Our very first experience with an Amtrak Sleeper was a Roomette. My husband was short and thinner than I was so he got the upper bunk. But in the morning he said we have to get something better. So I called Amtrak from somewhere in Montana and told the woman by husband was not happy so she up graded us to a bedroom on our return trip. He was much happier and we both liked the toilet in the room. We took the Empire Builder to Seattle just so we could have lunch at the top of the Space Needle, which was out of this world enjoyable! Upon returning home I made a Photo CD with a Kodak machine and applied a Traveling song with it. It is great to look back on and enjoy those memories all over again. I was unaware of Grounded Life Travel video's when we did this trip, sure would have been helpful if we had seen them. But I have watched every single Amtrak video you guys have so thoughtfully made since and have gotten most of the "Must Have's" for traveling on Amtrak. THANK YOU BOTH for making them!
I think the main thing with the bedroom is if you really want to be able to get up and go to the bathroom quickly without having go in the hallway in the middle of the night. And having the couch is nice to take a nap during the day if someone else wants to sit in the chair.
@@peachygal4153 yes and the other thing is the roommates east of Chicago Many have a toilet in the room and there’s actually a window and more headroom in the upper bunk quite nice compared to the western roommates. But then they don’t have a dining car so there’s a bit of a trade-off.
We always book a roomette and then use the "bid-up" to get a bedroom. Even with the lowest bid amount, we usually win the bid. It helps bring the cost down and wondering if you are going to win adds a little excitement to an already exciting way to travel!
We saved up for a cross country trip and got two adjoining bedrooms. Had the car attendant push back the wall between the two. And it was wonderful, and for us worth every penny. We are older and cannot get to the upper bunk. Was very roomy. We kept one door shut and locked all the time and during the day opened the other door so we could see out both sides. It wasn't very busy as our bedrooms were at the end of the car closest to the engine so we didn't have the traffic of the roomets. If I ever travel by train again, and I would love to, it will be in the bedroom.
@@RaymondMcNamaraJr We thought about that but the bathroom situation was not as good. Some people save to go on a once in a lifetime cruise. We chose a once in a life time train cruise and had such a good time.
Nothing wrong with doing what made you happy. It was your money. I have to say though I would never compare a train ride to a cruise. I would not mind a scenic train ride for a few hours. Jeb brooks here on UA-cam showed us a great one in Canada where you are on a train by day for 8 hours but then a coach/bus picks you up at a train station to overnight at hotels in a package for seeing the Canadian Rockies. It was 3- or 4-days total, not cheap I think he said it ran $4,000 a person. I would love to do that, but for travel I prefer by plane and to get there. A cruise though is different. You are not stuck in your stateroom while the ship is at sea. You need only sleep and shower there. There are plenty of activities onboard besides gambling which we do not do. I love the hydro pool and the heated loungers in the spa area which is an extra fee. However, there are also regular swimming pools. At least a family one and an adult only one, often more. this last cruise also had painting classes, flower arranging classes and scrabble meetups, puzzles, movies shown at the pool area at night which could also be accessed at your room TV if you preferred there, none of that cost extra, is included in your cruise fare. No way can a train ride offer all of that. I would love to do the Candain Rockies sone someday but please don't; compare apples to oranges. BTW they take cruises too and vlog them on their other channel. Grounded Life cruises.
@@peachygal4153 That's why I loved the train. I'm not into activities. I just really enjoyed the scenery, the calmness. We didn't have to stay in our room. And the food was great. My daughter loves cruises and can't fathom the train. It is good that there are choices.
I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I’m not going to be on a moving train trying to get there. We had a bedroom on the auto train and I would do it again. It was relaxing and having the bathroom en-suite made the difference.
I usually travel as a single so the roomette is the obvious choice. I have travelled in a full bedroom on a few occasions and found that I like the toilet in the room but the shower is more hassle than it's worth. I have heard that from others as well. Just use the nice one downstairs. I also find that the roomette seems quieter than the bedroom as all but one of them has a connecting door to the next bedroom and paper thin walls,. You can almost hear the people next door breathing. The roomettes are quieter. Traveling with a companion I find the two roomettes directly across from each other beat the bedroom for cost and viewing. You can leave your doors open and just shift from one room to the other depending on the view out each window. Together they are still cheaper than a bedroom and both of you get a bottom bunk. The toilet is down the hall with three more down stairs along with a great shower. Short version: Get a roomette for one person and two if you have a companion.
My first Amtrak trip was in a bedroom on the auto train. I was hooked on train travel from then on! If you can swing it, I think the extra cost is worth it.
I rode the Empire Builder Westbound last weekend (10/11 - 10/13) and used points to book a bedroom. Yea sure maybe a splurge for a solo traveler, but I really liked having the private bathroom and also during the day laying on the sofa with my back to the door looking out the window. Barely felt the need to leave the room it was so comfortable! BTW, this train had service interrupted between Shelby and Whitefish MT due to a freight train derailment! So we all left the train at Shelby and were transported by school bus to Whitefish (a good 150 mile trip) where we were put on what had been the eastbound train, which simply was turned around and headed back to Seattle (the eastbound passengers were bussed the opposite direction and were put on what had been the westbound train which also was turned around and headed back to Chicago). In spite of all of that we still arrived in Seattle earlier than scheduled the next day since the bus trip between those two stations actually took less time than the train would have taken!
That was kind of our thought when we were weighing our travel options. To drive from Michigan to Arizona, it's about $1300 in fuel plus hotels and food, which is outrageous these days. We can fly 1 way for about $200 and take the train the other way for 1300. The train also gives a nice relaxing experience for the most part. At the worst, it's an even trade cost wise.
@@kc8rbk73 I always feel like some people have forgotten that traveling is not only about the destination, but the journey between two points of destination. When one travels by rail with a sleeper they are reaffirming the importance of the journey.
