Lake Shore Limited CHI-NYP Roomette Assignment

[TimM]

Booking the LSL from Chi-NYC for my very first Amtrak journey. Naturally, I want to be on the best side of the train for the scenery from Albany to NYC. It seems that is the right hand side of the train and always the ODD numbered roomettes. Is this always true? I see there's no way to know the Roomette assignment until AFTER the trip is paid and I receive the eticket via email. If I am assigned an even numbered compartment, can I call up Amtrak and request a change for no fee? Do I wait and request at boarding, or am I just out of luck?

 

[Steve4031]

I think it's evens in both directions on the lsl. I know it's evens for sure on 49 out of nyp. This is assuming that the cars are arranged with the hc room next to the door to the diner.

 

[Bob Dylan]

You can request that the agent assign you a roomette of your choice, if available, when you call! If you want to be in and even or odd numbered roomette ( you only have two choices for a Bedroom, A & B unless you qualify for the H Room which I'd the best accommodation on Amtrak!) give the agent this info when you book!

Any agent can do it but sometimes you have to ask for a Supervisor if you get a newbie or lazy agent that just lets the Computer do the assignment!

 

[Big Iron]

Booking the LSL from Chi-NYC for my very first Amtrak journey. Naturally, I want to be on the best side of the train for the scenery from Albany to NYC. It seems that is the right hand side of the train and always the ODD numbered roomettes. Is this always true? I see there's no way to know the Roomette assignment until AFTER the trip is paid and I receive the eticket via email. If I am assigned an even numbered compartment, can I call up Amtrak and request a change for no fee? Do I wait and request at boarding, or am I just out of luck?

You are correct that an odd numbered roomette would be the best side ALB-NYP. The LSL typically has the viewliners oriented with the vestibule forward which would make your odd numbered roomette on the correct side. Others have, and will, state that Amtrak can orient the cars any way they wish but my experience is that the viewliners typically dont get changed around as much as superliners.

The amtrak link to sleeper floor plans

http://www.amtrakagentsupport.com/fam-3d-tours-diagrams.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks all for clarification on this. Looking very forward to my first Amtrak trip. This forum has been an amazing help!

 

[Ryan]

The Viewliners cannot get swapped for direction because they only have an exterior door on one end, and that end will always be attached to the diner.

Superliners have no such restriction and are random.

 

[George K]

On the way from BOS to CHI, is there a preferred side? I booked my trip about a week ago, and we're in room #1. It's in September, so I have plenty of time, but....

 

[StriderGDM]

On the way from BOS to CHI, is there a preferred side? I booked my trip about a week ago, and we're in room #1. It's in September, so I have plenty of time, but....

I would say the right side, at least west of Albany.

 

[George K]

On the way from BOS to CHI, is there a preferred side? I booked my trip about a week ago, and we're in room #1. It's in September, so I have plenty of time, but....

I would say the right side, at least west of Albany.

So we should try to change the reservation?

 

[Big Iron]

On the way from BOS to CHI, is there a preferred side? I booked my trip about a week ago, and we're in room #1. It's in September, so I have plenty of time, but....

I would say the right side, at least west of Albany.

So we should try to change the reservation?

If it were me I would pick the right side, but I've only ridden the LSL westbound a few times so factor that in. As you near Chicago you get to see the stretch of steel mills and Lake Michigan. As you enter CUS you get a better look at the Amtrak yard and engine house. Most if the Metra stuff will be on your left.

I'd be interested in your thoughts on the best side for BOS-ALB. I'm thinking a making that run in a few months. Never been on that stretch before.

 

[AG1]

I would give the south side of the track a slight edge in viewing rating maybe 60 to 40 % between SPG and ALB. BOS to SPG, the side doesn't matter. You can have a better view in the winter and spring, before the leaves come out .

 

[jis]

The Viewliners cannot get swapped for direction because they only have an exterior door on one end, and that end will always be attached to the diner.

Superliners have no such restriction and are random.

At least that is the theory, though in practice I have seen Viewliners, specially the one that is not adjacent to the Diner, operate the other way at times.

 

[MrFSS]

The Viewliners cannot get swapped for direction because they only have an exterior door on one end, and that end will always be attached to the diner.

Superliners have no such restriction and are random.

At least that is the theory, though in practice I have seen Viewliners, specially the one that is not adjacent to the Diner, operate the other way at times.

And so have I. Unless you have the one next to the dinner, it can be facing either direction.

 

[JoeRids]

)s I would give the south side of the track a slight edge in viewing rating maybe 60 to 40 % between SPG and ALB. BOS to SPG, the side doesn't matter. You can have a better view in the winter and spring, before the leaves come out .

I agree, the left (south) side gets the edge. Beautiful in Winter.