So how does that 11 hr 58 minute layover in NOLA work?

[Gary Behling]

Something like this (Rails to Rooms) perhaps? I haven't actually looked at the site for quite a few years until now but I recall using it in the past.

That is one heck of a list---thanks. I'm going to have fun looking thru this. But I have to say this--- that list doesn't include for Los Angeles the Metro Plaza Hotel which I am VERY familiar with. Without a shadow of a doubt-- this is the closest, best located to Amtrak and restaurants in LA Union Station walking distance which is only 4 city blocks. Even the cab is dirt cheap.

 

[joelkfla]

That is one heck of a list---thanks. I'm going to have fun looking thru this. But I have to say this--- that list doesn't include for Los Angeles the Metro Plaza Hotel which I am VERY familiar with. Without a shadow of a doubt-- this is the closest, best located to Amtrak and restaurants in LA Union Station walking distance which is only 4 city blocks. Even the cab is dirt cheap.

Which is a perfect example of why you should just use Google Maps. You can see at a glance how far the establishment is from the station, if it's walkable, and the room rate. With one click, you can see reviews and the aggregate rating.

 

[BlackDiamond]

Besides Google Maps another resource is TripAdvisor. You can pick a hotel then get the map which shows other hotels in the area and their rates. TA usually has pretty honest reviews from actual travelers.

On another note slightly OT I noticed when waiting for the LSL last night that the CONO was announced as only running to Jackson. Is this due to Ida or for some other reason?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Besides Google Maps another resource is TripAdvisor. You can pick a hotel then get the map which shows other hotels in the area and their rates. TA usually has pretty honest reviews from actual travelers.

On another note slightly OT I noticed when waiting for the LSL last night that the CONO was announced as only running to Jackson. Is this due to Ida or for some other reason?

CONO is due to Ida. It resumes to NOL tomorrow

 

[Cal]

CONO is due to Ida. It resumes to NOL tomorrow
View attachment 24572

Wait the CONO still hasn't been doing it's full route? for some reason I thought it was. Good to know it resumes tomorrow

 

[MARC Rider]

This is why there should be a list of hotels nearest ALL of the Amtrak connection points nationwide. It could be made by all of us who live in any connection city. Go drive over to the Amtrak station and look for yourself and submit it to the list. No fancy-schmancy places either. Just the closest safe and hopefully cheapest hotel. For starters, my favorite super-close hotel to the Amtrak in Los Angeles is the METRO PLAZA Hotel 711 N Main Street Los Angeles

It's easy enough to do that using Google Maps, locating the station, then searching for "lodging" or "hotels." You'll get a complete list with links to websites, and even room rate quotes that are sometimes even accurate!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Wait the CONO still hasn't been doing it's full route? for some reason I thought it was. Good to know it resumes tomorrow

Nope, first it was truncated at Memphis then extended to Jackson.

 

[Charles785]

That is one heck of a list---thanks. I'm going to have fun looking thru this. But I have to say this--- that list doesn't include for Los Angeles the Metro Plaza Hotel which I am VERY familiar with. Without a shadow of a doubt-- this is the closest, best located to Amtrak and restaurants in LA Union Station walking distance which is only 4 city blocks. Even the cab is dirt cheap.

Since you've mentioned it I do have some questions about the Metro Plaza Hotel.

In my case I really have no desire to see Los Angeles but I do like traveling on the Southwest Chief and I would indeed like to revisit Los Angeles Union Station for the first time since 2005. But my main interest is spending time on the trainl

My idea would be to consider arriving in LA on train #3 at 8 a.m. and then going back east on train #4 leaving at 6 p.m. But I'm sure I would want to grab a nap sometime during that 10 hour period. I have wondered how possible - or practical - it would be to use the Metro Plaza Hotel for that purpose and what the traffic - and neighborhood safety - situation is like between the hotel and Union Station. Would most folks walk - or take a cab? And what about the availability of cabs?

And, in general, does anyone know anything about the Metro Plaza Hotel and the type of clientele that patronizes it?

 

[Bob Dylan]

Since you've mentioned it I do have some questions about the Metro Plaza Hotel.

In my case I really have no desire to see Los Angeles but I do like traveling on the Southwest Chief and I would indeed like to revisit Los Angeles Union Station for the first time since 2005. But my main interest is spending time on the trainl

My idea would be to consider arriving in LA on train #3 at 8 a.m. and then going back east on train #4 leaving at 6 p.m. But I'm sure I would want to grab a nap sometime during that 10 hour period. I have wondered how possible - or practical - it would be to use the Metro Plaza Hotel for that purpose and what the traffic - and neighborhood safety - situation is like between the hotel and Union Station. Would most folks walk - or take a cab? And what about the availability of cabs?

