Superliner vs. Viewliner Bedroom

[chandj]

Not sure I understand how anyone would say they prefer a roomette over a bedroom. Even if alone, why would you not prefer a bedroom if cost is not a consideration.

Because not everyone can afford bedrooms? Hell, not everyone can even afford any sort of sleeping car accommodation.

I prefer a roomette to a bedroom every time because I do not like to have a toilet right in the room with me. Personal preference makes the world go 'round.

 

[AlanB]

5) In the whole car itself, the Superliner has 14 roomettes, 5 bedrooms, a Family bedroom, and an "H" room. The Viewliner has 12 roomettes, 2 bedrooms, no additional family bedroom and an "H" room. Superliner +1 (actually can accomodate up to 14 more revenue passengers)

Superliners technically only have 13 roomettes, not 14. Room #1 is the attendants room and never occupied by more than 1 person.

Or if you're going to count the attendant's room, then technically the Viewliner has 13 roomettes, since the attendant uses what would be room #14.

 

[Peter KG6LSE]

Having never done a room but only roometts . I still like the Roomette better . I am very comfy in small spaces so it does not bother me .

and i REALLY enjoy running one chair all down and the other half down to make one heck of a nice chase lounger .

Peter

 

[trainman74]

3) TWO power outlets are always better than one. Especially when they are more convenient to the work table. Superliner +1

Have I been missing the second power outlet all these years? I've only ever found one in the Superliner roomette.

 

[VentureForth]

Dang it. You are right again. I forgot the details because I just remember that I had my laptop and my phone plugged in. But now that you mention it, I remember that my phone was plugged into the USB of my laptop.

The Superliner, though, is up against the window as opposed to the other side of the toilet from the seat. That is a big difference when working on a laptop, too. I prefer to run the cord down the side of the seat than across the sink, then behind me (which doesn't work too well) or just in the air if I sit the other way.

 

[Oldsmoboi]

Well if it's "I prefer".... then I prefer private varnish.

 

[nferr]

Not sure I understand how anyone would say they prefer a roomette over a bedroom. Even if alone, why would you not prefer a bedroom if cost is not a consideration.

I prefer sleeping alongside the window. And for traveling solo the roomette has enough room. I'm not crazy about the bedroom except for the private toilet.

 

[dlagrua]

In my case my wife tends to take 12-15 pieces of luggage for an overnight trip. She is also 6' tall. All things considered the bedroom is the only room that we can fit in. If I were traveling alone, a roomette would be acceptable. We just "bite the bullet" and buy the bedroom.

 

[dan72]

One plus for the Viewliner that I really like is the individual fan control. Very nice when it's warm weather. While the Superliner has a slide control for the vent in the ceiling, the Viewliner also allows you to orient the air flow around as well. I traveled along in the Viewliners, so the toilet was nice. However, with somebody, awkward at best.

On Superliner side, I like the view the upper rooms offer and I think the ride is a bit smoother.

I've yet to experience a trip in a bedroom, but weather/Devil's Lake/BNSF/mudslide willing, my wife and I will next Monday when we head to Seattle.

Dan

 

[Baka]

dan72 The wife and i are booked on the NOL/CHI and Chi/SEA in December. Would appreciate any advice you can give us on 7/8 after your trip. We are in a bedroom on #7 and a family bedroom on 8. Bedrooms NOL/Chi.

 

[battalion51]

One of the things I love about the Viewliner is the fact that I can pull down the upper bunk, and lay in bed without missing the view while my girlfriend can be sitting in the lower area reading or whatever. There's a lot to be said for that second set of windows. Outside of the room itself though I think the Superliner fleet wins every battle. Higher capacity diners, Sightseer Lounges, better sight lines, more reliable from a mechanical standpoint, and the list goes on. But, the single level fleet may get a boost when Viewliner diners start rolling off the line, and lawd help me if we ever see Viewliner lounges...

 

[HotlantaAl]

Is it just me or has anyone noticed how lacking the Air Conditioning systems are on the Viewliners lately? Seem the rest of the train can be as cold as a refrigerator, but the Viewliner's AC never seems to keep up very well in hot weather. It's okay, just not as good as the other cars.