I just wanted to say thank you for all your informative videos. I found you when I was looking for videos to travel to New Orleans. First time Amtrak rider. My husband and I are currently on the Crescent 19 on a roomette. I have to say, because of your videos , I knew what to expect....room size, amenities and the delay time for departure. We were originally supposed to departure at 0900, but due to a car hitting the train (did you catch that) we were delayed 4 hours. But, I have my entertainment, books and snacks on my travel bag and we didn't get mad. We are enjoying the journey. We ate lunch in the dining car to get the experience and I really like the VIP treatment you get with a sleeper car. Thank you so much guys... till next time...safe travels
I am on Amtrak right now. My first time with a sleeping car. I am alone so my roomette is good. But, I can’t imagine two full sized adults who can afford it not choosing a bedroom! I would not want to share this roomette with another person! After watching your video, maybe couples should opt for two roomettes.
Hi Rob and Ally, we really like your informative videos. We just got back from a trip on the Coast Starlight to and from Portland Oregon from Los Angeles. We had enough points to get a bedroom one way and roomette on the return. We are split in the decision regarding the bedroom. It is a lot more money for us too. However one of us is 6 feet tall and it feels very cramped for us to sit in the roomette, but otherwise it is fine and like you said you have all the same amenities and food etc. Thanks for your videos.
My daughter and I had the bedroom on a trip last year. She's a bigger girl and decided that she wouldn't be comfortable in the bunk and I'm old so I wasn't about to try it. We brought the mattress down from the bunk, laid it over my suitcase (standing up) between the chair and the couch. Our idea formed a L. My head was kind of in her ribs, lol, but it worked. We both decided, if we were to travel by train again, we would do it the same way. The attendant was quite surprised by what we did and that it worked. Yes, the bathroom was tight but I made it work. She found it too tight so opted to use the hallway bathroom.
My wife and I took the Texas eagle from Tucson to Chicago in April and found the bottom bed plenty big enough for the 2 of us. I rarely get up at night for the bathroom, so it worked fine for us. We are taking the same trip again towards the middle of next month. On the last trip, the train the car must have had a sewage leak or something. The smell was bad enough to make us queezy at times, so we got a $400 voucher after sending them a nastygram. The bathroom in the room was kind of small but usable. She's a little bit of a thicker lady, but I'm fairly small. We both have some fairly bad social anxiety, so the bedroom is almost the only option as opposed to having a panic attack every time we have to go to the bathroom. Also, we found the service food wise less than amazing. The food from Tucson to San Antonio was pretty good, but from there to Chicago was to dinner. Some of them were OK, but others not. When we did out meals in the room, we ended up with only 1 meal but 2 salads, then couldn't find any crew to address it, and we weren't walking the length of the train to complain. Even when we went to the diner, they forgot stuff, which I found kinda odd. Now that we've traveled once, we're hoping to get a lot more out of this trip. I want to check out the public bathrooms next time we're on the train to see if maybe they'll work for us. A roomette would be much more cost-effective to travel if we could make it work for us.
We're booked in a bedroom in May on the California Zephyr, we'll let you know how we like it. We book roomettes when traveling on the Silver Meteor. But, and it's probably something that's an advantage over other people, we live full time on a 38' sailboat with very limited space. Our bathroom and shower are tiny on the boat too, so we're anxious to see how it compares to the bedroom short and toilet. Also we sleep under the cockpit so we can't sit straight up in bed, so we're used to confined spaces. We did tape off our bed with your previous lower bed measurements and tried sleeping together in that space. We'll see if we can do it all night but for what we tried it worked. We may come back and say, oh yeah, way too small even for us who are used to small spaces, but we're going to give it a try. Thanks for your input. ❤❤
Thanks for the informative videos. Have not been in a Amtrak room before. Going to take first Amtrak ride in 30 years later this year. Doing just a short trip so coach or business class is fine. Planning a longer multi-day trip around Feb or March so will have to weight in either Roomette or bedroom. This video helps.
We booked a roommate, dallas to chicago, last month. Bid on the upgrade to a bedroom. Cost us $127 more! It was great. Probably would have killed each other in the roomette;)
I am surprised you spent the money for the upgrade. In a previous video, you suggested booking two roomettes (depending on cost). My mom and I are going on the Coast Starlight in the spring and booked two roomettes.
Sometimes the family bedroom is cheaper than full bedroom(Just no bathroom) but u have views both sides same room and bathroom and shower right near room
Roomettes are a great value for overnight travel for 1 or 2 people who don't mind sleeping in cramped quarters & not claustrophobic. Bedrooms are great for those who need to use the toilet a lot especially at night. Cleaning up behind & before others can be frustrating in public lavatories. I was offered an upgrade for $1000 for 2 nights for 1 person on The Sunset Ltd. & declined
Excellent analysis!! I like the two roomette option. When will the time come where new train cars are redesigned for reality? If I could rent half a train car, with every amenity in proper proportion, I’d gladly travel by train and pay the higher price.
I was hoping Amtrak would add an additional electrical outlet next to the window in Bedrooms when performing car sleeping car refresh project. These cars were built during the '70's to the '90's before electrical devices became popular. Whenever I've traveled with my wife, we would reserve adjoining bedrooms C&D or D&E offering the most in space for claustrophobics. Pricey but worth it. The ensuite toilets are lifesavers for frequent flyers, but the public shower downstairs is definitely more spacious. Seeing these spaces in a video is deceptive.
Anyone know if this channel has ever done a trip video in a bedroom suite? That is two bedrooms with the dividing wall retracted. If so, link or video title please.
