TOURING BY AMTRAK
Jul 14th, 2000, 04:25 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:Amtrak -- you'll get tired of the food right quick -- if you have the time and facilities (delis, Au Bon Pain,etc.) are handy, buy yourself food for on-board picnics, etc. Don't even think of doing the long distances without buying sleeping accommodations, not just for the bed but also for the private loo and the space to spread out. (The coach toilets get ripe quickly and often clog.) But do get to the club cars to meet people.
(In Chicago, the Days Inn is a comparative bargain in a nice location.)
(In Chicago, the Days Inn is a comparative bargain in a nice location.)
Jul 15th, 2000, 03:40 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Chicago-we hav stayed in 2 Days Inn==further from the downtown less money.however,access to downtown and "sights" very easy on the city buses Days Inn Gold Coast neat and convenient but an "older" hotel (10 min. to downtown)Also Days Inn Lake Shore across from Navy Pier & 4-5 blocks from downrown.It is a little more expensive but worth it for the location (also has a pool & nice laundry for guests)
Seattle=There are two places Pacific Plaza and Best Western Pioneer Square
near the train station area called Pioneer Square(very historic). When I arrived there it was 10 PM and I took cab as I was alone.
Grand Canyon is a puzzle as the train lets you off in Williams which is about 50 miles from the Grand Canyon ParK. We took the Grand Canyon Train which has nothing to do with Amtrak. Its called and excursion train and has to be booked separate.It is a long slow trip with a stayed "train robbery" (Kids love it)
However, bus shuttle is faster and cheaper. There are accommodations outside the entrance to the park and the inside ones are managed by the Amfac corporation. However, if you are going there in July, August or September I am not sure you can still get a place IN the park.
The trains ARE NOT like the ones in Europe. Get a small insulated bag you can carry, stock up on snacks, drinks.
Seattle to San Francisco usually takes 20 to 22 hrs. You can put up with coach on that leg of your journey.
You will have a great trip, the county you will pass through is breathtaking.
Seattle=There are two places Pacific Plaza and Best Western Pioneer Square
near the train station area called Pioneer Square(very historic). When I arrived there it was 10 PM and I took cab as I was alone.
Grand Canyon is a puzzle as the train lets you off in Williams which is about 50 miles from the Grand Canyon ParK. We took the Grand Canyon Train which has nothing to do with Amtrak. Its called and excursion train and has to be booked separate.It is a long slow trip with a stayed "train robbery" (Kids love it)
However, bus shuttle is faster and cheaper. There are accommodations outside the entrance to the park and the inside ones are managed by the Amfac corporation. However, if you are going there in July, August or September I am not sure you can still get a place IN the park.
The trains ARE NOT like the ones in Europe. Get a small insulated bag you can carry, stock up on snacks, drinks.
Seattle to San Francisco usually takes 20 to 22 hrs. You can put up with coach on that leg of your journey.
You will have a great trip, the county you will pass through is breathtaking.
Jul 16th, 2000, 06:15 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dear England:
Check this newspaper, the Ottawa Citizen online. It recently had an article on Amtrak from Chicago and Seattle. You may find it helpful with your planning. Here is the address to the article. If you cannot find it, let me know.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/000701/4374777.html
Check this newspaper, the Ottawa Citizen online. It recently had an article on Amtrak from Chicago and Seattle. You may find it helpful with your planning. Here is the address to the article. If you cannot find it, let me know.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/000701/4374777.html
