Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges

[Mystic River Dragon]

I’m not sure the red doors in back of the orange chairs would be my design choice, but if they had coffee I could deal with clashing colors.

I’ll be there in early May and will see it firsthand and will reserve final judgment til then.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

I had a pleasant time in the Washington lounge last week. They had a great selection of snacks out and a whole cooler of canned beverages including LaCroix water.

Good amount of charging ports available as well.

Another big bonus, they are allowing outside food and drink in! I saw people walk in with sandwiches and coffees from outside the Lounge.

 

[trimetbusfan]

When does the lounge in Portland open for the day? Amtrak has it from 9:30 am - 5:40 pm daily but I noticed that Google maps say 7:15 am - 8 pm and it was updated recently.

Just saw this comment. The lounge is open at around 7am. It’s open in time for the first train of the morning (train 500). It closes upon boarding of the last train of the day (usually 508, unless one of the LDs is very late).

From personal experience I have noticed It is only staffed during those hours that Amtrak has listed.

(Don’t worry, you’ll still get priority boarding even when the lounge isn’t staffed. A staff member will come in and let you out to board come boarding time).

 

[joelkfla]

(Don’t worry, you’ll still get priority boarding even when the lounge isn’t staffed. A staff member will come in and let you out to board come boarding time).

Picturing a gaggle of anxious Amtrak passengers in the lounge, banging on locked doors, shouting "Let us out! Let us out!"

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Picturing a gaggle of anxious Amtrak passengers in the lounge, banging on locked doors, shouting "Let us out! Let us out!"

Sounds like how I felt in St Louis’ lounge.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Sounds like how I felt in St Louis’ lounge.

I've been in the St Louis "Lounge" several times when Noone notified waiting Passengers that it was time to board their Train.

You're pretty much on your own there!

 

[IAlam]

Just saw this comment. The lounge is open at around 7am. It’s open in time for the first train of the morning (train 500). It closes upon boarding of the last train of the day (usually 508, unless one of the LDs is very late).

From personal experience I have noticed It is only staffed during those hours that Amtrak has listed.

(Don’t worry, you’ll still get priority boarding even when the lounge isn’t staffed. A staff member will come in and let you out to board come boarding time).

I was just more interested in seeing the interior and maybe getting a coffee. I do plan on being on 500, in hopes of catching a talgo.

 

[PaTrainFan]

What is the status now of lounge passes for Select Plus? I did not get any via mail. I am confsued by the Amtrak app: Under Lounge Access there appears to be a QR code which I presume is a pass. For how many visits? Yet below that is a note: "You don't have any lounge passes." avalable.

 

[IAlam]

What is the status now of lounge passes for Select Plus? I did not get any via mail. I am confsued by the Amtrak app: Under Lounge Access there appears to be a QR code which I presume is a pass. For how many visits? Yet below that is a note: "You don't have any lounge passes." avalable.

Just let them scan the QR code when you're going to the lounge. It's valid whenever you have a train leaving from or arriving at that station.

 

[PaTrainFan]

Just let them scan the QR code when you're going to the lounge. It's valid whenever you have a train leaving from or arriving at that station.

Thanks. Are the number of visits limited? Of course, they used to hand out the printed passes pretty liberally.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Select Plus just show your card and your same day train ticket. No need for individual passes

 

[trimetbusfan]

I was just more interested in seeing the interior and maybe getting a coffee. I do plan on being on 500, in hopes of catching a talgo.

that train is almost always a talgo these days, so you should be in luck..

 

[IAlam]

Thanks. Are the number of visits limited? Of course, they used to hand out the printed passes pretty liberally.

Nope, any time you arrive or depart a station. Go as much as you like.

that train is almost always a talgo these days, so you should be in luck..

Thanks, if the lounge is unstaffed are we still allowed to enter in the morning?

 

[trimetbusfan]

Nope, any time you arrive or depart a station. Go as much as you like.

Thanks, if the lounge is unstaffed are we still allowed to enter in the morning?

As long as the door is unlocked you should be able to enter with no problem. I’ve never seen it locked except for after the last train in the evening.

 

[mmcpparties]

$35 for a bag of chips and a coffee?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

$35 for a bag of chips and a coffee?

No, $35 to get priority boarding. And a nicer place to sit. Oh, and in Chicago, the ability to take a shower.

 

[blueman271]

No, $35 to get priority boarding. And a nicer place to sit. Oh, and in Chicago, the ability to take a shower.

Is there a bar in the Chicago lounge?

 

[PVD]

And depending on the location and length of layover, a place to drop bags while "exploring"

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Is there a bar in the Chicago lounge?

I believe there was pre-COVID.

 

[LongHauler]

Is there a bar in the Chicago lounge?

Was there in the morning (too early for a drink) just after the new year. It appeared a gentleman was setting up to open at noon downstairs just beyond where snacks are laid out.

 

[joelkfla]

Is there a bar in the Chicago lounge?

There's a cash bar in the afternoon.

 

[mediaman]

We were in the Chicago lounge Tuesday around 11:00 am and the cash bar was set up in the area under the stairs. Nice bar tender.

Stopped in the Washington lounge Wednesday to check out the refresh. Nice assortment of snacks available and the coffee machine was wonderful!! Refrigerator full of cold drinks. The gentleman working the desk was very nice and welcoming.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I’m not sure the red doors in back of the orange chairs would be my design choice, but if they had coffee I could deal with clashing colors.

I’ll be there in early May and will see it firsthand and will reserve final judgment til then.

Those aren't red doors. They're wood doors. Maybe maple wood??

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

Those aren't red doors. They're wood doors. Maybe maple wood??

I enlarged the picture and now I see—yes, wood is nice.

 

[WWW]

Is there a bar in the Chicago lounge?

Hours undefined - it is a kiosk sort of thing located just under the stairs going to the upper level quiet zone.
Basic drinks*** - costs uncertain - I am a frugal sort and wait for any free stuff put out by Amtrak (which is not a great deal)
The location near the great hall is a definite improvement over the former location adjacent to the thru trackage next
to the river - that old location is used now for groups and escorted sleeper guests.
*** you want something special in a drink there is a bar near the food court the level between the street and track levels.
I don't remember if it was posted that you could not take the drinks with you.