posted
I am planning a trip from Houston to Chicago and then to Washington, DC in July 2007 with my two sisters. Can someone give me advice as to your experiences, and what sleeping accommodations are the best for 3 women. One of my sisters uses a walking cane.
I would really appreciate any tips as this will be our first trip on a train from Texas to Chicago and to Washington DC.
posted
Assuming two of you are fairly limber, I would suggest booking two "economy bedrooms," or two-person roomettes.
The two limber sisters can share one room, and the one who uses the cane could have the second room.
Can your sister who uses a cane manage stairs? If so, you could ask Amtrak to book you in adjacent roomettes on the upper level of the Superliners. If your sister has difficulty managing stairs, you could ask Amtrak for lower level roomettes and ask the sleeper attendant to bring meals from the dining car.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
When you make your reservations tell the agent you need the electric cart in both statons. then just before you get to your destination have the car attendent ask the conductor to radio ahead for this help. When you get off the train tell the red cap with the car your name and that you called in advance. This sounds like a lot of trouble but believe me it's worth it. Chicago has gotten their act together but DC is the pits with red Caps. Dallas Campbell is super but the one we call Mr. Grumpy is terrible. His usual response is "I;ll take your bags and you can walk". I always have to insist very firmly that he WILL take us too.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I would agree about the two roomettes. You might ask for ones that are opposite eachother in the car.
Amtrak formerly used the terms "bedroom" and "deluxe bedroom". More recently they are called "roomette" and "bedroom". Generally the bedroom is quite expensive.
I think in the past people complained when discovering the size of the smaller unit, so Amtrak felt that "roomette" would more properly characterize it. We have found it perfectly suitable for two people who are reasonably limber.
Posts: 127 | From: Worcester, Massachusetts | Registered: Jan 2007
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posted
What route are you taking? The fastest way to Chicago is Amtrak's bus to Longview, then the Texas Eagle. This is about a five hour bus ride.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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