Kailyn Wolf
Amtrak's Empire Builder is a train service that runs between Seattle and Chicago, with stops in Portland, Spokane, and Whitefish, among others. The service offers a range of private rooms, including roomettes and bedrooms, providing passengers with privacy, comfort, and added amenities. These rooms feature comfortable seating, beds, big picture windows, and access to restrooms and showers. The Empire Builder is known for its scenic route, passing through areas like Glacier National Park, and offers passengers a unique and relaxing travel experience as an alternative to flying or driving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accommodates | 1-2 people |
| Converts into | 2 berths (upper and lower) |
| Measurements | 6'6" x 3'6" |
| Privacy | Sliding door with a window, dark curtains |
| Luggage space | In-room, overhead, under seats, luggage rack on lower level of the car |
| Climate control | Yes |
| Lighting control | Overhead room lights, nightlight, reading lights |
| Power outlet | Standard 110V |
| Dining | Complimentary meals, dining car, car attendant service |
| Restroom | Access to community bathrooms in the car |
| Shower | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Roomette vs bedroom
Roomette vs. Bedroom: A Comparison
Amtrak's Empire Builder offers passengers the option of booking a roomette or a bedroom for their journey. Both options are private accommodations, but there are some key differences between the two. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which option is best for you:
Size and Capacity
A roomette is a small, private room that can accommodate one to two people. It features two comfortable seats during the day, which convert into upper and lower berths at night. The typical roomette on a Superliner measures 6'6" x 3'6" (six and a half feet by three and a half feet). On the other hand, a bedroom is twice the size of a roomette and can comfortably accommodate up to three people. During the day, the bedroom features a sofa and a separate chair, which convert into upper and lower beds at night.
Amenities
Both roomettes and bedrooms offer a variety of amenities to enhance your trip. Each room includes a big picture window, newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens. Roomette passengers have access to a restroom and shower located within their car, while bedroom passengers enjoy the convenience of an in-room sink, restroom, and shower. Additionally, bedroom guests have twice the space for their luggage and belongings compared to roomette passengers.
Pricing
The pricing for roomettes and bedrooms can vary depending on factors such as the route, time of booking, and the number of people travelling. In general, roomettes are more affordable than bedrooms, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. For example, on the Chicago to Seattle route, roomettes start at $448 for one person or $633 for two people, while bedrooms typically start at $1,896 for double occupancy. However, it is worth noting that prices can fluctuate, and it is always best to book early to secure the lowest fares.
Dining
Dining options vary between roomettes and bedrooms. Roomette passengers are provided with complimentary meals, which can be enjoyed in the dining car or brought to their room by the car attendant. Bedroom passengers also enjoy complimentary meals and have the added benefit of a dedicated First Class attendant who assists with meal orders and service.
Privacy and Comfort
Both roomettes and bedrooms offer privacy and comfort, but the larger space of the bedroom may provide a more relaxed and spacious experience. Roomettes have a sliding door with a window facing the hallway, ensuring privacy when needed. Bedrooms, on the other hand, offer more space to stretch out and move around, making them a better choice for those seeking extra comfort.
In conclusion, the decision between a roomette and a bedroom on the Amtrak Empire Builder depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired level of comfort and privacy. Both options provide a unique and memorable travel experience, allowing you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
The Obamas' Bedroom Secrets: Separate or Together?
You may want to see also
Dining options
First Class Dining
First Class passengers in private rooms, including those in roomettes and bedrooms, enjoy complimentary meals as part of their ticket. The dining options for First Class passengers include:
- Onboard dining services: A wide variety of options are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Complimentary lounge access at major stations: These lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and access to a dedicated agent.
- Dedicated First Class attendant: The attendant will assist with meals, provide turndown service, and help with luggage.
Dining Cars
The Amtrak Empire Builder typically includes a dining car, offering a more traditional dining experience. Pairs of passengers are usually seated side by side, and reservations are required for dinner. The dining car menu features a variety of options, such as:
- Norwegian salmon with green beans and a baked potato
- Thyme-roasted chicken breast with green beans and mashed potatoes
- Angus burger with cheese and bacon
- Baked chilaquiles
- Pancake trio
- Cheese quesadillas with eggs and tomatillo sauce
- Omelets
- Salads
- Desserts such as pumpkin spice cake and New York-style cheesecake
Cafe Car
For those who prefer a more casual dining experience, the cafe car offers a variety of options, including:
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Snacks
- Beverages, including wine and other alcoholic drinks
Room Service
Sleeping car passengers can also opt to have their meals delivered to their rooms by the car attendant. This option provides added privacy and convenience, especially for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own space.
