We've done coach on the CL to DC and back from Pittsburgh and had upper both times. We were in the last car close to the back, and we thought it was fine both ways. I did see the lower level room and had to step into there for few minutes. That's a scenic ride, so I would always go for the upper level. But even in the sleeper from Pittsburgh-Chicago-Seattle, I prefer the upper level. I'm more interested in the scenery and it's better there, I think. Hubby is also a little claustrophobic and the lower level bothered him. But then, when we were on the lower level, hubby got to step out at a longer stop and clean the window! :lol:
On the EB both on the way to Seattle and on the way back to Pittsburgh, the observation car was always packed, so we spent all our time in the roomette. On the trip to DC, which I think is more scenic, we spent both days in the observation car and it was never full.