First LD Amtrak Trip Booked!

[dspacekd]

I FINALLY booked my first LD Amtrak trip. I had to change the trip (no WAS visit) because my dad really wanted to go with me (hey, I couldn't say no). Anyhow we're leaving Flagstaff on the Southwest Chief to Chicago and then connecting to the Lake Shore Limited to Albany and then driving around MA, CT & RI to visit family & friends. I was really surprised to be able to get a Family Bedroom for the two of us for $10 less than the Roomette on the Southwest Chief portion of the trip to Chicago! Total cost for the trip (on such short notice) was hefty, but worth it I hope!

We're coming back on on the same route as well about a week later. I do have a few questions though...

A ) Is the Family Bedroom really that much better than the Roomette? Pros/Cons? It was $10 less though so I booked it to save some $.

B ) Are we able to have breakfast the morning we board in Flagstaff?

C ) Is the Amtrak Club in Chicago a nice place to spend the layover waiting for the LSL?

D ) Is it easy to get a taxi from Albany Station to Albany Airport to get a car rental?

E ) Should I bring a portable surge protector for using my laptop on the train?

F ) Is it dangerous to shave on the train?

thanks in advance guys/gals!

 

[amtrakwolverine]

i can answer question F. its not dangerous if you use a electric shaver(battery powered one)

 

[MrEd]

<D ) Is it easy to get a taxi from Albany Station to Albany Airport to get a car rental?

taxi right outside waiting, should not be an issue.

 

[RailFanLNK]

C: Don't hang in the Metropolitan Lounge, get out and see Chicago! You are in the heart of the city. Go eat at Giordano's Pizza or the Billy Goat Tavern. The Sears Tower is just across the street or catch a cab and go to the John Hancock Tower. Or take the redline and take in a few innings of a White Sox game or go up to Wrigleyville. On your way back to CHI try eating at Lou Mitchells, its just across the street from CUS.

F: Its only dangerous if you use Electra-Shave and you are smoking similutaneously! :lol: Have a great trip!

Al

 

[jackal]

A ) Is the Family Bedroom really that much better than the Roomette? Pros/Cons? It was $10 less though so I booked it to save some $. B ) Are we able to have breakfast the morning we board in Flagstaff?

C ) Is the Amtrak Club in Chicago a nice place to spend the layover waiting for the LSL?

D ) Is it easy to get a taxi from Albany Station to Albany Airport to get a car rental?

E ) Should I bring a portable surge protector for using my laptop on the train?

F ) Is it dangerous to shave on the train?

A) It's on the lower level, so the view's not quite as nice, but it's FAR roomier than a roomette (which is barely bigger than the bed itself). The in-room toilet is, from what I've read, separated by a sort of awkward curtain, and there's no in-room shower (like the regular bedrooms have), but it's a fine and roomy choice for two. (Caveat: this is just what I've picked up reading here--I've never seen the family bedroom myself.)

B ) I got AlanB to post the regular lunch and dinner times, but he didn't post the regular breakfast times and I don't know them by heart, so I can't help you here. (Alan, if you want to post the regular breakfast times on LD trains, I'd love to collect that information...)

C) The Metropolitan Lounge, if that's what you're referring to, is supposedly a decent lounge, although the BOS Club Acela is reportedly the best lounge in the system. While I'd be likely to spend my layover seeing the town (or at least taking a quick jaunt up the Sears Tower or something--it's actually really close to the station) or trying out the much-loved-around-here Giordano's pizzeria...but the Metropolitan Lounge is certainly better than the hard benches or chairs the commoners outside the lounge have to sit in.

D) No idea!

E) Most definitely! The bedrooms have, as far as I know, one plug, so if you have a second piece of equipment, a power strip of some kind is a necessity (not sure if the Family Bedrooms are better equipped here). And given the instability of the current on the train, a decent surge protector can't hurt, although you'll more likely experience brownouts than spikes damaging enough to fry electronic equipment unless the train is hit by a bolt of lightning or something (and the car body is very well grounded, anyway, with all that metal and the steel-on-steel wheels and rails...).

F) Not sure I'd go manual--the train is often smooth as silk but just as often swings and sways enough to make it difficult to stand. I doubt you'd slit your throat, but you might end up needing a roll of toilet paper handy... :lol:

i can answer question F. its not dangerous if you use a electric shaver(battery powered one)

Didn't you say before that you were like 14 years old or something?

 

[D.P. Roberts]

A ) Is the Family Bedroom really that much better than the Roomette? Pros/Cons? It was $10 less though so I booked it to save some $.

A) It's on the lower level, so the view's not quite as nice, but it's FAR roomier than a roomette (which is barely bigger than the bed itself). The in-room toilet is, from what I've read, separated by a sort of awkward curtain, and there's no in-room shower (like the regular bedrooms have), but it's a fine and roomy choice for two

I believe you're talking about the handicapped bedroom here. The family bedroom does not have restroom facilities, but is much larger than a roomette (enough room for two adults and two children). Check out the virtual tours from the link here.