It's pricey. I haven't seen them post a video with that feature. I've done it because my wife is extremely claustrophobic. It offers the most space but at a cost. If you ever consider this option, you must phone Amtrak. Can't be done on their website.
I think you sleep better in a bedroom. The rocking is pretty constant and you don't feel it as much lying crossways. If something happened where you got rolled out of a bedroom berth you're having a bad day in the roomette too!
I enjoy your videos and have one question. Is there a “first class” option/room on any of the trains? Seems like 2 roomettes might be the way to go on a long trip. Appreciate your opinion.
I watched this video thinking you might have something new to say about Amtrak bedrooms, but that was not the case. Since you have covered this topic nicely many times, I’m not sure why it needed a rehash.
Yes, I was expecting a new video based on the 10/18/24 date, but I too had a "Deja Vu" experience watching this video. Disappointed that Rob and Ali would post a total retread video as "new".
I’m another fan of booking the roomette and then bidding to upgrade. Sometimes it’s a bargain, sometimes not so much. You set the price so you can stay within a limit.
Yes, I just can't justify the extra cost for the bedroom. We try to bid up, but bid low, and haven't won yet. Depending on the day and route, the bedroom price is not a huge cost increase. Every once in awhile, the family room is cheaper.
I beg to differ when it comes to how the couch/seat set up. Last time I had a Superliner bedroom the sofa was I was in room A. the couch was facing backwards. However, I looked in room B, the couch was facing forward. So it all depends on how the train is put together & which direction the train is going.
I travel Amtrak often coach class.. I never understand how to book a sleeper car. I don't see anything on the Amtrak app that gives me that information
Hey, love your videos and I have to say -- the entire time I was watching the VLOG I was thinking where is the bedrrom. You guys are like a DesiLu Production in those separate (bunk) beds🤣. We don't do that in my house -- we'd be smashed on that bottom sofa bed. Amtrak looks like time travel to the past. 🤔 Not worth the upgrage for1K!
I think Amtrak should redesign the bedroom without the shower/toilet and provide 1 bigger bed that 2 people can sleep on. Maybe provide in room meals that are an upgrade as well to make the cost worthwhile.
I have only had a bedroom one time, just to try it out. I travel solo so it's not really necessary for me. It was a little cheaper because it was a day trip (Emryville to LA) and at first I loved all the extra space and the bathroom. Then a family with two toddlers moved in next door, and the younger one proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs for hours. The walls are like cardboard at that point. Headphones didn't even help. I even went to the observation car for a while to escape it, which I never do. But then I was just annoyed at having paid so much extra for the bedroom and not being able to enjoy it. Granted, the same thing could have happened in a roomette (and has! haha). And I'm a mom so I can totally sympathize with the parents. I'm sure it was no picnic for them either. Anyway, it soured my bedroom experience. But I wouldn't turn down an upgrade :)
The more I watch these Amtrak videos the less I want to ride on one. Cost inconvenience time. I’m just going to fly for less cost and faster trip. I get it some people can’t fly. Thankfully that’s not my experience
I wish they would use bed bug covers on their beds! To ensure safe travel. Not worth it the $1000 Because of the motion of the train better with feet toward the engine.😊
Not a fan of an upper bunk in a train in general. Older adults can't and others dont usually want to. I think i would have to to go for 2 roomettes if I traveled with a partner. That top bunk is too much like roughing it for that kind of cash. Its a moving train after all.
for 1k, its def not worth it. if im not wrong, the savings is about ~100 vs booking the room outright from the start, assuming u r going end to end in the sleeper.
From a coach seat? Yes! From a roomette? No! The bathroom is squeezie tight; must again squeeze to get out of room when bed is down. You may be facing backward... unless you sit in the jump seat... which is always broken. In agreement with blog... not worth a paid upgrade.
@@mikeymutual5489 ...or so their new subscribers can readily have access to the content. These people provide a constant stream of new content across a few channels. Your grip is ridiculous.
THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE ON THE CALIF. ZEP 3 WEEKS AGO. GOT A BEDROOM (ALMOST $3,000) DIDN'T HAVE ANY UPGRADES SO WE HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE. !) FIRST THING, DEPENDING ON HOW THE CAR IS ATTACHED TO THE TRAIN DETERMINES HOW YOUR SEAT/COUCH IS SITTING. OURS WAS FACING BACKWARDS AND I NEED A SEAT FACING FORWARD. 2) THE 1 CHAIR FACING FORWARD WAS TAKEN OUT FOR SOME REASON AND WE PUT OUR 2 CARRY ON'S IN ITS PLACE. THE BATHROOM IS NO MORE THAN 2 FT X 2 FT,. BUT YES MY WIFE LOVED IT. THE 2 OR 3 TIMES SHE USED IT. 3) WHEN THE BEDS WERE PUT DOWN, THIS IS WHERE IT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY IMHO. THERE IS NO MORE ROOM TO MOVE THAN THERE IS IN A ROOMETTE. THE BATHROOM DOOR WILL BARELY OPEN AND THERE IS NO WHERE TO STAND WITHOUT YOUR KNEES ON THE WALL SOMEWHERE. THEN THERE IS "THE LADDER" TO THE UPPER BED. WHEN THIS IS PLACED GOOD LUCK TRYING TO NAVIGATE IN YOUR ROOM. THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THE PERSON IN THE TOP BUNK WAS EVER GOING TO MAKE TO THE BATHROOM WITHOUT THE PERSON IN THE BOTTOM BUNK WAKING UP AND MOVING. I HATED THIS ROOM AND WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN. I TOOK MY SHOWERS DOWN THE HALL WHICH WAS NO PROBLEM. NEVER HAD TO WAIT AND THERE WAS PLENTY OF ROOM AND HOT WATER, PLENTY OF ROOM TO SHAVE AND GO TO THE BATHROOM. FOR THOSE WHO ARE DECIDING, THE ONLY REASON TO A BEDROOM IS IF YOU GO TO THE BATHROOM ALOT AT NIGHT. THE BEDROOM IS ALSO 3X+ THE COST OF A ROOMETTE WITHOUT TAKING A CHANCE TO GET AN UPGRADE. BENEFITS OF A ROOMETTE 1) 2 SEATS FACING OPPOSITE OF EACH OTHER NEXT TO THE WINDOW SO IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH WAY THE CAR IS FACING. 2) WHEN BEDS ARE DOWN THE LAY PARALLEL TO WINDOW SO YOU CAN LOOK OUT WHILE YOU LYING DOWN, (BEDROOMS THE LAY PERPENDICULAR TO THE WINDOW. THERE ARE KINDA OF BUILT IN STEPS TO GET TO THE UPPER BUNK. NO LADDER !!!! THIS IS A BIG DEAL. NOTE ( IN THE OLDER TRAINS LIKE THE LAKESHORE LIMITED , NOT A SUPERLINER THERE IS A TOILET AND SINK IN OUR ROOMETTE FRO CHICAGO TO NEW YORK) THE VIEW FRO BOTH IS JUST "ONE SIDED" IF YOUR LIKE ME I TAKE TRAINS FOR THE SCENERY SO I STAY IN THE "LOUNGE" CAR SO I GET A FULL 360 DEGREE VIEW AND ONLY GO BACK TO MY "QUARTERS" TO SLEEP. BUT THAT IS ME. THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM. DRINKS, FOOD, FOLKS YOU CAN TALK TO. ITS GREAT !!!! YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM IF READING IS YOUR THING. NOW CHANGE OF SUBJECT AND ITS ONLY MY HUMBLE OPINION. I HAVE BEEN ON 7 DIFFERENT ROUTES THAT AMTRAK OFFERS. 1) I WLL RATE THEM FROM BEST TO NOT SO GREAT. THIS IS ONLY ABOUT SCENERY NOT THE HOURS OF THE TRIP. 1) THE TRAIN THAT GOES FROM LA TO SEATTLE. 2) THE TRAIN THAT GOES ROM SEATTLE TO VANCOUVER 3) THE VERMONTER 4) THE ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS 5) THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR 6) SUNSET LIMITED (WIDE OPEN SPACES) 7) EMPIRE BUILDER (NOTHING BUT WHEAT FIELDS ) AFTER YOU GET OUT OF WASHINGTON 2) IF YOUR A SCENERY BUFF LIKE AM SEE WHERE THE TRAIN WILL BE TRAVELING A NIGHT AND WHAT YOU WILL MISS, IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY THEN WHATS THE POINT 3) IF YOUR ON A LONG TRAIN RIDE AND YOU DON'T GET A ROOM OF SOME SORT YOU WILL BE A ZOMBIE WHEN YO GET TO YOUR FINAL STOP. 4) THE 1ST. CLASS FOOD IS PRETTY GOOD AND ITS PLATED.. FOR THOSE THAT HAVE READ THIS FAR, I HAVE BEEN ON TRAINS ALL OVER THE WORLD AND THEY ALL HAVE THERE GOD POINTS BUT THE BEST TRAIN RIDE I HAVE EVER BEEN ON SO FAR IT THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER FROM LAKE LOUISE TO VANCOUVER. PRICE WISE ITS ABOUT THE SAME AS AMTRACK IF YOU GET A BEDROOM AND COVER THE SAME DISTANCE. THIS BEST THING ABOUT IT IS THE TRAIN STOPS AT NIGHT AND THE PUT YOU IN A NICE HOEL SO 1) YOU GET A LITTLE BREAK 2) YOU MISS NO SCENERY. CAN NOT RECCOMEND ANY HIGHER. HOPE THIS LONG BLOG HELPS
Our very first experience with an Amtrak Sleeper was a Roomette. My husband was short and thinner than I was so he got the upper bunk. But in the morning he said we have to get something better. So I called Amtrak from somewhere in Montana and told the woman by husband was not happy so she up graded us to a bedroom on our return trip. He was much happier and we both liked the toilet in the room.
We took the Empire Builder to Seattle just so we could have lunch at the top of the Space Needle, which was out of this world enjoyable!
Upon returning home I made a Photo CD with a Kodak machine and applied a Traveling song with it. It is great to look back on and enjoy those memories all over again.
I was unaware of Grounded Life Travel video's when we did this trip, sure would have been helpful if we had seen them. But I have watched every single Amtrak video you guys have so thoughtfully made since and have gotten most of the "Must Have's" for traveling on Amtrak.
THANK YOU BOTH for making them!
I think the main thing with the bedroom is if you really want to be able to get up and go to the bathroom quickly without having go in the hallway in the middle of the night. And having the couch is nice to take a nap during the day if someone else wants to sit in the chair.
some roomettes have a toilet and sink
@@peachygal4153 yes and the other thing is the roommates east of Chicago Many have a toilet in the room and there’s actually a window and more headroom in the upper bunk quite nice compared to the western roommates. But then they don’t have a dining car so there’s a bit of a trade-off.
We always book a roomette and then use the "bid-up" to get a bedroom. Even with the lowest bid amount, we usually win the bid. It helps bring the cost down and wondering if you are going to win adds a little excitement to an already exciting way to travel!
Can you bid up to a family room or suite? And do you know if those rooms have their own bathrooms? Tk you.
@@alicetisbert5873 You can. The family room does not have its own bathroom. Only the bedroom has its own bathroom. Happy travels!
