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- I paid $2,200 for a bedroom on a 53-hour Amtrak train. The 50-square-foot space with a full bathroom was worth the price. (businessinsider.com)
All Aboard! Exploring the $2,200 Amtrak “Bedroom” on the California Zephyr
A recent traveler on Amtrak’s lengthy California Zephyr route chose to upgrade their journey, spending a cool $2,200 for a private “bedroom” accommodation. The reporter embarked on the 53-hour trip from Chicago to Emeryville, California, in February, aiming for maximum comfort on the nation’s longest train ride.
For this extensive two-night excursion, a private space with a full bathroom was a priority, leading to the decision to book the premium bedroom. While initially questioning the hefty price tag, the traveler ultimately found the experience to be well worth the investment.
The 50-square-foot private bedroom is located on the second level of an Amtrak Superliner train, which also features coach seating, smaller “roomettes,” a dining car, and a lounge car. Larger family and accessible bedrooms are also available on these double-decker trains.
This particular bedroom came equipped with a couch, a single seat, a pullout table, two beds (one a fold-out couch, the other a pull-down from the ceiling), and a complete private bathroom. The booking also included perks such as a first-class attendant, priority boarding, lounge access at select stations, and complimentary meals.
During the day, the space functions as a comfortable sitting area with a couch and a single seat. A clever pullout table, featuring additional fold-out leaves, provides ample surface for dining or working. A narrow closet offers space for coats and boots, while a vanity with a sink, power outlets, and overhead lighting provides a convenient spot for personal care.
The compact bathroom, a feature exclusive to bedrooms on Amtrak Superliner trains, includes a toilet and a shower. Though the shower setup, positioned next to the toilet, might seem unconventional, it’s a testament to efficient space utilization. The shower boasts a two-step activation system for temperature control and water flow, along with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
A full-length mirror at the far end of the room not only assists with getting ready but also visually expands the tight quarters. Luggage can be conveniently stored on a shelf above the single seat.
Room controls, located on either side of the couch, manage reading lights, a power outlet, temperature, and general lighting options. A particularly charming feature is the “night setting,” which casts a soft, dreamy blue glow over the room before bedtime.
For sleeping, the traveler experimented with both bunks. The top bunk, accessed via a ladder and secured with safety straps, offered a cozy sleeping experience, despite a low ceiling.
The ability to store a backpack and other belongings on the couch below kept the room tidy. The lower bunk, formed by pulling levers beneath the couch cushions, provided a slightly larger sleeping area and the added bonus of being right next to the window for morning views.
After 53 hours traversing the country, the traveler concluded that the bedroom accommodation provided sufficient comfort to genuinely enjoy the extended journey. Arriving in California feeling refreshed and clean, the reviewer stated they would enthusiastically book this type of accommodation again for any future overnight Amtrak trips.