Notes I made IN the new LA first class lounge on the morning of Sept 30, awaiting #14.
The lounge is still not complete, but employees stated that Amtrak decided to go ahead and open it as soon as it was usable. It is poorly marked within the station. The area around the old Traxx bar was deserted, and I saw no sign there to indicate the existence of the new lounge upstairs. [NOt saying there was no sign, just that I looked for and failed to see one.]
Even though I'd seen a map posted here, we had to ask before we found the elevator, and even getting off the elevator, had to pass through choice A or choice B of unmarked doors. Once we got through the first double doors, it was obvious where we needed to enter.
Official opening is definitely October 17. Had that confirmed by 3 Amtrak uniformed employees there.
There will be seating for - at most - about 75 people - that would be with every passenger squeezed together and occupying only one seat and with all luggage and carry-ons stowed near the reception desk. That desk was staffed by a very friendly and helpful Amtrak employee. For now, baggage is stowed on one side or other near and behind the desk, but we were told that baggage racks would be built there. Along the wall behind that area were exhibit cases with CS and SW Chief memorabilia.
Near the reception desk and to its left are rounded walls separating the entry from the main room. Nearest the door in that main room is a long counter for a future computer and recharge area. It will seat about 4 people and had 6 double outlets, if I remember correctly.
The second section of rounded wall has glass exhibit cases on the entry side; on its main room side, there will be a notice and arrival/departure board [to be installed]. In one of the cases was a bronze statue of workers at the rails.
NO wifi yet, but was told it will become available. There will be a very large flat screen TV in the main room, but they were waiting on the cable guy to install it.
On the side opposite the entry area, there's a wall of windows and an exit door with ramp down to a parking area. Metrolink trains were visible from the windows. Riders who need a cart or Red Cap assistance to reach the train later departed via this exit door. Even though we left on foot several minutes after the first cart was loaded, we passed through the tunnels and reached the spot for our car before the carts did. Of course, there was no rush, since we were early enough to see our train roll in.
Back in the lounge, refreshments included fruit [apples, oranges, bananas], chips, muffins exactly like the ones in CHI, packaged pastries. NO goldfish.
Bottled water and juice were stored in a cooler [like one you'd haul to a tailgate party]. An excellent coffee machine offered fresh ground coffee [hi-octane and decaf], latte, and expresso. The latte was delish. Didn't try it, but I was told the expresso was also excellent.
There was another room, with a door and windows onto the main room, that is currently unoccupied and unfurnished except for the flat screen tv and other computer cables and tools. I was told that Amtrak hasn't completely decided what to do with it, but that it will likely be used for large groups who are traveling together or for conferences. I confirmed with an employee that the current furniture is rental furniture and will be replaced by the official opening.
Another train [surfliner] left while I was waiting - there was an announcement for the business class passengers, but little other mention of that train.
The train manager for 14&11 came out shortly before the train arrived to tell the waiting passengers about meal options [dining car and parlor car], the wine tasting and the fact that the Parlor car is reserved for adults during that event. He explained the car numbering and how to call the car attendant. His introductory remarks likely saved us from needing a lot of chatter on the train's intercom.
My overall impression was that the new lounge is a nice amenity which will mostly serve long-distance passengers.