 

[jackal]

A ) Is the Family Bedroom really that much better than the Roomette? Pros/Cons? It was $10 less though so I booked it to save some $.

A) It's on the lower level, so the view's not quite as nice, but it's FAR roomier than a roomette (which is barely bigger than the bed itself). The in-room toilet is, from what I've read, separated by a sort of awkward curtain, and there's no in-room shower (like the regular bedrooms have), but it's a fine and roomy choice for two

I believe you're talking about the handicapped bedroom here. The family bedroom does not have restroom facilities, but is much larger than a roomette (enough room for two adults and two children). Check out the virtual tours from the link here.

Oops, er, yeah.

I was just trying to fill in while the reset of y'all were sleeping! You guys should wake up earlier and not leave me hanging like that!! :lol:

 

[AlanB]

Regardless of whether you decide to get and see Chicago or not, the Metropolitan Lounge is still something that you want to visit upon your arrival. Simply because they'll hold your carryon luggage for you and later in the day you'll want to be back in the lounge because you'll get early boarding for your train. In fact you'll need to be back in the lounge no later than 7:30 or so, even though the train doesn't leave until 10:00 PM.

As a sleeping class passenger you are entitled to utilize Amtrak's first class lounge in Chicago. These lounges are a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, newspapers, TV's, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

In Chicago the lounge is called the "Metropolitan Lounge". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

Note: They may make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, if the lounge is very crowded. There is a redcap manning this room who will give you a claim check for your bags, such that you can claim them shortly before you board the train. One nice advantage of this is the fact that you can park your carryon bags here, while you wander around Chicago and do lunch, assuming that your trains arrive on time.

Next, as other's have mentioned, the family room is on the lower level. Cons are more track noise and a slightly poorer view due to the lack of height. Pros are you're closer to the rest rooms and the shower, less people walking by, less sway, and a window on either side of the train. It's one of only two rooms that offers that last perk. And just to be clear, there is no toilet in the room.

Breakfast should run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

 

[Neil_M]

Breakfast should run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

If we are talking about the Southwest Chief here, then I just had a trip on that from LA to Chicago a few days ago,and last orders for breakfast were just after 0900 both mornings, maybe if it was busier they might carry on serving for a while, but you might miss out!

 

[p&sr]

B ) Are we able to have breakfast the morning we board in Flagstaff?

Certainly, one way or the other. If not the Dining Car, then try the Snack Bar. They do carry some decent breakfast-type options.

Have a great trip!

 

[p&sr]

In fact you'll need to be back in the lounge no later than 7:30 or so, even though the train doesn't leave until 10:00 PM.

Wouldn't late boarding be permitted? Especially if you don't leave any luggage in the lounge.

Most trains allow boarding right up until the minute of departure...

 

[AlanB]

In fact you'll need to be back in the lounge no later than 7:30 or so, even though the train doesn't leave until 10:00 PM.

Wouldn't late boarding be permitted? Especially if you don't leave any luggage in the lounge.

Most trains allow boarding right up until the minute of departure...

Sure, but then you'd miss the wine & cheese party.

And in Chicago, they usually close the gate 3 to 5 minutes before the scheduled departure.

 

[AlanB]

Breakfast should run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

If we are talking about the Southwest Chief here, then I just had a trip on that from LA to Chicago a few days ago,and last orders for breakfast were just after 0900 both mornings, maybe if it was busier they might carry on serving for a while, but you might miss out!

Well there are those who don't like to follow the rules and think that they have the authority to make up their own rules along the way. However, under SDS guidelines and assuming no special extenuating circumstances, breakfast must be served between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Now extenuating circumstances would be, an arrival at the terminating station before 11:00 AM, or a departure from a station within the meal period.

 

[Neil_M]

Breakfast should run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

If we are talking about the Southwest Chief here, then I just had a trip on that from LA to Chicago a few days ago,and last orders for breakfast were just after 0900 both mornings, maybe if it was busier they might carry on serving for a while, but you might miss out!

Well there are those who don't like to follow the rules and think that they have the authority to make up their own rules along the way. However, under SDS guidelines and assuming no special extenuating circumstances, breakfast must be served between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Now extenuating circumstances would be, an arrival at the terminating station before 11:00 AM, or a departure from a station within the meal period.

Interesting..... On the morning of day 2, 2 Canadian ladies went for breakfast at 0915 and got blown out......

 

[p&sr]

And in Chicago, they usually close the gate 3 to 5 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Thanks, that's important to know. I'm more used to the open-platform type of station, where there are no "gates".

 

[Green Maned Lion]

The family Bedroom has a much larger lower bed, which can be a godsend if one of you is a large person. I'm 300 lbs, 5'11", and the roomette is acceptable, but I would really REALLY like a wider berth.

