PDX Metropolitan Lounge

[NativeSon5859]

Is the PDX lounge open? I thought I had read somewhere that it was closed indefinitely, but I no longer see that notification on Amtrak.com.

It’s a small lounge but it was always one of my favorites to spend some time in.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Is the PDX lounge open? I thought I had read somewhere that it was closed indefinitely, but I no longer see that notification on Amtrak.com.

It’s a small lounge but it was always one of my favorites to spend some time in.

As small as it is, I would guess it would be closed right now.

My one experience in that lounge the attendant basically argued with me when I wanted to leave the lounge to get lunch. Lectured me about possibly missing the train, so it’s never been very high on my list of favorite places.

 

[NativeSon5859]

As small as it is, I would guess it would be closed right now.

My one experience in that lounge the attendant basically argued with me when I wanted to leave the lounge to get lunch. Lectured me about possibly missing the train, so it’s never been very high on my list of favorite places.

Yeah, that’s not exactly an example of good customer service!

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Yeah, that’s not exactly an example of good customer service!

And I didn’t even tell him I was also going to visit the #4449 while I was out and about!

Portland is such a beautiful station, I’m glad it’s survived.

 

[Rasputin]

I have been in the Portland lounge twice (2015 and 2016) connecting from 27 to 11 and found it to be very pleasant both times. This first time 27 had been running late and I didn't have time to go anywhere before departing on 11. The second time I had plenty of time to go to Powell's Books and back. Fortunately I did not receive a lecture from the attendant either time.

 

[Yumacool]

My wife and I have visited the PDX Metropolitan Lounge a dozen or more times over the last ten years and have never had or seen any kind of problem. The workers were always quite nice -- and on most visits we stored the baggage there and took long walks outside the station to see the sights. It's a nice lounge that has consistently provided a relaxing haven.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

It’s almost as if... Amtrak provides inconsistent experiences!

I’ve yet to have a bad experience at the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge, and yet most on here have.

 

[Bob Dylan]

My wife and I have visited the PDX Metropolitan Lounge a dozen or more times over the last ten years and have never had or seen any kind of problem. The workers were always quite nice -- and on most visits we stored the baggage there and took long walks outside the station to see the sights. It's a nice lounge that has consistently provided a relaxing haven.

Ditto! Tied with Philadelphia for my Favorite Lounge!

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Ditto! Tied with Philadelphia for my Favorite Lounge!

Really? I LOVE the Philadelphia Lounge, easily my favorite. I didn’t see anything special about the Portland lounge. Maybe I missed something.

 

[Rasputin]

I enjoyed the fact that the Portland lounge had a lot of natural lighting, had a trackside view and was not an enclosed interior space. The furniture was nice as I recall and it was a relaxing place.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Architecturally historic restoration. Enjoyed waiting there when connecting from Empire Builder to Cascades; hot and cold drinks only... a few nibbles would have been nice. According to the Amtrak website it is still open 9:30 am - 5:40 pm; daily but things keep changing especially with ridership being way down.

 

[railiner]

It seems palatial, at least in comparison to NOUPT's "Magnolia Room" for sleeper passenger's....

https://www.amtraktrains.com/thread...for-sleeper-pax.70102/#lg=post-703384&slide=0

 

[tim49424]

It’s almost as if... Amtrak provides inconsistent experiences!

I’ve yet to have a bad experience at the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge, and yet most on here have.

Me neither....and mine's not a small sample size. I've been there about three dozen times since the new one opened. I also didn't have a bad experience in the "dungeon".

 

[tim49424]

It seems palatial, at least in comparison to NOUPT's "Magnolia Room" for sleeper passenger's....

https://www.amtraktrains.com/thread...for-sleeper-pax.70102/#lg=post-703384&slide=0

That one is the worst I've ever been to, and it's not even close!

 

[Rasputin]

That one is the worst I've ever been to, and it's not even close!

The only thing I can say about the Magnolia Room is that (as I recall) it had good air conditioning and the seats were more comfortable than in the general waiting room. Food and drinks were on the skimpy side and there is no attendant. Still I think it is better than no lounge at all.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

The only thing I can say about the Magnolia Room is that (as I recall) it had good air conditioning and the seats were more comfortable than in the general waiting room. Food and drinks were on the skimpy side and there is no attendant. Still I think it is better than no lounge at all.

I walked in and walked out. I prefer the main waiting room in New Orleans. But since New Orleans is a terminal with no connections I’m rarely in the station more than 10 minutes before boarding begins.

 

[the_traveler]

You notice it is called ”room" not “lounge”? That shows how bad it is!

