Traveling in Crescent (19) roomette

[aycrane]

My spouse and I will be traveling soon, Philly to i. I am wondering if I should try to upgrade to a bedroom (looks like one is available) or will a roomette for one night be good enough? My spouse's first time traveling on Amtrak and I haven't traveled in a sleeper for over 20 years.

Additionally, what do I need to know to fully enjoy the trip. We both love trains, traveled with them consistently when living overseas, and will be traveling to our son's wedding. Any ideas, suggestions, help is appreciated!

 

[TinCan782]

From my own experience, I would suggest a bedroom, even one night. It gets pretty tight in a roomette with the upper bed down leaving little room to stand (think changing clothes), especially two!
Although you can book two in a Roomette, I think you would feel more comfortable in a bedroom.

 

[Rasputin]

There is no question that a bedroom would be more spacious and comfortable but it really depends on your budget and personal preferences. Since this is your spouse's first time on Amtrak and you are heading for a special occasion, it might be nice to splurge and get a bedroom

On the other hand, my wife and I usually find that bedroom fares are higher than we are comfortable paying and usually opt for a roomette.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[TheCrescent]

BidUp is the way to go if you want to upgrade.

A room in the middle of the car will have a smoother ride than a room towards the end of the car, FYI.

 

[SanAntonioClyde]

Might find two roomettes cheaper than bedroom, that's been my experience

 

[BlackDiamond]

Might find two roomettes cheaper than bedroom, that's been my experience

If you want 2 roomettes then you will want to call to make the reservation so you can get them across from each other.

Personally my wife and I found a Viewliner roomette adequate for 2 since the upper bunk is spacious enough and has windows. If it were a Superliner I would definitely go with the bedroom to avoid the claustrophobic upper bunk. But the Crescent is a Viewliner train so not an issue there

 

[Chatter163]

Bedroom, if at all possible, otherwise two roomettes, across from each other.

 

[Amtrak709]

Assuming you are not ADA passengers and assuming you might be within 2 weeks of departure, try upgrading to the "H" bedroom if available. Generally, the "H" bedroom is only available to none ADA passengers two weeks prior to departure date. You will love it. The Crescent, at last check, is still running Viewliner I sleepers so the configuration of the H bedroom is still likeable rather than the new Viewliner II sleepers. In any event, UPGRADE to a bedroom, just be prepared for that "sticker-shock" price.

 

[cassie225]

Personally even when I’m traveling alone I prefer a bedroom but they have gotten so expensive, I have tried a roomette 3 times , twice by myself and once with a friend( she overpacked and we were miserable with luggage). They have always been for long day trips, I think bedrooms all the way now. Just my two cents

 

[Sidney]

If bedrooms were reasonably priced,I'd do bedrooms on every trip I take. Not when sometimes they are $1500 to $2000 over a roomette. A roomette for one is fine.

 

[Joe from PA]

My wife and I have done 7 overnight trips, all with a roomette for each of us. At 80 years old, forget the bunk beds. Bedrooms also have bunk beds. Yes, they have more room, but at hundreds more than TWO roomettes, in total.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Unless a Bedroom is LESS than a Roomette, I will book a Roomette once I return to Amtrak when the Clowns running Amtrak are gone,or fix the Sad Sack Eaglette!

 

[tricia]

Unless a Bedroom is LESS than a Roomette, I will book a Roomette once I return to Amtrak when the Clowns running Amtrak are gone,or fix the Sad Sack Eaglette!

Me too. I actually prefer roomettes over bedrooms.

 

[cassie225]

Everyone has a preference, but if a bedroom is reasonably priced, I book that especially for overnight going from NO to New Jersey, but Amtrak now price bedrooms like they are 5 star hotels without the amenities.

 

[aycrane]

Me too. I actually prefer roomettes over bedrooms.

That is unique!What is it you like about roomettes over bedrooms?

 

[tricia]

That is unique!What is it you like about roomettes over bedrooms?

The bunks are oriented head-to-foot in the direction of travel, rather than side-to-side as in the bedroom. And the roomette seats are more comfortable than the chair in the bedroom--where the beds aren't well oriented for sitting and looking out the window. In Viewliners, the upper bunk window is terrific. For one passenger, roomettes are cozy and roomy enough. For two passengers, I'd want two roomettes for any longer trip than one night.