However, I gotta tell you: staying in your room during the day on the SWC is just plain WRONG! You gotta go and sit in the Sightseer lounge. And I'd even say you should spend much of your time in the lounge on the Lake Shore Limited. Trains are, to a nice sized extent, socializing and meeting people from all walks of life. And you should take advantage of the lack of driving and enjoy the variety of alcoholic beverages on board. You don't know the meaning of interesting until you try walking on a CSX-tracked Amfleet while buzzed.

And I insist you go eat at Giordano's. You are missing one of, if not the, best pizza in the world if you don't.

 

[Chris J.]

And I insist you go eat at Giordano's. You are missing one of, if not the, best pizza in the world if you don't.

I travelled 3000 miles to go to Giordanos! It was the first place I ate in Chicago (and also therefore in the USA).

 

[dspacekd]

Thanks for all the helpful tips so far

I was also wondering if since we would be pre-boarding in CHI on the LSL do they actually serve dinner on the train while in CHI before it departs? Amtrak says no, but I thought I read somewhere that they will server dinner while at CHI?

Also we're in Room 015 Car 430 on the SWC, then Room 007 Car 4810 on the LSL. On the return we have Room 008 on car 4911, but I don't know the room # for the SWC return trip (just that it's an upper level Roomette since we changed from a lower level over the phone).

 

[AlanB]

I was also wondering if since we would be pre-boarding in CHI on the LSL do they actually serve dinner on the train while in CHI before it departs? Amtrak says no, but I thought I read somewhere that they will server dinner while at CHI?

No, you will not get dinner out of Chicago on the LSL. Back when the train used to leave at 7:45 dinner was served out of Chicago, but now with the departure at 10:00 PM that's way too late for most people.

That said, they will pre-board you out of the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago around 8:00 to 8:15. This will allow you to meet your sleeping car attendant, drop your carryon's in your room, and then head to the Diner-Light car for a wine and cheese party. If you're not into drinking wine, they also serve a non-alcoholic cider too. It's a nice way to meet your fellow passengers and have a bedtime snack.

 

[dspacekd]

I was also wondering if since we would be pre-boarding in CHI on the LSL do they actually serve dinner on the train while in CHI before it departs? Amtrak says no, but I thought I read somewhere that they will server dinner while at CHI?

No, you will not get dinner out of Chicago on the LSL. Back when the train used to leave at 7:45 dinner was served out of Chicago, but now with the departure at 10:00 PM that's way too late for most people.

That said, they will pre-board you out of the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago around 8:00 to 8:15. This will allow you to meet your sleeping car attendant, drop your carryon's in your room, and then head to the Diner-Light car for a wine and cheese party. If you're not into drinking wine, they also serve a non-alcoholic cider too. It's a nice way to meet your fellow passengers and have a bedtime snack.

Thanks! We'll probably have dinner at the great pizza place that is so fondly spoken of

I'll be sure to post a VERY in-depth photo trip report once I get back home.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

I was also wondering if since we would be pre-boarding in CHI on the LSL do they actually serve dinner on the train while in CHI before it departs? Amtrak says no, but I thought I read somewhere that they will server dinner while at CHI?

No, you will not get dinner out of Chicago on the LSL. Back when the train used to leave at 7:45 dinner was served out of Chicago, but now with the departure at 10:00 PM that's way too late for most people.

That said, they will pre-board you out of the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago around 8:00 to 8:15. This will allow you to meet your sleeping car attendant, drop your carryon's in your room, and then head to the Diner-Light car for a wine and cheese party. If you're not into drinking wine, they also serve a non-alcoholic cider too. It's a nice way to meet your fellow passengers and have a bedtime snack.

Alan, please, its "Diner-Lite". Please don't dignify this car with the proper spelling!

 

[dspacekd]

Ahh I thought of something else...

In the Roomettes & Family Bedroom on the Superliners are the power outlets 3 prong? Same for the Viewliner Roomettes?

 

[jackal]

Ahh I thought of something else...
In the Roomettes & Family Bedroom on the Superliners are the power outlets 3 prong? Same for the Viewliner Roomettes?

Every outlet I've ever seen on Amtrak has been three-prong, and I believe that I've read here that the sleepers feature one three-prong outlet. (I've never taken a sleeper, so I can't confirm by personal experience, but I'm 95% sure I've read here that they do.)

 

[AlanB]

Ahh I thought of something else...
In the Roomettes & Family Bedroom on the Superliners are the power outlets 3 prong? Same for the Viewliner Roomettes?

Every outlet I've ever seen on Amtrak has been three-prong, and I believe that I've read here that the sleepers feature one three-prong outlet. (I've never taken a sleeper, so I can't confirm by personal experience, but I'm 95% sure I've read here that they do.)

Confirmed.

 

[gswager]

Ahh I thought of something else...
In the Roomettes & Family Bedroom on the Superliners are the power outlets 3 prong? Same for the Viewliner Roomettes?

Every outlet I've ever seen on Amtrak has been three-prong, and I believe that I've read here that the sleepers feature one three-prong outlet. (I've never taken a sleeper, so I can't confirm by personal experience, but I'm 95% sure I've read here that they do.)

Confirmed.

I seconded that.