I just wanted to report a few things about my recent trip to Texas(last week of August). I travelled from NYC on a regional train to Washington DC. I upgraded to a business class seat on this train, and I didn't think it was worth the extra $30. The seats were a few cars closer to the lounge car, and maybe a little more roomier.
It was on time into DC, so I had a couple of hours to kill. The train station there is really great, with many shops and restaurants. The main foyer is a beautiful piece of architecture.
I stopped for an afternoon cocktail at a neat little circular restaurant in the middle of the station, and it was a great place for people-watching.
I got on the Capitol Ltd. and we departed on time. My sleeping car attendant was very good and provided attentive service without being intrusive.
I stopped into the lounge car for a drink, and the attendant had a terrible attitude, and was downright nasty when I ordered an extra can of mix with my Bloody Mary!
It was my first experience with the new dining service. I had dinner in the dining car at the last seating,9pm.
I had the "braised beef". It was actually very good, but the presentation was plain, with mashed potatoes and green beans. The service was OK, but the waiter overlooked a few things. The bread basket was empty when I sat down, and was never refilled. I shared the table with another single guy.
Breakfast was much worse. I tried the Bob Evans Breakfast Scramble, and it was just awful. The French Toast that came with it was cold and rubbery, the fruit cup was watery and stale.
It was horrible. The coffee was served in these tiny little plastic cups. I had one cup and the waiter never offered refills. It was just dreadful.
So, we got into Chicago about an hour late.
I got on the Texas Eagle,and we departed on time.
It was a pleasant trip, but I didn't even bother with the dining car this trip.
The latest dinner reservation was 8pm, and that was just too early for me, so I got a late snack from the cafe car.
We got into Longivew a little late the next day.
A nice trip overall.
The motorcoach trip to Houston was odd.
We all got on, after loading our luggage. The driver never once mentioned onboard that we were going to Houston. After he delivered a tirade about absolutlely no eating or drinking aboard "his" bus, and keeping it clean, we took off. After a few minutes on the road he announced we'd be arriving into Houston at about 4:30pm. Then a couple of people stood up and shouted "Houston? We thought this was the bus to Shreveport!"
So, we had to turn around and take them back to the Longview station.
We made it into Houston, finally.
Overall, the trip was nice and relaxing. I would never travel in coach again, though. Having a sleeper is the way to go on a long distance trip.
I think Amtrak needs to rething the dining service on a few points.
I flew back due to time constraints.
Just my 2 cents...
Bill B)
It was on time into DC, so I had a couple of hours to kill. The train station there is really great, with many shops and restaurants. The main foyer is a beautiful piece of architecture.
I stopped for an afternoon cocktail at a neat little circular restaurant in the middle of the station, and it was a great place for people-watching.
I got on the Capitol Ltd. and we departed on time. My sleeping car attendant was very good and provided attentive service without being intrusive.
I stopped into the lounge car for a drink, and the attendant had a terrible attitude, and was downright nasty when I ordered an extra can of mix with my Bloody Mary!
It was my first experience with the new dining service. I had dinner in the dining car at the last seating,9pm.
I had the "braised beef". It was actually very good, but the presentation was plain, with mashed potatoes and green beans. The service was OK, but the waiter overlooked a few things. The bread basket was empty when I sat down, and was never refilled. I shared the table with another single guy.
Breakfast was much worse. I tried the Bob Evans Breakfast Scramble, and it was just awful. The French Toast that came with it was cold and rubbery, the fruit cup was watery and stale.
It was horrible. The coffee was served in these tiny little plastic cups. I had one cup and the waiter never offered refills. It was just dreadful.
So, we got into Chicago about an hour late.
I got on the Texas Eagle,and we departed on time.
It was a pleasant trip, but I didn't even bother with the dining car this trip.
The latest dinner reservation was 8pm, and that was just too early for me, so I got a late snack from the cafe car.
We got into Longivew a little late the next day.
A nice trip overall.
The motorcoach trip to Houston was odd.
We all got on, after loading our luggage. The driver never once mentioned onboard that we were going to Houston. After he delivered a tirade about absolutlely no eating or drinking aboard "his" bus, and keeping it clean, we took off. After a few minutes on the road he announced we'd be arriving into Houston at about 4:30pm. Then a couple of people stood up and shouted "Houston? We thought this was the bus to Shreveport!"
So, we had to turn around and take them back to the Longview station.
We made it into Houston, finally.
Overall, the trip was nice and relaxing. I would never travel in coach again, though. Having a sleeper is the way to go on a long distance trip.
I think Amtrak needs to rething the dining service on a few points.
I flew back due to time constraints.
Just my 2 cents...
Bill B)
