than a "nice to know." It's a real perk if you are traveling thru Chicago and need a refreshing shower.

Thank you. I was planning to get a one day pass to the Lounge on my next trip and was wondering if they provided towels. Yipeee!

Eternityroad · Mar 28, 2024

Mailliw said:
I'm on the LSL to Chicago next month; my first sleeper trip. Hopefully they'll just let me stock up on food.

Food comes with your fare in tye sleeper.

Traveller · May 15, 2024

Re the LAX Metropolitan Lounge.

Arriving SL sleeper around 6 am (if on time) and want to use the lounge for a couple of hours before heading out to visit a site near Pasadena, before returning to collect the bags I will have left there earlier.

Will the staff allow me to leave my bags for about 6-8 hours before collecting them? or is it better to stump up and buy a locker in the main station?

Will there be a simple breakfast at around 7-8am or is the food just snacks?

Thank you

LongHauler · May 16, 2024

Traveller said:
Arriving SL sleeper around 6 am (if on time) and want to use the lounge for a couple of hours before heading out to visit a site near Pasadena, before returning to collect the bags I will have left there earlier.

Lounge opens at 6, SL is at times a hour earlier than its scheduled arrival time. So it's possible you'll have a wait for lounge access.

Traveller said:
Will there be a simple breakfast at around 7-8am or is the food just snacks?

Packaged coffee cakes & packaged blueberry muffins is as close as you'll get. At 7 or so the tiny Mexican restaurants along Olvera St (an alley really, with artists' stalls down the middle and restaurants along the sides) will start opening up. That's my go-to LA Union Station breakfast. It's 100-150 yds and slightly uphill from the Union Station entrance. If your mobility is good, you won't have a problem getting there. I don't specifically remember, but $12-15 should get you an egg-based Mexican breakfast and coffee.

MccfamschoolMom · May 16, 2024

LongHauler said:
$12-15 should get you an egg-based Mexican breakfast and coffee.

Huevos rancheros, here we come! (eventually)

Widfara · May 16, 2024

To the right as you go out the front of the station. A couple of blocks past the Metro Plaza hotel, there is at 1001 N. Alameda The Original Philippe, a decent breakfast, dip sandwiches later. Little ambience, good food. Opens at 6.
Also, I never was given any grief about leaving luggage all day in the room they use in the lounge.

Traveller · May 16, 2024

LongHauler said:
Lounge opens at 6, SL is at times a hour earlier than its scheduled arrival time. So it's possible you'll have a wait for lounge access.

Packaged coffee cakes & packaged blueberry muffins is as close as you'll get. At 7 or so the tiny Mexican restaurants along Olvera St (an alley really, with artists' stalls down the middle and restaurants along the sides) will start opening up. That's my go-to LA Union Station breakfast. It's 100-150 yds and slightly uphill from the Union Station entrance. If your mobility is good, you won't have a problem getting there. I don't specifically remember, but $12-15 should get you an egg-based Mexican breakfast and coffee.

Mobility is good, many thanks

Bob Dylan · May 16, 2024

Widfara said:
To the right as you go out the front of the station. A couple of blocks past the Metro Plaza hotel, there is at 1001 N. Alameda The Original Philippe, a decent breakfast, dip sandwiches later. Little ambience, good food. Opens at 6.
Also, I never was given any grief about leaving luggage all day in the room they use in the lounge.

Seconded! Philippe has great reasonable Breakfasts and Good Coffee that's cheap!( there is a Starbucks in Union Station but the 2 places mentioned for Breakfast are much better!)

zephyr17 · May 16, 2024

Bob Dylan said:
Seconded! Philippe has great reasonable Breakfasts and Good Coffee that's cheap!( there is a Starbucks in Union Station but the 2 places mentioned for Breakfast are much better!)

Thirded. I always hit Phillipes. Great French Dips (try the lamb, and get it either "double-dipped" or "wet"). Good breakfasts and cheap. Good coffee (though you won't be getting a latte, cappuccino, etc, etc. It's...coffee). And there's nothing wrong with getting a French Dip for breakfast, either (they're available whenever they're open).

If staying in LA, you can leave your bags in the Lounge, go get breakfast at Phillipes, go back and hang out in the lounge until you can check into your hotel.