We saved up for a cross country trip and got two adjoining bedrooms. Had the car attendant push back the wall between the two. And it was wonderful, and for us worth every penny. We are older and cannot get to the upper bunk. Was very roomy. We kept one door shut and locked all the time and during the day opened the other door so we could see out both sides. It wasn't very busy as our bedrooms were at the end of the car closest to the engine so we didn't have the traffic of the roomets. If I ever travel by train again, and I would love to, it will be in the bedroom.
That’s smart but be cheaper to do 2 roomettes 1 on each side to get views both sides and probably save u like $3,000
@@RaymondMcNamaraJr We thought about that but the bathroom situation was not as good. Some people save to go on a once in a lifetime cruise. We chose a once in a life time train cruise and had such a good time.
@@ginny9311 Ok cool and glad u enjoyed it
Nothing wrong with doing what made you happy. It was your money. I have to say though I would never compare a train ride to a cruise. I would not mind a scenic train ride for a few hours. Jeb brooks here on UA-cam showed us a great one in Canada where you are on a train by day for 8 hours but then a coach/bus picks you up at a train station to overnight at hotels in a package for seeing the Canadian Rockies. It was 3- or 4-days total, not cheap I think he said it ran $4,000 a person. I would love to do that, but for travel I prefer by plane and to get there. A cruise though is different. You are not stuck in your stateroom while the ship is at sea. You need only sleep and shower there. There are plenty of activities onboard besides gambling which we do not do. I love the hydro pool and the heated loungers in the spa area which is an extra fee. However, there are also regular swimming pools. At least a family one and an adult only one, often more. this last cruise also had painting classes, flower arranging classes and scrabble meetups, puzzles, movies shown at the pool area at night which could also be accessed at your room TV if you preferred there, none of that cost extra, is included in your cruise fare. No way can a train ride offer all of that. I would love to do the Candain Rockies sone someday but please don't; compare apples to oranges. BTW they take cruises too and vlog them on their other channel. Grounded Life cruises.
@@peachygal4153 That's why I loved the train. I'm not into activities. I just really enjoyed the scenery, the calmness. We didn't have to stay in our room. And the food was great. My daughter loves cruises and can't fathom the train. It is good that there are choices.
I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I’m not going to be on a moving train trying to get there. We had a bedroom on the auto train and I would do it again. It was relaxing and having the bathroom en-suite made the difference.
100% correct about the bedroom having the hall window views as well!!!
I usually travel as a single so the roomette is the obvious choice. I have travelled in a full bedroom on a few occasions and found that I like the toilet in the room but the shower is more hassle than it's worth. I have heard that from others as well. Just use the nice one downstairs. I also find that the roomette seems quieter than the bedroom as all but one of them has a connecting door to the next bedroom and paper thin walls,. You can almost hear the people next door breathing. The roomettes are quieter. Traveling with a companion I find the two roomettes directly across from each other beat the bedroom for cost and viewing. You can leave your doors open and just shift from one room to the other depending on the view out each window. Together they are still cheaper than a bedroom and both of you get a bottom bunk. The toilet is down the hall with three more down stairs along with a great shower. Short version: Get a roomette for one person and two if you have a companion.
My first Amtrak trip was in a bedroom on the auto train. I was hooked on train travel from then on! If you can swing it, I think the extra cost is worth it.
My husband and I both slept on the bed together because he injured his leg and could not get to the upper bed. It really wasn’t that bad!
I rode the Empire Builder Westbound last weekend (10/11 - 10/13) and used points to book a bedroom. Yea sure maybe a splurge for a solo traveler, but I really liked having the private bathroom and also during the day laying on the sofa with my back to the door looking out the window. Barely felt the need to leave the room it was so comfortable!
BTW, this train had service interrupted between Shelby and Whitefish MT due to a freight train derailment! So we all left the train at Shelby and were transported by school bus to Whitefish (a good 150 mile trip) where we were put on what had been the eastbound train, which simply was turned around and headed back to Seattle (the eastbound passengers were bussed the opposite direction and were put on what had been the westbound train which also was turned around and headed back to Chicago). In spite of all of that we still arrived in Seattle earlier than scheduled the next day since the bus trip between those two stations actually took less time than the train would have taken!
We were on that train too - definitely an adventure!!
If you think about one thousand dollars for multiple nights and consider that one is getting room and board for two people, it isn’t as bad.
That was kind of our thought when we were weighing our travel options. To drive from Michigan to Arizona, it's about $1300 in fuel plus hotels and food, which is outrageous these days. We can fly 1 way for about $200 and take the train the other way for 1300. The train also gives a nice relaxing experience for the most part. At the worst, it's an even trade cost wise.
@@kc8rbk73 I always feel like some people have forgotten that traveling is not only about the destination, but the journey between two points of destination. When one travels by rail with a sleeper they are reaffirming the importance of the journey.
I just wanted to say thank you for all your informative videos. I found you when I was looking for videos to travel to New Orleans. First time Amtrak rider. My husband and I are currently on the Crescent 19 on a roomette. I have to say, because of your videos , I knew what to expect....room size, amenities and the delay time for departure. We were originally supposed to departure at 0900, but due to a car hitting the train (did you catch that) we were delayed 4 hours. But, I have my entertainment, books and snacks on my travel bag and we didn't get mad. We are enjoying the journey. We ate lunch in the dining car to get the experience and I really like the VIP treatment you get with a sleeper car.
Thank you so much guys... till next time...safe travels
I am on Amtrak right now. My first time with a sleeping car. I am alone so my roomette is good. But, I can’t imagine two full sized adults who can afford it not choosing a bedroom! I would not want to share this roomette with another person! After watching your video, maybe couples should opt for two roomettes.
I don't know - maybe other people don't like to get ripped off?