One trick I noticed is that if you have a bedroom, leave the door open in hot weather and it will cool the room better.

 

[rrdude]

In my case my wife tends to take 12-15 pieces of luggage for an overnight trip. She is also 6' tall. All things considered the bedroom is the only room that we can fit in. If I were traveling alone, a roomette would be acceptable. We just "bite the bullet" and buy the bedroom.

They have lawyers who can fix that..........

 

[rrdude]

Is it just me or has anyone noticed how lacking the Air Conditioning systems are on the Viewliners lately? Seem the rest of the train can be as cold as a refrigerator, but the Viewliner's AC never seems to keep up very well in hot weather. It's okay, just not as good as the other cars.

One trick I noticed is that if you have a bedroom, leave the door open in hot weather and it will cool the room better.

Here's another personal preference thing, I like closing the curtain, but leaving the door open all night when I sleep, Viewliner or Superliner.
Don't know why, just prefer it.

 

[dlagrua]

I'm kind of with everyone else here. I'd prefer, if cost weren't an issue, a bedroom- hell, I'd prefer a private car with a dome and a chef!- but usually I travel in coach. And I'd rather spend $1000 on a rail pass and ride around for a month than a bedroom one-way from here to Chicago. (Looking forward to my first sleeper this summer on the Crescent!)

You'll like the Crescent. We were just on it and its a very nice secenic ride. The ride over lake Ponchartrain is very different as it looks like you are in a boat. The only sad part is the trip through Tuscaloosa Alabama. You can't believe the tornado damage to that town until you see it. It looks like a mile long war zone. If you are in the roomettes you might like the higher ceiling and upper windows of the Viewliners, especially if you are in the upper bunk. You also might like the convenience of the toilet. As for preference I can understand that most would prefer the bedroom but those are getting very costly of late.

 

[J-1 3235]

Is it just me or has anyone noticed how lacking the Air Conditioning systems are on the Viewliners lately? Seem the rest of the train can be as cold as a refrigerator, but the Viewliner's AC never seems to keep up very well in hot weather. It's okay, just not as good as the other cars.

One trick I noticed is that if you have a bedroom, leave the door open in hot weather and it will cool the room better.

It's not just you, HotlantaAl. During my past two trips in a Viewliner Bedroom, the bedroom end of the car was rather warm; the roomette end seemed cooler, but not cold.

Mike

 

[LIRR415]

I prefer the Viewliner Bedroom. The upper window and baggage space is nice. The refurbished Superliner bedrooms look really nice though, and I hope to have one on my trip next month.

 

[NETrainfan]

My sister and I shared Viewliner and Superliner roomettes last year and decided that next time we will get two Superliner roomettes across from each other rather than a bedroom.

 

[PaulM]

Not sure I understand how anyone would say they prefer a roomette over a bedroom. Even if alone, why would you not prefer a bedroom if cost is not a consideration.

Because not everyone can afford bedrooms? Hell, not everyone can even afford any sort of sleeping car accommodation.

I assumed the poll was asking which you PREFER. It does not say which you normally travel in or which you can afford.

.I mean, if it's a matter of bedroom/roomette, than all things being equal, you'd prefer the bedroom

But if all things are equal, then you might as well flip a coin. What I'm trying to say is that cost is always a factor in a purchasing situation, even when one can afford both. The question really is: what do you prefer? A bedroom OR a roomette plus drinks on house in the lounge car (or whatever the difference will buy you)?

For us, we take the roomette plus the cash. Others disagree.

I'm not picking on any of the replies. They simply point out the problems with opinion polling when the questions aren't carefully worded. I interpreted the question as: What do you prefer, all things considered? Others interpreted it as: What do you prefer, if cost is NOT a consideration?

One way to get at the affordability issue is to ask: Which have you most often taken or most likely will take? Then why? can't afford BR, don't think difference is worth it, etc.

 

[jis]

I actually prefer the Viewliner Roomette over the Bedroom, irrespective of the prices because:

a. I can lie parallel to the window in the upper berth and able to look out the window while lying down without twisting my neck in an unnatural angle.

b. I don't care for the extra space and the bedroom seating accommodation so much. I think the Roomette seats are better and it is easier to stretch out while sitting in the Roomette.