And, in general, does anyone know anything about the Metro Plaza Hotel and the type of clientele that patronizes it?

The Metro Plaza is basically across the street from Union Staion about a Block away.EZ Walk(you can ask leave your Luggage in the Upstairs Metro Lounge).

It's an Older Hotel, nothing Fancy but Clean, and Reasonable.Area is very Safe, full of Tourists and Locals.

Also the First Site of LA,Olvera Market Square, is in front of Union Station with Souvenir Stands,Cafes and Old Buildings.Chinatown and Littld Tokyo are also around and close to Union Staion, but there's alot less Chinese and Japanese stuff than their used to be.

Philipe, the famous Deli Cafe is a block passed the Metro Plaza, Great Breakfasts and Dip Sandwiches.

Contact Metro Plaza for Reservations and Info, Google is your friend here.

 

[Amtrak Apple]

I'll put in a word for hostels. I stayed at one in Chicago when the EB got there in the afternoon and then I was getting on the LS the next morning. I knew I wasn't going to explore much of Chicago (I had plans in KC and Santa Fe) so I got a cute hostel four blocks away for about $30. It was enough time to find Target (one of my stops in big cities) and get some deep dish at Giordano's.

 

[20th Century Rider]

If you're trying to catch the Sunset Limited in New Orleans from the Crescent, there is an 11 hour layover and it's overnight! Seems the obvious choice would be having to get a hotel, unless Amtrak provides accommodations in the station? We will be going on our first Amtrak trip soon and looking to get any and all advice on that section of the rail ;-) Thank you!

Amtrak provides nothing for changeover stops. And if a connection is delayed missed due to late arrival... you may or may not get overnight accommodation... and you may or may not be accommodated on the next train.

You need to call customer service who sets something up in the event of a missed connection... and it is usually at the passengers expense until the passenger arrives at the destination with the instructions to call passenger customer service with hopes of getting a good agent for reimbursement and/ or compensation.

It's all a matter of luck and who you reach when you call. Too many times I've been let down and have had to call over and over again. So if you've had better luck don't correct my quote on what I've experienced... anything can happen and you either have good luck or you don't, but you must call back until you reach an agent who 'get's it' and who can compensate for hotels and meals due to missed connections.

 

[Cal]

Since you've mentioned it I do have some questions about the Metro Plaza Hotel.

In my case I really have no desire to see Los Angeles but I do like traveling on the Southwest Chief and I would indeed like to revisit Los Angeles Union Station for the first time since 2005. But my main interest is spending time on the trainl

My idea would be to consider arriving in LA on train #3 at 8 a.m. and then going back east on train #4 leaving at 6 p.m. But I'm sure I would want to grab a nap sometime during that 10 hour period. I have wondered how possible - or practical - it would be to use the Metro Plaza Hotel for that purpose and what the traffic - and neighborhood safety - situation is like between the hotel and Union Station. Would most folks walk - or take a cab? And what about the availability of cabs?

And, in general, does anyone know anything about the Metro Plaza Hotel and the type of clientele that patronizes it?

You could take #3 in and leave on #422 to take a different route back.

 

[me_little_me]

This is why there should be a list of hotels nearest ALL of the Amtrak connection points nationwide. It could be made by all of us who live in any connection city. Go drive over to the Amtrak station and look for yourself and submit it to the list. No fancy-schmancy places either. Just the closest safe and hopefully cheapest hotel. For starters, my favorite super-close hotel to the Amtrak in Los Angeles is the METRO PLAZA Hotel 711 N Main Street Los Angeles

There is. It's a site run by a person. No ads. Called Rails to Rooms. Not just Amtrak stations but many transit ones also. Been around for 15 years.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

You need to call customer service who sets something up in the event of a missed connection... and it is usually at the passengers expense until the passenger arrives at the destination with the instructions to call passenger customer service with hopes of getting a good agent for reimbursement and/ or compensation.

It's all a matter of luck and who you reach when you call. Too many times I've been let down and have had to call over and over again. So if you've had better luck don't correct my quote on what I've experienced... anything can happen and you either have good luck or you don't, but you must call back until you reach an agent who 'get's it' and who can compensate for hotels and meals due to missed connections.

