Cross Country on Amtrak?
Jun 4th, 2008, 02:49 PM
#21
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To Nevisian:
You work for Amtrak, right? Otherwise, I can't imagine why you'd basically call me a liar and challenge me on every single point. You may not agree with my descriptions or have had a different experience, but don't be a jerk and accuse someone of making things up.
The train was EXACTLY as I described it. Our train was a double decker and, yes, the toilets were on the top level, and the stench from industrial strength cleaning fluid was wretched. The layout was very similar in the coach sections to an airline with those small, compact toilets at the front of each car. Maybe your train was different, or you're not aware of the model of train I was on, but that's the way it was.
As for the sleeper room, I described it accurately. It was small, cheaply appointed, and had no amenities to speak of. For people who may think of traveling in one, that's good information to know. And the fact that Amtrak doesn't provide some sort of locked luggage storage area IS their fault and other travelers might want to know this before they travel by train. Finally, it IS Amtrak's fault that their trains are old, worn out, and have inoperable equipment in their expensive sleeper cars. I paid top dollar and I expected better. Small can be cozy and charming, but this was neither.
I posted because I wanted to relay my personal experience in hopes of providing useful information. I chose the train trip to San Antonio last November because I thought it would be fun, different, and an overall pleasant experience. Both my mother and I were very disappointed.
You work for Amtrak, right? Otherwise, I can't imagine why you'd basically call me a liar and challenge me on every single point. You may not agree with my descriptions or have had a different experience, but don't be a jerk and accuse someone of making things up.
The train was EXACTLY as I described it. Our train was a double decker and, yes, the toilets were on the top level, and the stench from industrial strength cleaning fluid was wretched. The layout was very similar in the coach sections to an airline with those small, compact toilets at the front of each car. Maybe your train was different, or you're not aware of the model of train I was on, but that's the way it was.
As for the sleeper room, I described it accurately. It was small, cheaply appointed, and had no amenities to speak of. For people who may think of traveling in one, that's good information to know. And the fact that Amtrak doesn't provide some sort of locked luggage storage area IS their fault and other travelers might want to know this before they travel by train. Finally, it IS Amtrak's fault that their trains are old, worn out, and have inoperable equipment in their expensive sleeper cars. I paid top dollar and I expected better. Small can be cozy and charming, but this was neither.
I posted because I wanted to relay my personal experience in hopes of providing useful information. I chose the train trip to San Antonio last November because I thought it would be fun, different, and an overall pleasant experience. Both my mother and I were very disappointed.
Jun 4th, 2008, 02:56 PM
#22
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Amtrak does provide locked luggage area - if you choose to check in your suitcases at the station at least 30' prior to leaving.
If you choose to bring the luggage with you, why not to bring something like a bike chain with a lock?
If you choose to bring the luggage with you, why not to bring something like a bike chain with a lock?
Jun 4th, 2008, 06:10 PM
#23
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We did from Atlanta to New York a few years ago on Amtrak. We had a roomette - one single bottom bed, 1 up close to the ceiling. Not romantic. Memorable - but not in a good way. We gave it a try b/c I thought it might be OK. I don't recommend it b/c the views are not that great,it is not very comfortable, and i can think of better uses of the additional time v/s flying. Food was OK. From what you described I would fly and have the extra couple of days to unpack or get familiar with your new neighbors/neighborhood- assuming you are having your furniture and stuff moved professionally. Best of luck in your new home. Amtrak was OK but I would only do it again if there was some really,really compelling reason not to fly. If you want to do the train sometime I would do one that is specifically for the purpose (of scenery/sightseeing) than just getting from point a to b. let me know if you have any more specific questions about our personal experience
Jun 5th, 2008, 08:04 AM
#24
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I checked in again today to re-read and wanted to add (sorry, recovering from some surgery and using my laptop almost upside down while lying down is making my typing awkward and my brain fuzzy !! )
but my son thought the difference was amazinb between the trains from nyc to west coast vs. the one from BC back through canada - much better accomodations, sleeper, food, views evertyhing, which is why I would do that trip but going across the US, not so much.....
