Can anyone comment on the space and comfort of the Family bedroom on the lower level of Superliner sleepers? Being on the lower level, are the rooms niosy or rough riding. I am especially interested in any experiences in these accomodations on Auto Train.
Thanks!
Wesley
Posted by D. David (Member # 4055) on :
I think the windows are smaller.
Posted by SunsetLtd (Member # 3985) on :
Well with I would suggest you get a room like a roomette or bedroom on the upper floor. Being in the family bedroom will shake you so much you'll think your in a blender.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Our only experience with the family bedroom was miserable. As we found with all the lower level it was colder, extremely rocky, and yes, the windows are smaller. I felt as if I were in a very large airplane looking out of those windows. If you don't have to go that way I'd say don't. The upper level is definitely superior in my estimation.
Posted by clwood (Member # 3297) on :
I've been in both the bedroom and the family bedroom, along with my two small children. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. The family bedroom is much bigger, although not as big as the glossy photos would suggest. There are two windows, each with seating and a table-- invaluable when two kids need separating. It is easier to get off and on the train if you have lots of hand baggage, as there are no stairs to climb. If you are a party of three, there are beds for all. On the down side, the family bedroom has the smallest windows, and the dirtiest, as they are so near the tracks. At stations people will also stre right in at you. And you have to use a public bathroom and shower room.
The bedroom is much quieter, as it is on the upper level, and people on the platform can't stare inside. It has a private shower and toilet. It has a bigger window. On the downside, it is quite small, and the shower/toilet feels like a tomb to me. It is often very expensive.
For our next trip we will take a family bedroom on the parts of the route where it is available. I like the space, and it is cheaper. But I really wish it had private facilities.
Posted by fixj (Member # 3179) on :
The Family bed room would only appeal a family with small children. A better plan would be deluxe bedroom (3 max) or two economy bedrooms side by side. The advantage to side by side is that you control both views from the train left or right. The kids are right next door, and have their own "space" to control (let them think so). We have made several trips when the kids were even in High school and it was wonderful.Disadvantage is you use common toilet or shower, but no real trade off in my opinion.
Jim Fix
Posted by mary_228 (Member # 3826) on :
We had the family room for our family of 4 (kids 7 and 9) and found it disappointing compared to our earlier accomodations in two roomettes. We travelled on the Zephyr (30 hrs) and the room faced the back of the train. Since the seating is on a bench riding backwards, that wasn't so great. There is a single seat at the table that only two small children could possibly use to play a game at since there is no legroom. There is virtually no room for hand luggage when compared to the roomettes. The noise from the wheels made sleeping very difficult, but that may have been the track condition where we were travelling. You'll have plenty of stairclimbing if you like to go to meals and the observation cars. I felt a bit claustrophobic with the door closed, which we had to do because everyone on that level coming to their roomettes walks down a hallway leading straight into the family bed room. Early on we had people walk right in since it didn't appear to be a compartment. I will avoid this accomodation in the future. In fact the beds are so small that my tall 9 yr old was really too big for it.