Hi Rob and Ally, we really like your informative videos. We just got back from a trip on the Coast Starlight to and from Portland Oregon from Los Angeles. We had enough points to get a bedroom one way and roomette on the return. We are split in the decision regarding the bedroom. It is a lot more money for us too. However one of us is 6 feet tall and it feels very cramped for us to sit in the roomette, but otherwise it is fine and like you said you have all the same amenities and food etc. Thanks for your videos.
My daughter and I had the bedroom on a trip last year. She's a bigger girl and decided that she wouldn't be comfortable in the bunk and I'm old so I wasn't about to try it. We brought the mattress down from the bunk, laid it over my suitcase (standing up) between the chair and the couch. Our idea formed a L. My head was kind of in her ribs, lol, but it worked. We both decided, if we were to travel by train again, we would do it the same way. The attendant was quite surprised by what we did and that it worked. Yes, the bathroom was tight but I made it work. She found it too tight so opted to use the hallway bathroom.
Thank you for the analysis. I booked a roomette for my daughter and me on the California Zephyr next year.
I wondered about the real situation with the bedroom, so this report is very useful!
Thanks so much for your wonderful reviews and stellar advice! I really like the idea of booking two roomettes! ❤❤❤Thanks🤗🥳
My wife and I took the Texas eagle from Tucson to Chicago in April and found the bottom bed plenty big enough for the 2 of us. I rarely get up at night for the bathroom, so it worked fine for us. We are taking the same trip again towards the middle of next month. On the last trip, the train the car must have had a sewage leak or something. The smell was bad enough to make us queezy at times, so we got a $400 voucher after sending them a nastygram. The bathroom in the room was kind of small but usable. She's a little bit of a thicker lady, but I'm fairly small. We both have some fairly bad social anxiety, so the bedroom is almost the only option as opposed to having a panic attack every time we have to go to the bathroom. Also, we found the service food wise less than amazing. The food from Tucson to San Antonio was pretty good, but from there to Chicago was to dinner. Some of them were OK, but others not. When we did out meals in the room, we ended up with only 1 meal but 2 salads, then couldn't find any crew to address it, and we weren't walking the length of the train to complain. Even when we went to the diner, they forgot stuff, which I found kinda odd. Now that we've traveled once, we're hoping to get a lot more out of this trip. I want to check out the public bathrooms next time we're on the train to see if maybe they'll work for us. A roomette would be much more cost-effective to travel if we could make it work for us.
We usually get 2 roomettes across from each other. Must talk to agent to arrange that.
We're booked in a bedroom in May on the California Zephyr, we'll let you know how we like it. We book roomettes when traveling on the Silver Meteor. But, and it's probably something that's an advantage over other people, we live full time on a 38' sailboat with very limited space. Our bathroom and shower are tiny on the boat too, so we're anxious to see how it compares to the bedroom short and toilet. Also we sleep under the cockpit so we can't sit straight up in bed, so we're used to confined spaces. We did tape off our bed with your previous lower bed measurements and tried sleeping together in that space. We'll see if we can do it all night but for what we tried it worked. We may come back and say, oh yeah, way too small even for us who are used to small spaces, but we're going to give it a try. Thanks for your input. ❤❤
Thanks for the informative videos. Have not been in a Amtrak room before. Going to take first Amtrak ride in 30 years later this year. Doing just a short trip so coach or business class is fine.
Planning a longer multi-day trip around Feb or March so will have to weight in either Roomette or bedroom. This video helps.
Thank you , love you, love your videos…
from John K. / Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
😊😊☕️☕️♥️👍👍👍
We booked a roommate, dallas to chicago, last month. Bid on the upgrade to a bedroom. Cost us $127 more! It was great. Probably would have killed each other in the roomette;)
I pay for privacy, and my husband and I can sleep on the lower bunk just fine. 5'3" and 5'6". Combined weight = 280 lbs.
That is good for you I guess but you are in the minority.
I am surprised you spent the money for the upgrade. In a previous video, you suggested booking two roomettes (depending on cost). My mom and I are going on the Coast Starlight in the spring and booked two roomettes.
Agreed
For us, one has a lumbar disability so because of the ability to lay down when desired, the additional cost is well worth it. Just saying.
Sometimes the family bedroom is cheaper than full bedroom(Just no bathroom) but u have views both sides same room and bathroom and shower right near room
Roomettes are a great value for overnight travel for 1 or 2 people who don't mind sleeping in cramped quarters & not claustrophobic. Bedrooms are great for those who need to use the toilet a lot especially at night. Cleaning up behind & before others can be frustrating in public lavatories. I was offered an upgrade for $1000 for 2 nights for 1 person on The Sunset Ltd. & declined
Excellent analysis!! I like the two roomette option. When will the time come where new train cars are redesigned for reality? If I could rent half a train car, with every amenity in proper proportion, I’d gladly travel by train and pay the higher price.
Glad u guys back in USA
I was hoping Amtrak would add an additional electrical outlet next to the window in Bedrooms when performing car sleeping car refresh project. These cars were built during the '70's to the '90's before electrical devices became popular. Whenever I've traveled with my wife, we would reserve adjoining bedrooms C&D or D&E offering the most in space for claustrophobics. Pricey but worth it. The ensuite toilets are lifesavers for frequent flyers, but the public shower downstairs is definitely more spacious. Seeing these spaces in a video is deceptive.
Wait you can use bogo or companion coupons to book two separate roomettes? I have to go back and watch the old videos again.
My husband is 6'3” 250 pounds, I'm 5'6 and 130 pounds. We sleep together on the bottom bunk of the bedroom just fine.
We always get two roomettes when we travel. It’s always cheaper than a bedroom or family room and we get more space.
Anyone know if this channel has ever done a trip video in a bedroom suite? That is two bedrooms with the dividing wall retracted. If so, link or video title please.
