Superliner bedroom, look out of both sides?

[Guest]

If we get a bedroom rather than a roomette, does this let us look out of both sides of the train? I was thinking that if we leave the door open, we would get a view of the 'wrong' side, although not as good a view, but enough so we stand at the door and pay more attention if and when it seemed worthwhile. (I'm thinking particularly about the CZ across the Rockies.)

However, the various web videos and 360deg views don't quite tell me whether for some reason I'm wrong about this.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

If we get a bedroom rather than a roomette, does this let us look out of both sides of the train? I was thinking that if we leave the door open, we would get a view of the 'wrong' side, although not as good a view, but enough so we stand at the door and pay more attention if and when it seemed worthwhile. (I'm thinking particularly about the CZ across the Rockies.)
However, the various web videos and 360deg views don't quite tell me whether for some reason I'm wrong about this.

In simple terms yes you can leave the door open and look out the other side. However, you want to be able to see things up close you might want to choose a Family Bedroom or two Roomettes with one on each side of the train.

 

[JayPea]

You can look through both windows. The windows on the "bad" side are across a narrow hallway from your room but you can indeed look out your door or stand at the window itself, as I've done several times while video recording the scenery.

 

[rusty spike]

Only the Family BR and the Handicap BR both on the lower level have windows on both sides. The standard bedrooms have hallway between you and the window, through which you do have a view. However, the CZ thru the Rockies is best viewed form the SSL, providing overhead wrap-around windows and you will have a higher angled view through the canyons. Get there early through--seats fill up fast.

 

[the_traveler]

Also remember that other passengers walk down the hallway, so at times the view could be "blocked".

 

[Ryan]

The Family Bedroom has windows on both sides, but they're really small...

 

[D.P. Roberts]

I sat in "the middle seat" (the one closest to the door in a bedroom) for most of the way across the country once, and honestly I didn't like it.

For one thing, you're still looking through the door of your bedroom, which restricts your view a bit.

Secondly, because you're seated several feet from the window, you have no view up or down - only straight out the side of the train. So, you miss out on almost everything that's close to the train.

Third, depending on your height, you can't really see anything out the window when you're standing in the hallway. The windows in the hallway are at the same level as the roomettes - they're easier to see out of if you're sitting down.

So, I think the actual seat by the window is much better than trying to look through the door at the other side of the train. As others have said, you might be better off getting two roomettes rather than one bedroom. You get better views, two lower-level beds, more seats, and it's usually cheaper. I think the ONLY reason for getting a bedroom vs. 2 roomettes is because you absolutely must have a shower/bathroom (i.e. people with mobility issues).

 

[Bierboy]

.... depending on your height, you can't really see anything out the window when you're standing in the hallway. The windows in the hallway are at the same level as the roomettes - they're easier to see out of if you're sitting down.

This, to me, is the biggest problem in trying to look out the hallway window....crouching.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

However, the CZ thru the Rockies is best viewed form the SSL, providing overhead wrap-around windows and you will have a higher angled view through the canyons.

I wish the SSL was a true wraparound dome car. That would be extremely enticing and probably get me on a lot more trains.

Also remember that other passengers walk down the hallway, so at times the view could be "blocked".

I've had more than one bedroom customer get all hot and bothered that another passenger was trying to make use of the hallway while they were busy crowding it having a gander at who knows what. It's a pubic hallway people. It's not an annex to you bedroom. If you want the whole car to yourself then charter one. Or just stay out of the hallway and we'll be out of your view in no time.