Amtrak Sleeper Car Roomette Tips

Today we share our Amtrak Sleeper Car roomette tips. We have been on the Amtrak Empire Builder sleeping car as well as the Amtrak California Zephyr sleeper car and several others. We have also enjoyed rides on these Amtrak trains, Sunset Limited, Coast Starlight and the Crescent.

CONNECT WITH US!

[michael]

For a much better and quiet ride, always make reservation for the Sleepers in the middle of the car, never over the wheels of the car or you will have to listen to the clickety clack and have a rougher ride. This from a former Train Conductor.

[watchingfromafargivingmyop]

Also bring cash to tip the attendant .I traveled from Chicago to Atlanta in October . Great trip . Attendant's ere very helpful and pleasent.

[tellemnorth]

If you are traveling any distance by train, roomettes are the best way to travel. We took a trip on the Empire Builder to Seattle four years ago and we were on board for two days. For us, the meals were included with the roomette, however, if we wanted alcohol with the meal, this was an extra purchase. We had purchased a half bottle of wine with dinner one night, and we could not take it back to the roomette. This may have changed. The attendant we had was wonderful. He would make the beds when we left for breakfast, then turn down the beds when we went to dinner. He would always ask before he did anything. Yes, remember to tip the attendant.

[LamourMelanie]

I thought I was watching the news for two seconds. Your voice is perfect for a news reporting! Awesome videoooo as always!!!

[nancyjones]

Our experience on the train was terribly funny. We went ftom Austin to LA in a room, 2 chairs and table/bathroom in our room. Like you showed corner sink and toilet. Shower was also in there, sit on toilet and pull chain WATER!!! My mother was in the bathroom and to help her up off the toilet she grabbed that chain. Came out with water running down her. Funny to me and her grandson, not so much for her. This was a, once a week beauty salon, lady. So funny and years later still funny and also good memories since she has been gone several years.

[sharongitlin]

I slept on the upper bunk in a roomette. The bunk was accessed via carpeted stairs next to the beds. I slipped on the way down from the bed due to having put socks on. I hit my toes on the metal frame of the door. It took a couple of weeks before my toes felt normal again. To others, I recommend coming down the stairs in one’s bare feet or putting on shoes that have a good gripe before going down the stairs.

[NancyBiker]

Had my first Amtrak experience this past weekend and it was wonderful! The roomette was great as was the dining car and sightseeing car. I must say that the employees of Amtrak are the best including the people at the Chicago Union Station. I also really enjoyed interacting with my fellow travelers. Your videos helped me feel as though I wasn’t completely inexperienced. Thank you. See ya on the rails.

[northeastoutrider]

I’ve made use of the rooms between Chicago and DC once as well as several trips on the auto train from DC to Orlando. While I love the overnight in a roomette, I’ve learned to always bring a clip up fan to feel some better airflow. Those rooms can get stuffy with the door closed.

[WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean]

Thank you for showing the room! :) Amtrak's official "room tour" video has not a single picture of the room, just pictures of coffee cups and the outside of the train.

[LisaMarli]

We travel with a short extension cord, a surge protected power strip, and a multiport USB outlet box. And lots of USB cords. That's just my usual electric cords bag for hotels. It's been useful on the train too.
I take a fully charged battery back up up to top bunk, it can keep my electronics going all night.
I do find downloading anything you want to read or watch on your devices before you leave home. That way you don't have to worry about the internet always being available.
Bring some command strips and hooks. You can use them to keep things steady or as an extra hook. Just be polite and take them down when you are leaving.
And check ALL storage nooks as you are leaving. My son lost a favorite jacket.

[squalli]

Very helpful info. I have been travelling by train for many years with my wife who is claustrophobic. Roomettes are perfect for 2 people during daytime travel. There is very little room to maneuver in a roomette in sleep mode. Those who are larger or with joint problems prefer to sleep on the bottom bunk and it's safer.. Some couples have been able to reserve 2 roomettes in the same car for more space at night. Restrooms are generally cramped, but those in coach (downstairs) have accessible restrooms offering more space for those who prefer to sit comfortably. I would also suggest packing sanitizing wipes and sprays for use in the restrooms since they are in constant use. Lavatory areas in Viewliner roomettes need special attention sanitizing upon boarding.

[dsanford]

Bring a power strip / surge protector, increase your outlets

[andrewwoodburn]

Bring a power strip or small three outlet extension cord. Great tip for hotels too.

[ellenjones]

Good video. I have been traveling on Amtrak for 35 years to Florida. I have seen many changes over the years but still enjoy the ride.

[axjmd]

Here's another very important tip:
Speaking of "TIP" If your attendant was absolutely wonderful, give him/her a tip at the end of your journey.
If by chance you should go again on Amtrak and stay in a roomette and you coincidentally get the same attendant,
he/she will remember your generous tip you gave and will be apt to give you exceptional service and again give this attendant
a tip as well if this attendant (same or different) was great again.

Don't forget all your meals are included with your fare. Only roomette passengers get their meals included.

A fun thing is bring a portable radio scanner. Prior to your trip program your radio with railroad frequencies especially for your trip. You can hear your crew and monitor your trip.

[mariposapapillon]

Fantastic video! Thank you! You make me feel confident about experiencing my first roomette on Amtrak. I travel solo, so the room might feel spacious to me. I can't wait to ride in the observation car, of course. But I very much look forward to the privacy of the roomette as I look out of the window to big open sky, beautiful nature and maybe even some wildlife (of land and air) along the way.

[bmljenny]

I've done the trip between LA and New Orleans twice and these are definitely good tips. I was going to New Orleans for both work and fun so I had a large suitcase with me and not only would there have been no place for it in the roomette, I couldn't have gotten it up the stairs with the tight bend. Definitely pack a little day-bag with your PJs, toiletries, medications, etc. I just used a paper grocery bag. I absolutely loved it - the ride includes 24 hours of all the nothing in Texas but it's still just hypnotic. One of the trips was somewhat bothered by a very rude family who brought along electronic games for their kids but no headphones and they refused to shut their door. Don't be like that! :)

[mikebarnbaum]

Definitely gave this video a “like” and have also “subscribed” to this channel.👍🔔 I am in a roomette in May 2024 on two of three trains to celebrate my 50th birthday, which will be in October 2024. It looks like I will sleep in the bottom bunk, rather than the top as I need the outlet. Hopefully, the Amtrak room attendants will allow me to use the top bunk for storage of my luggage and my day pack, while I use the bottom for sleeping, based on the tips provided in this video.🤝

[harryborsalino]

Excellent video! It reflects my experience very closely, although I travelled solo. Especially in the roomette, keep it simple, is what I have told people. When COVID becomes less of a factor, I look forward to another train adventure, and your videos are always helpful. Thanks for another fun and informative video!

[jdbaiocco]

I'm preparing for my first overnight trip on a train in one of the roommettes on the Empire Builder from Spokane to Minneapolis. Your video's have been very helpful. Great job.