I don’t believe so
It's pricey. I haven't seen them post a video with that feature. I've done it because my wife is extremely claustrophobic. It offers the most space but at a cost. If you ever consider this option, you must phone Amtrak. Can't be done on their website.
I think you sleep better in a bedroom. The rocking is pretty constant and you don't feel it as much lying crossways. If something happened where you got rolled out of a bedroom berth you're having a bad day in the roomette too!
Thanks love the shirt. Detroit Strong All Grit
I enjoy your videos and have one question. Is there a “first class” option/room on any of the trains? Seems like 2 roomettes might be the way to go on a long trip. Appreciate your opinion.
I watched this video thinking you might have something new to say about Amtrak bedrooms, but that was not the case. Since you have covered this topic nicely many times, I’m not sure why it needed a rehash.
Yes, I was expecting a new video based on the 10/18/24 date, but I too had a "Deja Vu" experience watching this video. Disappointed that Rob and Ali would post a total retread video as "new".
For your own bathroom esp during the night, I’d do it.
I’m another fan of booking the roomette and then bidding to upgrade. Sometimes it’s a bargain, sometimes not so much. You set the price so you can stay within a limit.
Yes, I just can't justify the extra cost for the bedroom. We try to bid up, but bid low, and haven't won yet. Depending on the day and route, the bedroom price is not a huge cost increase. Every once in awhile, the family room is cheaper.
I beg to differ when it comes to how the couch/seat set up. Last time I had a Superliner bedroom the sofa was I was in room A. the couch was facing backwards. However, I looked in room B, the couch was facing forward. So it all depends on how the train is put together & which direction the train is going.
Of the 5 bedrooms in Superliners. 2-3 rooms face opposite directions
I travel Amtrak often coach class.. I never understand how to book a sleeper car. I don't see anything on the Amtrak app that gives me that information
The lower bed is a 3/4 full.
Hello I think it was not worth do better for the roomlette.take care all and thank for info.❤😊🙏🙏❤
Hey, love your videos and I have to say -- the entire time I was watching the VLOG I was thinking where is the bedrrom. You guys are like a DesiLu Production in those separate (bunk) beds🤣. We don't do that in my house -- we'd be smashed on that bottom sofa bed. Amtrak looks like time travel to the past. 🤔
Not worth the upgrage for1K!
Good to know, thank you. hugs
I think Amtrak should redesign the bedroom without the shower/toilet and provide 1 bigger bed that 2 people can sleep on. Maybe provide in room meals that are an upgrade as well to make the cost worthwhile.
That is essentially what the family room is.
I fly "Business Class" and get a bed, service at my location and also TV plus WiFi for 7% more.
I have only had a bedroom one time, just to try it out. I travel solo so it's not really necessary for me. It was a little cheaper because it was a day trip (Emryville to LA) and at first I loved all the extra space and the bathroom. Then a family with two toddlers moved in next door, and the younger one proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs for hours. The walls are like cardboard at that point. Headphones didn't even help. I even went to the observation car for a while to escape it, which I never do. But then I was just annoyed at having paid so much extra for the bedroom and not being able to enjoy it. Granted, the same thing could have happened in a roomette (and has! haha). And I'm a mom so I can totally sympathize with the parents. I'm sure it was no picnic for them either. Anyway, it soured my bedroom experience. But I wouldn't turn down an upgrade :)
Well, good thing it was not an overnight trip that would suck
The more I watch these Amtrak videos the less I want to ride on one. Cost inconvenience time. I’m just going to fly for less cost and faster trip. I get it some people can’t fly. Thankfully that’s not my experience
they have a new sale for a roomette where your companion travels for free
Save the cash
Have you tried getting 2 roomettes yet? Across from each other?
I wish they would use bed bug covers on their beds! To ensure safe travel. Not worth it the $1000 Because of the motion of the train better with feet toward the engine.😊
Not a fan of an upper bunk in a train in general. Older adults can't and others dont usually want to. I think i would have to to go for 2 roomettes if I traveled with a partner. That top bunk is too much like roughing it for that kind of cash. Its a moving train after all.
You should have explained how many nights you bought for $1000 extra.
for 1k, its def not worth it. if im not wrong, the savings is about ~100 vs booking the room outright from the start, assuming u r going end to end in the sleeper.
I find it sad when she said " I feel bad for rob" I have watched alot of you reviews.. not ever have i seen her take the top bunk .
❤❤❤❤
I get claustrophobia just looking at these rooms. I don’t think Amtrak is for me.
The whole experience looks miserable. I did not hear, how many nights for the $1000?
Cross country is usually 2 nights.
From a coach seat? Yes! From a roomette? No! The bathroom is squeezie tight; must again squeeze to get out of room when bed is down. You may be facing backward... unless you sit in the jump seat... which is always broken. In agreement with blog... not worth a paid upgrade.
Why couldn’t sleep together.
Not worth the upgrade and I have traveled in both as well as the old slumber coach.
What did you think of slumbercoaches? I never got to try one but it seems like a good idea they could consider with the new equipment plan.
@@odess4sd4d slumbercoaches were a great travel option offering barebones privacy compared to today's Roomettes without complimentary meals.
I was expecting more of a 'bedroom' for that price, otherwise no.
Short answer. No it's not worth it.
Definitely not worth the extra $1000!
Paid with money you make thanks to our comments and likes.
Unsubscribe.
All of these travel vloggers just rehash the same information ad nauseam, so they can keep collecting money from their likes and subscribes.
bye sweetie.
You're angry because people get paid for their work. How sad.
@@greeneggslamb9336 Work? You mean regurgitating the same information in UA-cam videos? Yeah, some work.