Phillipes is about a 5-7 minute walk from the station. Go out the main Alameda doors, go on out to Alameda and turn right. Phillips is on the left a bit past the second stop light. You'll want to cross Alameda either coming out of the station, at the first light up (Cesar Chavez) or the second (Main St/Bauchet) since there is no light on the corner Phillipes is on.

Shanson · May 17, 2024

Storage lockers are a thing of the past.

Lounge access gives you free storage. (If no lounge access, bag storage is $10.00 per bag, see ticket counter; checked bags are free.)

joelkfla · May 17, 2024

Shanson said:
Lounge access gives you free storage.

It varies by location. Of the 4 lounges I've visited, CHI, NYP, & WAS do, but PHL does not.

MARC Rider · May 17, 2024

joelkfla said:
It varies by location. Of the 4 lounges I've visited, CHI, NYP, & WAS do, but PHL does not.

Boston doesn't have a bag storage area either, but you can leave your bags with the redcap who is stationed at the door to the lounge. He'll either put it on a baggage cart or store it at the foot of the stairs behind the locked door to the lounge. The service is free, but it's customary to tip the redcap.

Bob Dylan · May 18, 2024

joelkfla said:
It varies by location. Of the 4 lounges I've visited, CHI, NYP, & WAS do, but PHL does not.

When they remodeled the Lounge the nice Cabinets where you could store your stuff vanished,!

NEPATrainTraveler · Aug 25, 2024

So, I got some lounge passes from opening up the AGR Preferred MasterCard (they also had a promotion where you automatically got bumped up to Select, which is why I have more than one) and I wanted to use one pass for the lounge at Moynihan for a NYP to BWI segment of an upcoming trip. I was thinking about doing this segment in coach on the NER due to the short travel time and to save money. I heard someone who had Select Plus status was given a hard time by the lounge attendant for only having a coach ticket, so this made me wonder that if this could happen to someone with Select Plus status, what are my chances of getting into the lounge with a coach ticket? Would I be turned away even though I have a lounge pass? Would I be better off coughing up the cash for a business class ticket to make things go more smoothly?

Thanks in advance

crescent-zephyr · Aug 25, 2024

NEPATrainTraveler said:
So, I got some lounge passes from opening up the AGR Preferred MasterCard (they also had a promotion where you automatically got bumped up to Select, which is why I have more than one) and I wanted to use one pass for the lounge at Moynihan for a NYP to BWI segment of an upcoming trip. I was thinking about doing this segment in coach on the NER due to the short travel time and to save money. I heard someone who had Select Plus status was given a hard time by the lounge attendant for only having a coach ticket, so this made me wonder that if this could happen to someone with Select Plus status, what are my chances of getting into the lounge with a coach ticket? Would I be turned away even though I have a lounge pass? Would I be better off coughing up the cash for a business class ticket to make things go more smoothly?

Thanks in advance

From my limited experience, if the Lounge Attendants want to give you a hard time about something, they will find a way no matter what. I wouldn't pay extra for business class in hopes that things will go smoothly with a Lounge Pass.

PaTrainFan · Aug 25, 2024

I've had Select Plus the last two years (not certain now if I'll make that status for next year) and never had an issue being rebuffed in a lounge with a coach ticket, even in NY. Probably another of a one-off by a power hungry gate keeper.

jis · Aug 25, 2024

In general if the Lounge is over crowded they might decide not to accept Lounge Passes. I believe this happens at Amtrak and most airlines as far as access to Domestic Lounges goes. I am surprised to hear about the Select Plus being given a hard time though. But as has been mentioned by others. Amtrak has a rather poor track record of good discipline in making such decisions by Lounge Attendants. Chicago has traditionally been particularly poor in the past. So there is a bit of a roll of the dice involved. Though at least so far I have never heard of a Sleeper or First Class ticket holder being given a hard time.

I have been Select Plus for a long time and personally I have never faced a hard time for access that I am legitimately entitled to.

NEPATrainTraveler · Aug 25, 2024

Thanks to everyone who replied. Your responses have cleared things up for me. I think I'm just gonna book the NER in coach like I originally planned and hope for the best.

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