PHL used to be much better, before they put in the “new & improved” furniture! But I still rate it high, along with BOS.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Chicago and Boston are personal favorites; but the general state of lounges are a reflection of funding starvation. We can only hope things will get better !!!

 

[tim49424]

Chicago and Boston are personal favorites; but the general state of lounges are a reflection of funding starvation. We can only hope things will get better !!!

I like those two as well. DC is decent and I like the lounge this thread was originally about, PDX. I've been to the one in LA and I found it adequate but I was there only once, shortly after it opened. I've not been to the one in Philly or at NYP and don't really plan to at any time.....all I've heard about those two has been some pretty negative feedback.

 

[Rasputin]

Here are my observations:

Boston and Chicago are the best for snacks and space.
Portland is very nice but is a bit short on snacks.
DC and LA are nice and decent but neither is very spacious.
NYP is okay. Been there twice and have never found any food. But I have enjoyed the fact that is a oasis of quiet in a sea of confusion.
New Orleans is just passable but I would rather have it than not.
Never been to PHL.

 

[Maglev]

There's also the Empire Builder Room at St.Paul Union Depot, which is better than nothing. It has comfortable chairs, a TV, and sometimes a coffee dispenser.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

I've not been to the one in Philly or at NYP and don't really plan to at any time.....all I've heard about those two has been some pretty negative feedback.

Really? Philadelphia is easily my favorite! Only negative is after the remodel they don’t have luggage storage.

I love the overlook to the historic concourse below (RIP solari board), always has great snacks when I’m there and the lounge has elevators direct to the platform.

New York is New York. It’s busy and basic but gets the job done.

The only lounge I’ve yet to visit is Boston. South station is out of the way for me when visiting.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Was recently in Los Angeles lounge... YUM... like those large pre-wrapped chocolate chip cookies! That was part of quite an adventure this recent December.

Was on a re-route between CHI and EUG because the Empire Builder had been cancelled. Normal routing is CHI - PDX - EUG. The reroute would mean an extra night on the Coast Starlight. In addition to the first delay, the Southwest Chief was then late into LAX and I missed my connection to the Starlight... which meant a second night delay... in LA. One of the lounge attendants was extremely nice... got me a manager who arranged for complimentary overnight hotel and dinner and upgraded me from roomette to bedroom the next day on the Coast Starlight... upon return was given a $500 voucher for the inconvenience! For the adventurous old timer I am... that adventure was truly like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Long distance Amtrak travel sometimes involves a lot of chance... but I've found out that when passengers are truly polite and express gratitude to the Amtrak folks, they usually take great care of you!

 

[Dakota 400]

I lack as much Amtrak Lounge experience in comparison to many on this Forum. But, I would rank LAX as the best of those that I have visited. That was a long visit when I was connecting from the Sunset Limited to the Southwest Chief. No breakfast on the train and pleased to find a nice selection of pre-wrapped Sara Lee danish, OJ, and good coffee available. Around Noon, some other foods appeared that were appropriate for that time of day. Plenty of space for me to do some re-arranging of luggage items and a restroom that allowed me to clean-up for the day very well. During my stay, there were two Attendants who watched my luggage while I went wandering, were friendly, and made certain that those of us who wanted Red Cap Service got it. The Red Cap was great as well!

WAS would be #2 choice; NYP #3; NOL #4. CHI? Not sure I have ever used that Lounge. If so, it would have been a very long time ago. PDX? Connecting from the Empire Builder to the Coast Starlight in 1990: if there was a lounge, I was not aware of it.

 

[tim49424]

Was recently in Los Angeles lounge... YUM... like those large pre-wrapped chocolate chip cookies! That was part of quite an adventure this recent December.

Was on a re-route between CHI and EUG because the Empire Builder had been cancelled. Normal routing is CHI - PDX - EUG. The reroute would mean an extra night on the Coast Starlight. In addition to the first delay, the Southwest Chief was then late into LAX and I missed my connection to the Starlight... which meant a second night delay... in LA. One of the lounge attendants was extremely nice... got me a manager who arranged for complimentary overnight hotel and dinner and upgraded me from roomette to bedroom the next day on the Coast Starlight... upon return was given a $500 voucher for the inconvenience! For the adventurous old timer I am... that adventure was truly like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Long distance Amtrak travel sometimes involves a lot of chance... but I've found out that when passengers are truly polite and express gratitude to the Amtrak folks, they usually take great care of you!
View attachment 17436

Looks like they've "downgraded" the cookies from when I was there. They had fantastic chocolate chunk cookies a few years ago.....so good that I swiped a few for my return trip east!