@@mikeymutual5489 ...or so their new subscribers can readily have access to the content. These people provide a constant stream of new content across a few channels. Your grip is ridiculous.
quit blowingt every bite of foos you even blow on desert
THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE ON THE CALIF. ZEP 3 WEEKS AGO. GOT A BEDROOM (ALMOST $3,000) DIDN'T HAVE ANY UPGRADES SO WE HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE. !) FIRST THING, DEPENDING ON HOW THE CAR IS ATTACHED TO THE TRAIN DETERMINES HOW YOUR SEAT/COUCH IS SITTING. OURS WAS FACING BACKWARDS AND I NEED A SEAT FACING FORWARD. 2) THE 1 CHAIR FACING FORWARD WAS TAKEN OUT FOR SOME REASON AND WE PUT OUR 2 CARRY ON'S IN ITS PLACE. THE BATHROOM IS NO MORE THAN 2 FT X 2 FT,. BUT YES MY WIFE LOVED IT. THE 2 OR 3 TIMES SHE USED IT. 3) WHEN THE BEDS WERE PUT DOWN, THIS IS WHERE IT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY IMHO. THERE IS NO MORE ROOM TO MOVE THAN THERE IS IN A ROOMETTE. THE BATHROOM DOOR WILL BARELY OPEN AND THERE IS NO WHERE TO STAND WITHOUT YOUR KNEES ON THE WALL SOMEWHERE. THEN THERE IS "THE LADDER" TO THE UPPER BED. WHEN THIS IS PLACED GOOD LUCK TRYING TO NAVIGATE IN YOUR ROOM. THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THE PERSON IN THE TOP BUNK WAS EVER GOING TO MAKE TO THE BATHROOM WITHOUT THE PERSON IN THE BOTTOM BUNK WAKING UP AND MOVING. I HATED THIS ROOM AND WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN. I TOOK MY SHOWERS DOWN THE HALL WHICH WAS NO PROBLEM. NEVER HAD TO WAIT AND THERE WAS PLENTY OF ROOM AND HOT WATER, PLENTY OF ROOM TO SHAVE AND GO TO THE BATHROOM. FOR THOSE WHO ARE DECIDING, THE ONLY REASON TO A BEDROOM IS IF YOU GO TO THE BATHROOM ALOT AT NIGHT. THE BEDROOM IS ALSO 3X+ THE COST OF A ROOMETTE WITHOUT TAKING A CHANCE TO GET AN UPGRADE. BENEFITS OF A ROOMETTE 1) 2 SEATS FACING OPPOSITE OF EACH OTHER NEXT TO THE WINDOW SO IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH WAY THE CAR IS FACING. 2) WHEN BEDS ARE DOWN THE LAY PARALLEL TO WINDOW SO YOU CAN LOOK OUT WHILE YOU LYING DOWN, (BEDROOMS THE LAY PERPENDICULAR TO THE WINDOW. THERE ARE KINDA OF BUILT IN STEPS TO GET TO THE UPPER BUNK. NO LADDER !!!! THIS IS A BIG DEAL. NOTE ( IN THE OLDER TRAINS LIKE THE LAKESHORE LIMITED , NOT A SUPERLINER THERE IS A TOILET AND SINK IN OUR ROOMETTE FRO CHICAGO TO NEW YORK) THE VIEW FRO BOTH IS JUST "ONE SIDED" IF YOUR LIKE ME I TAKE TRAINS FOR THE SCENERY SO I STAY IN THE "LOUNGE" CAR SO I GET A FULL 360 DEGREE VIEW AND ONLY GO BACK TO MY "QUARTERS" TO SLEEP. BUT THAT IS ME. THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM. DRINKS, FOOD, FOLKS YOU CAN TALK TO. ITS GREAT !!!! YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM IF READING IS YOUR THING. NOW CHANGE OF SUBJECT AND ITS ONLY MY HUMBLE OPINION. I HAVE BEEN ON 7 DIFFERENT ROUTES THAT AMTRAK OFFERS. 1) I WLL RATE THEM FROM BEST TO NOT SO GREAT. THIS IS ONLY ABOUT SCENERY NOT THE HOURS OF THE TRIP. 1) THE TRAIN THAT GOES FROM LA TO SEATTLE. 2) THE TRAIN THAT GOES ROM SEATTLE TO VANCOUVER 3) THE VERMONTER 4) THE ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS 5) THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR 6) SUNSET LIMITED (WIDE OPEN SPACES) 7) EMPIRE BUILDER (NOTHING BUT WHEAT FIELDS ) AFTER YOU GET OUT OF WASHINGTON 2) IF YOUR A SCENERY BUFF LIKE AM SEE WHERE THE TRAIN WILL BE TRAVELING A NIGHT AND WHAT YOU WILL MISS, IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY THEN WHATS THE POINT 3) IF YOUR ON A LONG TRAIN RIDE AND YOU DON'T GET A ROOM OF SOME SORT YOU WILL BE A ZOMBIE WHEN YO GET TO YOUR FINAL STOP. 4) THE 1ST. CLASS FOOD IS PRETTY GOOD AND ITS PLATED.. FOR THOSE THAT HAVE READ THIS FAR, I HAVE BEEN ON TRAINS ALL OVER THE WORLD AND THEY ALL HAVE THERE GOD POINTS BUT THE BEST TRAIN RIDE I HAVE EVER BEEN ON SO FAR IT THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER FROM LAKE LOUISE TO VANCOUVER. PRICE WISE ITS ABOUT THE SAME AS AMTRACK IF YOU GET A BEDROOM AND COVER THE SAME DISTANCE. THIS BEST THING ABOUT IT IS THE TRAIN STOPS AT NIGHT AND THE PUT YOU IN A NICE HOEL SO 1) YOU GET A LITTLE BREAK 2) YOU MISS NO SCENERY. CAN NOT RECCOMEND ANY HIGHER. HOPE THIS LONG BLOG HELPS