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I am thinking of coming home the long way from Reno next western trip, using the SW Chief, but to do that I have to overnight in Sacramento & take the inland route (inc buses) to LA. Is the hotel to stay in in Sacrmento the Vagabond Inn? I know the price is right, but would it be a safe, comfortable hotel for a woman traveling alone?
If I also stopped overnight in Albquerque to see the Old Town, does anyone have any hotel recs there? Should I stay in Old Town or Down Town? (I know it won't be as cheap as the Vagabond Inn but don't want to spend a ton either.)
Thanks for the tips!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Stayed in the Vagabond Inn last fall before a trip over Tehachapi on a detouring Starlight, and it seemed fine -- certainly not luxurious, but safe and well-maintained. It's literally across the street from the Sacramento train station, on the edge of downtown. Light rail now runs right into the train station.
Don't know about ABQ -- haven't stayed overnight there since 1974 except for one ASLRRA conference.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Totally concur regarding the Vagabond in Sacramento. It's comfortable and economical.....plus in decent shape. They do a complimentary breakfast on site plus thre is a Denny's right next door. Other food options, museums, historic sites all within four or five blocks. I would think you would feel totally comfortable alone in that area......at least during daylight hours. It's been my sense that you are a savvy traveler and apply the rules of common sense to avoid needless danger.
I stayed overnight at a place in Albuquerque four or five years ago that was about a $6.00 cab ride from the train station and reasonably priced. It was beginning to show it's wear and I would not recommend it without a more recent report. That's good because I honestly can't remember the name of the place. It's like I knew I'd be looking for something else if I ever get back to Albuquerque and didn't bother trying to remember it.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Chain hotels are fine on a quick overnight on the interstate, but if staying a while, part of the fun of traveling is finding interesting but not expensive places to stay. For us, that usually means older hotels that have been fixed up, but not over the top.
Last time in Albuquerque we saw this in the restoration process and want to try it on the next trip. Looks like they are offering some low introductory rates: http://www.hotelandaluz.com/ I guess for that reason, senior rates are shown as not available.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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We've stayed at the Vagabond twice and it's been fine both times. The highlight was using the swimming pool in early April! On our first visit we took a cab from the station, not realizing how close it was. The second time we walked, even though the Zephyr was 8 hours late and it was 10 pm when we arrived. No problems. A lot of passengers were being given an overnight stay there as they had missed connections. It's good to see that timings have improved since 2006. John
Posts: 41 | From: Yaxham, Norfolk, UK | Registered: Jul 2006
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Just another note on Sac. Taking the inland route (the San Joaquins) only puts you on a bus for about 2 hrs to get over the Tehachapi's. I personally like the route through the Central Valley (as long as it's daylight), and have ridden it several times. Trains are usually right on time, and not always too crowded. I would nto consider it a detriment to your plans.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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Thanks for the info. Vagabond Inn sounds fine. I'm not sure about ABQ though. I checked the Hotel Andaluz--it certainly seems reasonable. Is the Downtown area near the train the best place to stay, or would Old Town be better? I am not sure if I have time to stay more than 1 night, and I do want to see Old Town, but I could take a taxi, right? Or a bus perhaps? Also, I think I'd wind up there on a Saturday night and Sunday morning--is that a bad time to be in Downtown?
RR4me: It looks like it's about 3 hours on the bus, an hour from SAC to Stockton, then onto the San Joaquins, then over 2 hours on a bus from Bakersfield to LA. I've taken the San Joaquins before and liked it very much, though I was going from Emeryville to Hansford (and then bus to San Luis Obispo). I looked into doing the bus to SLO or SBA this time, but I couldn't get into LA in time to catch the SW Chief that way.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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If you want to avoid the bus from Sac to Stockton, there is a 6.40 am train departure Sac to Bakersfield. As the Vagabond is so close to the station, it's not difficult. We did it on our way to Merced (and Yosemite). The train has a snack bar if you miss breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your journey. John
Posts: 41 | From: Yaxham, Norfolk, UK | Registered: Jul 2006
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The Anduluz is about 1.5 miles away in the middle of downtown, and closer to Amtrak.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Concur that the early morning departure from SAC is the way to go. Train all the way, a little different view from SAC to Stockton than on the bus or the San Joaquin from Oakland/Emeryville.
And you should get to LAX in time for a late lunch at Philippe. Can't go to LA and miss a good French Dip Sandwich.
-------------------- Railrev Escondido, CA Posts: 99 | From: Escondido, California | Registered: Jul 2003
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