Stay out of lower level roommettes?

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rms492 said:
Would it be safe to assume that the lower level rooms are more "unsafe?" I mean think about it, if something hits the train, or some load shifts from a flatcar or trailer coming off of a passing freight, chances are it will hit the lower level first, right? I feel much "safer" in the upper level rooms.
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You might want to rethink that -- just look at the photos of the Reno accident.
 
I've never had a problem on the lower level. It's a matter of personal taste. Occasionally there is a noisy family. I kind of like the view being close to the ground. It is different. The proximity to the shower is a plus. As well as having easy acces to your luggage on the shelf on Lower level. It is easy to get off at smoking stops. Try it. You might like it. Don't let it ruin your trip.
 
I pack heavy so easy access to my luggage that wont fit in the roomette is nice. Its also nice to be able to exit your roomette quickly and see out both sides of the train door windows. In the summer I noticed the downstairs are considerably cooler. On the EB or CS I would want upper level though.
 
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Hi,

It seems to me that the upper level is fine for able bodied folk, those who have trouble walking or climbing stairs might prefer the easier access of the lower level. Some folk prefer the fact that the lower level has easier access to the showers, etc.

I find the lack of view, the lack of interaction with fellow passengers, and the increased track noise a big drawback to the lower level myself.

In some ways it is about choices, some folk will have different priorities... you pay your money and make your choice... (providing there are unbooked rooms to choose between!)

Ed :cool:

P.S. Anyone got good tips for cleaning the outside of upper level windows???
 
guest said:
There are no "Dutch doors" on Superliners. There are windows in the door, accompanied by a regularly-enforced sign that says that only employees are allowed to open doors or windows.
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I appreciate your trying to 'enforce' the rules via this string, but the doors are there and they do open easily and thousands of passengers and railfans open them every year. Rules are made to be broken and the rule about these windows is stupid. So when the attendant is busy upstairs......................... Just watch out for the poles when you stick your head out. lol.
 
My overall preference in a sleeper is to occupy a upper level room. However when the majority of the trip is at night when sightseeing is out of the mix then I will make it a point to choose lower level accomodations. I like the easy access to the bathrooms and my luggage stored just outside in the nearby holding racks.
 
henryj said:
guest said:
There are no "Dutch doors" on Superliners. There are windows in the door, accompanied by a regularly-enforced sign that says that only employees are allowed to open doors or windows.
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I appreciate your trying to 'enforce' the rules via this string, but the doors are there and they do open easily and thousands of passengers and railfans open them every year. Rules are made to be broken and the rule about these windows is stupid. So when the attendant is busy upstairs......................... Just watch out for the poles when you stick your head out. lol.
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I would say the rule is not exaxctly stupid-It's dangerous, and in today's lawsuit happy world, Amtrak has to protect itself from the fools who can't be bothered to protect themselves. Just a few months ago, a BNSF conductor was killed in TX when he struck his head on a bridge structure and was pulled off the train, while leaning out looking down from a moving train. Granted, he was supposedly checking fuel levels, which is not a standard practice while moving, but he too felt he KNEW what he was doing, and KNEW where he was, and now he's dead. Not what I would call an "Lol" moment.
 
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henryj said:
Rules are made to be broken and the rule about these windows is stupid.
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REALLY? :help: :help: :help: :excl: :excl: With the bone headed things I've seen people do on or near trains? Is the rule about trespassing on the tracks stupid and meant to be broken too? What about grade crossings? :eek:hboy: :blink: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko:
 
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I choose lower level roomettes because:

1) more stable ride

2) close to shower and toilets

3) get more exercise walking up and down the stairs

4) more quiet and private due to very little foot traffic

5) adjacent to luggage rack so easy to get items from bag

6) easy to get fresh air and keep eye on luggage on short stops

7) don't have to carry tote and lunchbox up and down stairs

But hey, all you guys, keep choosing the upstairs roomettes, - that way I can always get #13 or 14!
 
caravanman said:
P.S. Anyone got good tips for cleaning the outside of upper level windows???
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This would work for cleaning the upper windows. Collapses to 16 inches extends to 5 feet. Will fit in the average suitcase.
BB-SQ111.jpg
 
daveyb99 said:
Gingee said:
So two people like the lower level, huh?
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Make that Three. Don't mind upper, but #111 or #12 or #13 or #14 suit me just fine !!!
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Make that Four. Like being closer to the shower and restrooms. Much quieter overall especially in the morning. View is the same to me, trains have had one level for generations. In fact it's nice to stand in the corridor and be able to move back and forth between the doors and see out both sides. I don't ask for any specific room but the lower level is just fine.
 
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FunNut said:
I choose lower level roomettes because:

1) more stable ride

2) close to shower and toilets

3) get more exercise walking up and down the stairs

4) more quiet and private due to very little foot traffic

5) adjacent to luggage rack so easy to get items from bag

6) easy to get fresh air and keep eye on luggage on short stops

7) don't have to carry tote and lunchbox up and down stairs

But hey, all you guys, keep choosing the upstairs roomettes, - that way I can always get #13 or 14!
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My personal recommendation, when choosing a lower level roomette, is to shy away from 13,14 and focus on 11,12. 13,14 are sandwiched between the Family Room and 11,12. If you choose either 11 or 12 you will have 13 or 14 provide a nice buffer from potential noise from the Family Room.
 
You could get noisy kids upstairs too and it's nice being close to the usually vacant toilets and showers downstairs. Another plus, it's easy to get off and on at quick station stops. And,I've heard, some people actually open the window in the door for a quick photo :rolleyes: But, one thing you should be aware off, on the SWC in particular there is a lot of jointed rail in western Kansas that you will definitely hear. Now if you like clickety-clack, that's not a problem, but...
 
We have ridden on both levels and although most of the arguments for favoring the lower level are quite legitimate, we still prefer the upper level. Our experience in #13 unfortunately found us next to a family room full of kids (actually teenagers who were in #14 while Mom and Dad and two little ones were in the Fam Bedroom. They finally quieted down after midnight, but not a great experience. :angry2:

The advantages for luggage, showers, bathrooms etc are good to consider, but for us, the top floor will always be the first choice. :)
 
Railroad Bill said:
... experience in #13 unfortunately found us next to a family room full of kids (actually teenagers who were in #14 while Mom and Dad and two little ones were in the Fam Bedroom. They finally quieted down after midnight, but not a great experience. :angry2: ....
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YOUR responsibility, Bill, to alert the SCA to the noisy neighbors (after, of course, the parents' responsibility to shut them up). You should let your SCA know (and repeatedly, if necessary) that they're making noise...

I would NEVER hesitate to let the SCA know about the noise...
 
Oh gad, what to do? Decisions decisions.

Does anyone have the link to the room layouts?
 
Just try the lower level. Then, you can decide if you like the upper or lower level the best and will never have to wonder and worry about it again.

The truth is, there's really not all that much difference. While I prefer the lower level, I take an upper level if my preference is not available. I am perfectly comfortable in either upstairs or downstairs.
 
Yep, I was back and forth on taking the Cardinal or the Cap. after I got all the opinions from everyone I bit the bullet and took the Card. I am glad I did it was spectacular(and the food wasn't so bad either) I would go ahead and try the lower level especially since your taking the TE. Now if it was the Zephyr I would not have to think about it. It would be upper level without a doubt.
 
I don't like the lower level, I've had a few too many run ins with possums and/or skunks... believe me, the smell is overpowering in the lower level. I've also had problems with some OBS people smoking out of the window of the door. All that being said, if there's nothing else available, of course I'd take a lower level room, I'd just rather not.
 
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