Complimentary Drinks and Snacks
In addition to the dining options mentioned above, sleeping car guests have access to complimentary coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water throughout their trip. There is also a coffee station located near the bathroom, providing easy access to refreshments.
Overall, the dining options on the Amtrak Empire Builder aim to provide a variety of choices to suit different preferences and accommodate special requests. Whether dining in the First Class lounge, the dining car, or the comfort of one's room, passengers can expect a range of tasty options to satisfy their appetite during their journey.
Glass Doors: A Bedroom's Unique Feature?
You may want to see also
Sleeping car attendants
One of the primary roles of the sleeping car attendant is to help passengers with their meals. They take dinner orders, provide information about dining options, and even deliver meals to the room if passengers prefer to dine privately. Attendants also offer assistance with reservations, especially for dinner, as it tends to be the busiest meal of the day.
Another important task performed by the sleeping car attendants is luggage assistance. They help passengers with their luggage, providing information about luggage storage options and even assisting with storing luggage in the dedicated racks or the luggage car. This service ensures that passengers can travel comfortably without the hassle of managing their baggage.
Throughout the journey, sleeping car attendants are available to address any queries or concerns passengers may have. They can provide information about the train, the route, and the various amenities available onboard. They are also adept at handling special requests and difficult passenger requests, ensuring that every traveller has a pleasant journey.
Locking Your Spouse Out of the Marital Bedroom: Is It Legal?
You may want to see also
Luggage storage
Amtrak offers luggage storage at most staffed stations. However, it is important to note that not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Therefore, it is recommended to check in advance if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.
Each traveller can check up to four bags, with two bags free of charge and an additional two bags costing $20 each. Size and weight limitations apply, with bags not exceeding 50 lbs and 75 linear inches. Bags exceeding 75 linear inches are considered oversized and will incur an additional $20 fee.
When departing from a station with trainside checked baggage service, passengers must tag their luggage with a baggage tag for their destination and bring it to the baggage car. An Amtrak crew member will then take the luggage, providing a claim check that will allow passengers to retrieve their luggage at their destination.
Upon arrival at a station with trainside checked baggage service, the train crew will inform passengers of the location for claiming their luggage. To retrieve their luggage, passengers must hand the claim check to an Amtrak crew member.
It is important to note that containers must be suitable for handling and protect against weather elements. Unsuitable containers include plastic containers, woven fabric zipper bags, trash bags, and containers that do not securely hold their contents. All items should have an ID tag, which are available for free at Amtrak stations.
Hotels with Separate Bedrooms: A Comfortable and Private Stay
You may want to see also
Ticket prices
- Roomette: $600-$1,500
- Bedroom: $1,000-$4,000
The Empire Builder also offers a Saver Fare, Value Fare, and Flexible Fare pricing structure. The Saver Fare is a non-refundable option that must typically be booked well in advance to secure the rate. The Value Fare is refundable and usually costs around $30-$40 more than the Saver Fare. The Flexible Fare is 100% refundable and usually costs around $250 more than the Saver Fare.
- Coach ticket from Chicago to Seattle: $150
- Superliner Roomette tickets from Chicago to Seattle: $446 per person for two people, $896 for one person
- Superliner Bedroom tickets from Chicago to Seattle: $1,896 for two people, $948 per person
It is also possible to upgrade from Coach to a Roomette while onboard the train, but this will be more expensive than booking in advance.
Stick and Peel Tiles: Bedroom Renovation Made Easy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a train service that runs between Seattle/Portland and Chicago. It was first inaugurated by the Great Northern Railway in 1929 and was assumed by Amtrak in 1971.
The Amtrak Empire Builder offers private rooms, including Roomettes and Bedrooms. Roomettes are ideal for one to two people, while Bedrooms provide twice the space and can accommodate up to three people. For customers seeking the ultimate First Class experience, there are also Bedroom Suites, which combine two adjoining Bedrooms.
The bedrooms on the Amtrak Empire Builder include a variety of amenities such as large picture windows, upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens. Bedrooms also have an in-room sink, restroom, and shower, while Roomettes have access to restrooms and showers in the car. All rooms include complimentary meals, lounge access, priority boarding, and a dedicated First Class attendant.
The cost of a bedroom on the Amtrak Empire Builder varies depending on the route, the number of people travelling, and when you book. It is recommended to book early to secure the best fare.
The primary difference between a Superliner and a Viewliner is that a Superliner features two levels of private rooms per car, while a Viewliner features a single level of accommodations. The type of car will depend on the route selected.
