The Amtrak Roomette Experience

While traveling home from Colorado on our USA Rail Pass, we decided that we wanted to travel non-stop instead of staying overnight in Chicago and Washington. Our first choice was to get a hotel in Chicago so that we could shower and feel fresh for the next day of travel, but after the night on the California Zephyr we decided to book a room on the Capitol Limited from Chicago to Washington, D.C. It was a good call because the train was completely booked except for a roomette, so we took it. Booking the roomette was a great call because of the perks that we received traveling first class.

The first perk was at Chicago Union Station. Not only was the station absolutely beautiful, but we were able to spend our layover in the Metropolitan Lounge. When we entered the lounge, we were greeted by the most delightful employee who showed us where we could store our luggage while we waited. Once in the lounge we had comfortable seating, plenty of charge stations for charging our phones, and complimentary snacks and drinks. The lounge had beautiful restrooms and even shower rooms that we could access. Looking back, I wish we had taken advantage of the showers there instead of waiting until we were on the train. When it was time for our train to board we were called to the lobby of the lounge and escorted to the train for early boarding. Once on the train we were greeted by the car attendant who made sure we were comfortable and told us that she would be by shortly to schedule our dinner reservations. We actually chose to eat in our roomette because after being in the coach of the California Zephyr all night we were happy to have a little privacy.

Now the roomette was small, but it was just what we needed. The roomette has two seats facing each other and a large window. We both had a small carry-on suitcase that overcrowded the roomette. My husband took his down to the storage area the next morning so that we would have more room. We enjoyed a nice meal while we enjoyed talking and looking out the window. We really couldn’t see much because it was dark, but it was nice anyway. The only downside was that we passed Lake Michigan and Lake Erie during the night and couldn’t see them. I took the top bunk, which was comfortable, but a little claustrophobic because this particular train didn’t have windows for the top bunk. I did manage to sleep, although I woke up very early the next morning. We ate breakfast early and enjoyed the large windows of the dining cart as we traveled. When we returned to our roomette, our room was turned back into the seating position. We followed the Potomak River all the way to D.C. and enjoyed the sites along the way. During the day, we visited the dining cart a second time to enjoy the views since this train didn’t have an observation cart.

I can’t say enough about the service on the Capitol Limited. The room was great, although small, the food was good, the service was outstanding, and the scenery was beautiful.

Now for the pros and cons:

Pros:

• The service was outstanding.
• Food was good.
• Scenery was great.
• The bathrooms were kept clean.
• The shower was clean and roomy enough.
• The roomette was private and somewhat comfortable.

Cons:

• The top bunk didn’t have windows and was a bit claustrophobic.
• I wish I had used the shower room at the Metropolitan Lounge because showering while moving is a little tricky.

The trip from Chicago to Washington, D.C. was great, a little tight, but great all the same. The service was great, and I would do it again. Also, a little tip for traveling in a roomette would be to travel light or at least have one small bag with toiletries so that you don’t overcrowd the roomette. We enjoyed our night on the Capitol Limited and would certainly do it again.