 

[Bierboy]

...When traveling alone, I definitely prefer a roomette for the sole reason that I am not left wondering if I will be stuck sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair to face forward should the car be oriented that way. With a roomette, you're guaranteed to have a nice large seat facing forward every time. The bedroom chairs are not horrible, but they also leave a lot to be desired, especially on a long trip such as taking 5/6 origin to terminus.

I would certainly agree with this. When Mrs. Bierboy is with me, it's bedroom all the way. If traveling alone, it's roomette for sure...

 

[The Davy Crockett]

I actually prefer the Viewliner Roomette over the Bedroom, irrespective of the prices because:

a. I can lie parallel to the window in the upper berth and able to look out the window while lying down without twisting my neck in an unnatural angle.

b. I don't care for the extra space and the bedroom seating accommodation so much. I think the Roomette seats are better and it is easier to stretch out while sitting in the Roomette.

I'be never stayed in a Viewliner bedroom, but that has been my impression.

There is something really sweet about lying in the upper bunk and being able to look out at eye level with my head on the pillow. I wish one could do the same on the lower bunk of a Superliner.

And with the roomette seats in either one can slide the seats into a number of comfortable positions which is nice on a long trip.

 

[Golden grrl]

I actually prefer the Viewliner Roomette over the Bedroom, irrespective of the prices because:

a. I can lie parallel to the window in the upper berth and able to look out the window while lying down without twisting my neck in an unnatural angle.

b. I don't care for the extra space and the bedroom seating accommodation so much. I think the Roomette seats are better and it is easier to stretch out while sitting in the Roomette.

I agree with you, with the exception that I prefer Superliner Roomette - I hate the Viewliner toilet-beside-my bed situation.

Whether it is a View- or a Superliner, I really like the Roomette seats, so that my partner and I can swap seats/views [and thus keep the cricks out of our necks] without the sense that one of us just got the lesser seat. I think the seating arrangement in the Roomette affords better conversation, too, when traveling with a companion.

The extra space for the top bunk and the upper story windows on the Viewliner Roomette are great, as is the attic space for storage, but I just can't get past the ick factor of that toilet next to seat/bed.

Not so much a factor for me, but at meals in the dining car, I've had more than one female rider from outside the US tell me she would never again ride in an Amtrak bedroom, because of dislike of the combo shower/toilet in the bedrooms. I usually suggest the family bedroom downstairs on the Superliner for those wanting a larger room who wish to avoid an in-room toilet. I like the family bedroom, but prefer to be upstairs for better views, so usually wind up in a Superliner roomette.

 

[Donctor]

I agree with you, with the exception that I prefer Superliner Roomette - I hate the Viewliner toilet-beside-my bed situation.

...

The extra space for the top bunk and the upper story windows on the Viewliner Roomette are great, as is the attic space for storage, but I just can't get past the ick factor of that toilet next to seat/bed.

Having the toilet right next to the bed is pretty gross, but I still prefer the Viewliner roomette. The storage space is typically of use to me, and often is used to store items that I wouldn't feel safe leaving in the luggage rack on a Superliner. Plus, if I get an odd-numbered roomette on a Viewliner (and I'm not in the Lake Shore's BOS sleeper), I know that the wide seat will probably be facing forward, meaning that when the upper bed is made, my head will be to the rear of the train. Can't predict the orientation of a Superliner.

After being told by multiple SCAs that the upper bunk folds up if there's any real derailment, I don't sleep up top on a Superliner. Because of the toilet's placement in the Viewliner, I only sleep up top.

 

[jis]

I agree with you, with the exception that I prefer Superliner Roomette - I hate the Viewliner toilet-beside-my bed situation.

...

The extra space for the top bunk and the upper story windows on the Viewliner Roomette are great, as is the attic space for storage, but I just can't get past the ick factor of that toilet next to seat/bed.

Because of the toilet's placement in the Viewliner, I only sleep up top.

The toilet will become a non-issue in Viewliner IIs since they will no longer be in the roomettes. But either way I will continue to prefer the upper in Viewliner roomettes. I have never ever used the upper in Superliners since it feels too much like being in a coffin, and I'd rather hold off on that experience for as long as I can.