Brandon V
Service Attendant
I'll be riding the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago on January 4th. Which Roomette is the best?
It depends on what you like. I prefer upstairs, better view, and not near the end, which are 2-8. 1 is usually reserved for the attendant. I don't like downstairs (11-14) or the trans-dorm. Downstairs has less traffic through the aisle, although there is more track noise and my experience is the HVAC is less efficient down there. The trans-dorm also has less traffic, but the service can be spotty since there is not an attendant dedicated to the car. Other people like the trans-dorm and downstairs.I'll be riding the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago on January 4th. Which Roomette is the best?
AlohaThe one that I'm in. :lol:
Another advantage to a lower is access to the exit doors when the train makes a stop. Easy on and off. Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.The advantages of the lower level are less sway, more restrooms and the shower is closer - no wondering if it is occupied. Also we are near the luggage rack where our larger pieces are. The lower numbers are nearest the center. Sometimes our family takes 4 roomettes or the family room and 2 roomettes.
Disadvantages are further from the lounge and diner - and need to climb the steps to get thereto - but the added exercise of the stair climb is nice too.
Though most people on this forum would not recommend doing that.Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
I know that I've NEVER done that.......Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
You can work around this by booking your reservation on the phone with an agent. If you do it online, it's a game of roulette where you will have no idea where you'll be placed. Before calling the agent, go online determine what the lowest bucket is for the accommodation. During the call, request the specific room and car you want, and politely mention that you can see online that the current bucket for a roomette is priced at $XXX.XX, so you would like that price applied to the room you're requesting. I do this every time and have not had a problem. Some agents will do it with their eyes closed while others may seem tentative at first but eventually get through the keystrokes to make it happen. Every once in while, I will get an agent who digs in his/her heels and says it can't be done. In that case, I politely request to speak with a supervisor who can walk them through the procedure. Just stay positive and be polite throughout the call, and you will be successful.Please consider that the roomette that you'll be assigned when you purchase will be the next available room assigned the price being offered online. If you call to change the room number or car number you may be asked to pay a higher price, as those rooms are not intended to be sold until lower price options are taken. It's all about revenue management. You can search on this forum for lots of information about pricing buckets and why room prices change when you try to change the room assigned to you originally.
Though EVERYONE on this forum probably HAS done that..........Though most people on this forum would not recommend doing that.Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
AlohaThe one that I'm in. :lol:
I have to and must contradict Alan ... The one that I am in. :lol: :lol: :lol:
I agree number 2. I love the coffee and the pisser being right there outside your door. And the stairs are close too.If I had to pick a favorite roomette it would be 2. It's across from the SCA's room so you have an aopportunity to chat him/her up and the coffee/juice is right next door. The upstairs bathroom is across the hall in front of the SCA's room.
I can honestly say that I've never done that. I was allowed once on the Three Rivers to look out the open window and take pictures of Horseshoe Curve through the dutch door, as were others. But I've never opened the window on my own.Though EVERYONE on this forum probably HAS done that..........Though most people on this forum would not recommend doing that.Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
I did that on the MORR at one of the stations to see all the people getting off the train.Though EVERYONE on this forum probably HAS done that..........Though most people on this forum would not recommend doing that.Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
I can honestly say that I've never done that. I was allowed once on the Three Rivers to look out the open window and take pictures of Horseshoe Curve through the dutch door, as were others. But I've never opened the window on my own.Though EVERYONE on this forum probably HAS done that..........Though most people on this forum would not recommend doing that.Also, you can open the door window when the car attendant is away and take some pics or get some fresh air.
No, the one I'm in It doesn't even matter where the train is going. When's dinnerThe one that I'm in. :lol:
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