Being that this is a peak time, this probably wouldn't work... BUT... Perhaps you could resign yourself to a coach seat and then if you were uncomfortable ask the conductor for an upgrade. The downside is that there is limited availability so the chances are slim, especially on a popular train during a popular season. However, if you CAN snag one, it would be at the lowest cost possible.
Another idea would be to stay in coach during the night and see if you can get a sleeper during the day (sounds backwards, but hear me out). If you book a sleeper from Omaha to Chicago, you can get the roomette for only like $124. It's a far cry from the $358 all the way from Denver. But you have access to the room from 5 AM until almost 3 PM - nearly 10 hours. You get two meals, you get access to the Metro Lounge, and as there may not be a whole heckuvalotta scenery, you can catch up on your sleep. (I'm 6'0" and like to sleep on the top bunk and leave the seats in their upright position below. I'm like a school kid when I ride the train, so I'm always bouncing between the two!)
Another idea would be to stay in coach during the night and see if you can get a sleeper during the day (sounds backwards, but hear me out). If you book a sleeper from Omaha to Chicago, you can get the roomette for only like $124. It's a far cry from the $358 all the way from Denver. But you have access to the room from 5 AM until almost 3 PM - nearly 10 hours. You get two meals, you get access to the Metro Lounge, and as there may not be a whole heckuvalotta scenery, you can catch up on your sleep. (I'm 6'0" and like to sleep on the top bunk and leave the seats in their upright position below. I'm like a school kid when I ride the train, so I'm always bouncing between the two!)
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