California Zephyr - should I stop off in Denver?
 

Hi, my partner and I are taking the overnight train (with roomette) from Boston to Chicago and then catching the California Zephyr to San Fran. We will spend a few nights in Boston and a few nights in Chicago but undecided on whether to get off in Denver for a few nights. I've never been to Denver so I'd happily explore a new city, but accommodation is very expensive. Is it worth it? Is there a better place to get off and explore than Denver? Any advice much appreciated

You have another thread about this and now seem to have decided to do this from chicago. One person on the other thread recommended you fly to Denver and take it from there.
I am of the opinion this is not a good way to spend money, since that seems to be one of your concerns.
When you say accomodations in Denver are expensive--what are they in comparison to Boston and chicago?
BUT also take a look at a map of the US. The most spectacular scenery of a cross country trip IF you are viewing it from a train window is the American West--Denver west--the Rocky Mountains. The "dread" of a cross country road trip IS from Chicago to Denver--great people and great states but VERY much farm and prairie land.
And yes, Denver is an iteresting town with much to recommend it--and its environs.

Hi pykiwi,

I was tempted by the Glenwood Springs stop also, a possible good base for outdoorsy activity. There are some hotels near the train station (that I would imagine aren't all that cheap either).

Best wishes,

Daniel

Back in the days when my wife and I were traveling in coach on Amtrak, our favorite stop on the Zephyr was in Glenwood Springs. There are 2 big old hotels across the river from the beautiful old train station. Near the hotels is the worlds largest hot spring fed swimming pool.
The last 20 miles coming into Glenwood Springs is the best daytime scenery on any Amtrak route IMO.
If you do want to take a break from the train in the Rockies, either Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction will be better than Denver.
If you get off in Grand Junction, rent a car and go to see Arches NP in southern Utah.
You should not have any trouble sleeping in the roomette. If you don't like the dining car experience, your SCA can provide you with a menu and will bring food to your roomette when it is in daytime mode.
You're not missing too much scenery on the train if you fly from Chicago to Denver and then get on in Denver about 8AM.
The cheapest good place to stay in Chicago is at the HI Hostel on Congress. It is within walking distance of the lake shore and the "Magnificent Mile".

Having done the trip I would also recommend a CHEAP flight from Chicago to Denver and despite what anybody on this thread is going to say I strongly urge you to be aware that AMTRAK services are subject to delays and, unfortunately, sometimes VERY long ones.

If you are sitting back and enjoying the scenery then no problem.

If you want "mountains" I would definitely get off at Glenwood rather than in Denver.

The Hotel Colorado http://www.hotelcolorado.com/accommodations is a little cheaper than the Hotel Denver.
If you are looking for budget accommodations in Glenwood Springs, there is a hostel (not HI). This hostel is under new ownership and I've heard it is better than when DW and I stayed there.

Thanks everyone. Going to look at the option of flying to Denver and starting there.

Sounds like a good idea, pykiwi. You could stay a night in Denver, then go to Glenwood Springs for a couple of nights.

Every day the Bustang bus has a race with the California Zephyr. https://www.codot.gov/travel/bustang
The Zephyr (when on time) and the bus both leave the new Denver Union station at 8:05AM.
If the Zephyr is late coming in from Chicago the bus will win. The bus is a little cheaper than riding the Zephyr to Glenwood Springs.