I wouldn't have chosen room 1 or 2 myself as I didn't know what the 'blank' space behind them is, but I was told it's just the end of the car & would be quieter than a roomette with other roomettes on both sides. On a separate note, when I get to CHI, I will need a cab to my hotel. Will these be available at the station, or do I need to make arrangements with a company in advance. As a single female traveller, I'm worried about getting into the 'wrong' cab.
Usually that's true... you do hear less from your neighbors and the ride is smoother.
My only complaints with roomette #2 is that you hear the door from the only bathroom on the upper level opening and slamming shut all day and night. Also you can hear people walking down the stairs and knocking on the attendants door for help.
That being said... I've been booked into roomette #2 before and had a perfectly good nights sleep. A night in ANY room in a sleeper is better than being at home!