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-   -   California Zepher (https://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-and-trip-ideas/california-zepher-1470259/)

Shar Sep 4th, 2017 01:52 PM

California Zepher
 
thinning of taking the Amtrak Zepher next March while my husband is out of the country. Looked at the roomette and I think I would be hemmed in by being inn such a small room. Has anyone done this alone? 51 hours sitting inn a seat does not appeal to me. They also have 1 bedroom suite which has it's own toilet and shower where as the roomette has neither. Quite a bit more $ but lots more room. and it includes your meals so no surprises there.

Anyone?

janisj Sep 4th, 2017 06:26 PM

You posted here twice and it would be better to post on the US board instead.

I'd never stay in the room for the entire trip - that is a major advantage of traveling by train -- you can get up and walk around. And 51 hours is only the 'scheduled' time. Schedule and Reality are often significantly different.

thursdaysd Sep 4th, 2017 06:44 PM

Loved the roomette. And it's intended for two people. But janisj is right, you head to the dome car for great viewing and the dining car for meals - and they are included with the roomette as well.

suze Sep 5th, 2017 11:48 AM

As above, you don't just sit in your cabin the entire time. There's the entire train to get up and walk around. You wouldn't sit in your seat the entire 51+ hours either!

Shar Sep 7th, 2017 08:28 PM

it is the sleeping part that I am concerned about. AND my experience with the dome car is that people park themselves there and they stay there the entire time or at least they did when I took train to L.A. several years ago.

I know I posted this twice as I thought it was either booking and planning or Travel idea and Solo travel but will repost in U.S. tagged CA.

Thanks for help so far

thursdaysd Sep 7th, 2017 08:39 PM

I slept just fine, why do you think you might not?

Multiple tags are allowed.

kja Sep 7th, 2017 10:31 PM

I haven't taken the Zephyr alone, but I've taken several other long-haul Amtrak trains solo, and like thursdaysd, I enjoyed the roomette. But I must admit that I love falling asleep on a train! And even if I awaken several times during the night, for me, each incidence is, to me, just another welcome opportunity to fall asleep to the motion of the train.

I, too, have been on long-distance trains when the dome car has been overtaken, but I've never had trouble finding a seat in a place other than my roomette when I wanted to roam -- a club or dining car, one of the cars with seats.... And on my last long haul train, people who were simply roosting in the club car were politely asked to yield their seats when others wanted the opportunity. I have no idea how common that is....

Hope that helps!

kja Sep 10th, 2017 09:13 PM

Please see your other thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment

Shar Sep 18th, 2017 11:16 AM

sleeping concerns are sleeping in a seat. Comfy? I would rather sleep in bed which is why I am looking at room...

KJA who exactly politely asked them to yield their seats. With the rudeness of people these days I seriously doubt they would vacate if I asked them too.

thursdaysd Sep 18th, 2017 01:25 PM

Definitely a roomette!

kja Sep 18th, 2017 02:48 PM

Train personnel made the request for the roosters to depart. But you raise a valid concern in light of today's level of civility....


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