There are no same day connections in New Orleans. All 3 connections require overnighting on your dime

 

[20th Century Rider]

There are no same day connections in New Orleans. All 3 connections require overnighting on your dime

Overnight stays between connections are always at the passenger's expense... most of us are well aware of that. I will be passing through NOL several times during the next few months... and have arranged stays at some good hotels... which adds to the value and enjoyment of the rail trip experience.

BTW... in those situations where there is a connection in a hub city and the connecting train is excessively late... Amtrak has always put me up and then arranged for a next day connection. This happened twice in CHI and once in LAX.

 

[Sidney]

Overnight stays between connections are always at the passenger's expense... most of us are well aware of that. I will be passing through NOL several times during the next few months... and have arranged stays at some good hotels... which adds to the value and enjoyment of the rail trip experience.

BTW... in those situations where there is a connection in a hub city and the connecting train is excessively late... Amtrak has always put me up and then arranged for a next day connection. This happened twice in CHI and once in LAX.

Whenever I travel to New Orleans I take the CONO with a mid afternoon arrival. The Crescent and Sunset arrive too late to enjoy a full evening in NO and paying for another night is a bit too pricy.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Whenever I travel to New Orleans I take the CONO with a mid afternoon arrival. The Crescent and Sunset arrive too late to enjoy a full evening in NO and paying for another night is a bit too pricy.

I agree... and will have to be flexible... especially since the Crescent from NYP arrives at around 9pm. But with an afternoon departure of the CONO will take some time in the am to enjoy the sights.

Always when traveling... the happiest travelers are the ones who are flexible and know how to 'roll with the punches!'

 

[Sidney]

I agree... and will have to be flexible... especially since the Crescent from NYP arrives at around 9pm. But with an afternoon departure of the CONO will take some time in the am to enjoy the sights.

Always when traveling... the happiest travelers are the ones who are flexible and know how to 'roll with the punches!'

View attachment 24621

Amen!

 

[Charles785]

The Metro Plaza is basically across the street from Union Staion about a Block away.EZ Walk(you can ask leave your Luggage in the Upstairs Metro Lounge).

It's an Older Hotel, nothing Fancy but Clean, and Reasonable.Area is very Safe, full of Tourists and Locals.

Also the First Site of LA,Olvera Market Square, is in front of Union Station with Souvenir Stands,Cafes and Old Buildings.Chinatown and Littld Tokyo are also around and close to Union Staion, but there's alot less Chinese and Japanese stuff than their used to be.

Philipe, the famous Deli Cafe is a block passed the Metro Plaza, Great Breakfasts and Dip Sandwiches.

Contact Metro Plaza for Reservations and Info, Google is your friend here.

Thank you, Bob Dylan!

 

[happycamper]

I would NOT walk from the station at night. There are taxi cabs in front when you get in and if you use them just make sure you ask the fare before you get in. They are not known to drop their meters. Our was about $12 each time in and out of New Orleans to a hotel in Warehouse District a few blocks down and the Uber was $8. French Quarter will just be getting hopping but dont walk outside the Quarter and be careful - it is not a safe place.

 

[happycamper]

The Sunset Limited only travels 3 times a week from New Orleans so plan accordingly how many nights you want in New Orleans and just be aware if something happens there will not be another train the next day....

 

[John from RI]

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is at 1001 Loyola Avenue which is a continuation of Rampart Street and is served by the Rampart Street Car. Canal Street is to your left as you leave the station. Canal Street and Loyola Avenue are in the center of New Orleans and Canal and Rampart are boundaries of the French Quarter.
There are hotels in the area. Of course you need to orient yourself but you can find one.
I lived in New Orleans 7 years and worked in the Post Office building next door to Union Passenger Terminal. My bus dropped me off on Canal Street and I walked along Loyola Avenue every work day; it is not difficult. Of course with luggage you may want a street car or a cab.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is at 1001 Loyola Avenue which is a continuation of Rampart Street and is served by the Rampart Street Car. Canal Street is to your left as you leave the station. Canal Street and Loyola Avenue are in the center of New Orleans and Canal and Rampart are boundaries of the French Quarter.
There are hotels in the area. Of course you need to orient yourself but you can find one.
I lived in New Orleans 7 years and worked in the Post Office building next door to Union Passenger Terminal. My bus dropped me off on Canal Street and I walked along Loyola Avenue every work day; it is not difficult. Of course with luggage you may want a street car or a cab.

Just an update for the Rampart streetcar. The last I checked it was still not running due to the building collapse in 2019. I think they now have one of the Canal St streetcars detouring down Loyola to serve the station.

 

[John from RI]

I just checked NORTA. Street cars leave Union Station every 12 minutes.
Our Streetcars (norta.com)