Additional Coverage:
- I paid $230 for a first-class roomette on Amtrak. After my journey was delayed 5 hours, I appreciated the extra space. (businessinsider.com)
All Aboard the Delay Train! A First-Class Amtrak Roomette Review
My $230 first-class Amtrak roomette ticket on the Floridian line promised luxury and a seamless Tampa-to-Miami trip. Instead, it delivered a nearly six-hour delay, courtesy of extreme heat-related issues up north.
My afternoon departure quickly morphed into a late-night adventure. But here’s the twist: the roomette itself almost made up for the travel nightmare.
The Delay Saga
Text notifications about the delay started early on the day of my trip. The Floridian, a 47-hour journey originating in Chicago, was already an hour behind schedule during its initial stops.
This quickly ballooned to a five-hour delay as the train battled extreme heat warnings in northeastern states. By the time I reached Tampa’s historic Union Station, I was hours behind schedule.
Tampa’s Union Station: A Historical Haven
Built over a century ago in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the station offered a pleasant distraction during the extended wait. Informative posters and a commemorative plaque highlighted the station’s rich history.
First-Class Perks: Early Boarding and a Dedicated Attendant
Finally, the train arrived. As a first-class passenger, I boarded early, guided by a dedicated attendant down the narrow passageway to my private roomette. This attendant also provided information about dinner service in the dining car.
The Roomette: Small but Mighty
At 23 square feet, the roomette, designed for two, offered ample space for my five-hour solo journey. Two levels provided seating and sleeping arrangements. After sweltering in the crowded station, the air-conditioned roomette felt like an oasis.
The Bathroom Situation: A Tad Awkward
The roomette featured a private bathroom, accessible by converting the “stairs” to the upper berth. While convenient, the lack of separation from the main cabin made using the facilities a little awkward. I can only imagine the potential for discomfort with two passengers sharing the small space.
Sleeping in Style (Upstairs and Downstairs)
The upper berth, reached by the convertible stairs, contained a comfortable twin-sized bed, complete with pillows, blankets, and fresh linens. A window offered scenic views of rural Florida.
The berth could also be raised to the ceiling, allowing for simultaneous use of the upper and lower levels – a clever design for sharing the compact space. Although the upper berth was more comfortable, I opted for the downstairs bed after a bout of motion sickness post-dinner.
Dining Car Dreams vs. Reality
The dining car exuded a sophisticated art deco/mid-century modern vibe, complete with white tablecloths and rose bouquets. Sadly, a kitchen issue resulted in a limited menu mirroring the economy-class café options.
My cheeseburger, while tasty and fully loaded with toppings, wasn’t the luxurious dining experience I’d envisioned. Dessert, a warm brownie with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, tasted suspiciously like a reheated store-bought treat.
Final Destination: Miami (Finally!)
I arrived in Miami around midnight, six hours behind schedule. Despite the frustrating delay, the roomette’s comfort, privacy, and opportunity to stretch out and nap made the journey surprisingly enjoyable.
While the $230 price tag was steep for a solo traveler, splitting the cost with a companion would offer significantly better value. Ultimately, having a private space to relax and recover from the day’s travel woes proved invaluable.