Taking the EB east...My first Amtrak ride

[user 3574]

I booked a roomette for this weekend on the way to Chicago. Looking forward to what should be a good experience and getting to see a lot of the countryside.

Because I want to make the most out of this trip, I was wondering about room placement. What is the prime roomette to be placed in for the ultimate viewing experience? And, can I try and request such room?

For example, is it better to be placed on the upper level or lower level? Room facing the Northside or Southside? etc.

I would assume that the best room placement would be having an upper level room on the northside of the train. (Once again, I am heading East).

I am sure they all provide wonderful views, but I just wanted some input on your experiences, and the pros/cons of each room placement.

Thanks, Looking forward to the Journey!

 

[Bob Dylan]

I booked a roomette for this weekend on the way to Chicago. Looking forward to what should be a good experience and getting to see a lot of the countryside.
Because I want to make the most out of this trip, I was wondering about room placement. What is the prime roomette to be placed in for the ultimate viewing experience? And, can I try and request such room?

For example, is it better to be placed on the upper level or lower level? Room facing the Northside or Southside? etc.

I would assume that the best room placement would be having an upper level room on the northside of the train. (Once again, I am heading East).

I am sure they all provide wonderful views, but I just wanted some input on your experiences, and the pros/cons of each room placement.

Thanks, Looking forward to the Journey!

You didnt indicate where youre catching the train but from SEA Puget Sound is on the left side of the train (towards the Engine), Glacier Park and most of the "good" scenery is also on the left! (If leaving from Portland it will be dark this time of year but the Columbia is on the right side of the train!The Portland sleeper will be the last car on the train from PDX-CHI, along walk to the diner and lounge!)The praries dont really matter, most of your sight seeing will be in the Sight Seer Lounge (again the left side), during your meals in the diner. Your room really is only to sleep/shower/have some privacy but IMHO being uptop is more better on Superliners, you will get different opinions but Room #2 is right by the stairs and coffee, across from the Sleeping Car Attendant (SCA), Room #3 to #6 are in the middle of the car and ride smoother, it's hard to say which way the sleeper will be hooked up, it can have the bedrooms in front or the roomettes?Your reservation and ticket will have your room and Car # on them and you can look @ the layout in the schedule/on Amtrak.com or also on the link on this forum.The rooms are assigned by buckets(fares-low to very high/changing rooms might raise your cost alot!!You can ask an agent but dont cancel a room without asking if there is any difference in price before changing!)

There are lots of trip reports on the Empire Builder on this forum, if you havent read them please do and dont hesitate to ask any questions you might have! Good traveling, hope the mud slides in the NW dont delay you!

 

[ThayerATM]

I booked a roomette for this weekend on the way to Chicago. Looking forward to what should be a good experience and getting to see a lot of the countryside.
Because I want to make the most out of this trip, I was wondering about room placement. What is the prime roomette to be placed in for the ultimate viewing experience? And, can I try and request such room?

For example, is it better to be placed on the upper level or lower level? Room facing the Northside or Southside? etc.

I would assume that the best room placement would be having an upper level room on the northside of the train. (Once again, I am heading East).

I am sure they all provide wonderful views, but I just wanted some input on your experiences, and the pros/cons of each room placement.

Thanks, Looking forward to the Journey!

The upper level is <IMHO> a lot better for sightseeing, if only because you can see farther.

I don't think you'll have a lot of difference in choosing the north or south side of your sleeping car, 'cuz it really depends on the direction your particular sleeper is being pulled.

You might consider leaving your roomette and hanging out in the sightseer lounge car. That car has great views out of both sides, and you can get up and sit on the other side if you choose. Just remember that on the EB, the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

[user 3574]

You didnt indicate where youre catching the train

Oops, catching it in Spokane. I'll be in the section coming from Seattle. So, I guess I was just referring to the "views" from Montana to Chicago.

 

[DET63]

How will the mudslides in the Seattle area affect Empire Builder service east of the Cascades and beyond?

 

[the_traveler]

Since the sleeper can be put on in either direction, you can't be sure if you're on the "north" side or the "south" side until you step aboard. In fact on 1 train I took last year, 1 sleeper had roomettes first and the other had bedrooms first. So 1 car had even numbered rooms facing north, while the other car had even numbered rooms facing south!

Just head to the sightseer and the views are seen on both sides - at the same time!

 

[GAT]

How will the mudslides in the Seattle area affect Empire Builder service east of the Cascades and beyond?

One thing for sure, if they are still there, the train won't get through. :unsure: My understanding is the slides are between SEA and Everett. Does anyone know if there are re-route possibilities in this area?

 

[the_traveler]

How will the mudslides in the Seattle area affect Empire Builder service east of the Cascades and beyond?

One thing for sure, if they are still there, the train won't get through. :unsure: My understanding is the slides are between SEA and Everett. Does anyone know if there are re-route possibilities in this area?

This is only my thinking, but maybe they are running the complete EB to PDX. Or possible head to Seattle from Vancouver, WA - but then why not just go the ~20 minutes to PDX and send the SEA pax on a Talgo? :huh:

 

[lyke99]

According to Trains.com, the Seattle section of the Empire Builder is turning at Everett and a bus-bridge to/from Seattle is being provided. Seems to make sense with the mudslide so close to the end of the run.

 

[yarrow]

i usually get up early the first morning and eat before whitefish, mt. usually a near half hour stop at whitefish giving one time to detrain and look at the great northern equipment alongside the station. then it is to the sightseer lounge to get a good spot for the trip through the mountains. not as private as a roomette but great views from both sides of the car