he was a sr. in college when he did it and although might be considered young is a seasoned traveler from camping to high end resorts, so i do value his opinion
but my son thought the difference was amazinb between the trains from nyc to west coast vs. the one from BC back through canada - much better accomodations, sleeper, food, views evertyhing, which is why I would do that trip but going across the US, not so much.....
he was a sr. in college when he did it and although might be considered young is a seasoned traveler from camping to high end resorts, so i do value his opinion
Jun 5th, 2008, 08:56 AM
#25
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Depends on your personality. I love riding Amtrak, and belong to a whole family of train fans, but many people think I'm nuts.
Yes, Amtrak is frustrating to deal with sometimes, and the condition and configuration of the equipment can vary a lot.
Don't do it unless you like trains and are not in a giant hurry. The seats are comfortable but you will be in them for a long time. I like the dining car food, and find the conversations with strangers entertaing.
I would highly recommend the roomette. I don't have trouble sleeping on trains, but you just can't get a really good night's sleep in coach. Ok for one night, but not for three. I took coach in February from Palatka, FL to Phildadelphia (about 21 hours). It was fine, but I would have been cranky if I had to spend another night in that seat.
Yes, Amtrak is frustrating to deal with sometimes, and the condition and configuration of the equipment can vary a lot.
Don't do it unless you like trains and are not in a giant hurry. The seats are comfortable but you will be in them for a long time. I like the dining car food, and find the conversations with strangers entertaing.
I would highly recommend the roomette. I don't have trouble sleeping on trains, but you just can't get a really good night's sleep in coach. Ok for one night, but not for three. I took coach in February from Palatka, FL to Phildadelphia (about 21 hours). It was fine, but I would have been cranky if I had to spend another night in that seat.
Jun 6th, 2008, 07:57 PM
#26
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No Roundtrip, I neither call you a liar nor do I work for Amtrak. I prefer taking the train. In the 1970's, before cell phones and lap-top computers, it was the only way to get away from the office in peace. Now, of course cell phones and computers and personal electronic assistants have taken away that perk. The architecture of the train hasn't changed since Pullman Standard built the post war (WWII) equipment in the 1940's. Pullman built the first new equipment in the 1980s and Bombardier of Canada built the second generations. It has been rebuilt three times since then. You come across as a disgruntled passenger - I've met a few over the years - every so often. Nothing Amtrak could do for you would be acceptable. As I noted; your first mistake was taking the Texas Eagle/ Sunset train. There are better trains to take from Chicago to LA. IMO, the only worse service is the City of New Orleans (aka "The Chicken Bone Express"). No matter why you had a bad experience, you will not have to put yourself through it again. To the people that read your posting, I say: Some passengers start having a bad time before they board the train. Nothing can please them. Train travel is pat of your vacation. We're so used to airlines dropping us in our vacation destinations that we forget how to arrive rested. Roundtrip is telling you how his experience went for him. I hope that your experience is more like mine have been over the last years. It's all in how you accept the novelty of train travel. And, unfortunately, what was once a necessity has become a novelty and we have forgotten , or don't know, how to appreciate it.
Jun 30th, 2008, 09:25 AM
#27
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Wow, this is a LOT of opinion on this topic I posted! Not sure what to make of it yet, keep it coming!
p.s. I should add that we would plan on doing a roommette or whatever it is called- the sort of "bunk bed option"- and NOT sleep in a seat for 3 days- yuk!
p.s. I should add that we would plan on doing a roommette or whatever it is called- the sort of "bunk bed option"- and NOT sleep in a seat for 3 days- yuk!
Jun 30th, 2008, 09:51 AM
#28
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Yep, Amtrak tends to generate lots of opinions. If your budget allows, would suggest the bedroom over roomette. It's larger, has private toilet AND shower and considerably more comfortable for 2.
Jun 30th, 2008, 10:29 AM
#29
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poodle - if you haven't seen it, be sure and read Dan William's current thread on his recent cross-country trip "Capital Limited/Empire Builder etc". Has some info that you'd probably find useful and interesting.
