My wife and I are taking a trip from LAX to SEA on the Coast Starlight in mid-May. The exact date has not been set because I wanted to procure some advice first.
I am looking for input on the best room choices for the Northbound Coast Starlight. I have read Steve Grande's travelogues, and he says (in a nutshell) that both sides have something to offer at various points along the way. I would love to hear from others that have ridden the route and can offer some advice.
I am new to this forum, so please be gentle! I look forward to everyone's thoughts. Thank you.
Bob from MA Member # 4686
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My experience has been that when booking a roomette or bedroom, you don't know which side of the train it will be on. That's because the car can be positioned two possible ways.
Could others comment on this? Are the sleepers always oriented the same way on the Starlight?
At any rate, you can go into the Pacific Parlour Car or the lounge and sit on whatever side you like during scenic sections.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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In my most recent travels, the Starlight has had one sleeper oriented the opposite direction from the others. The only consistency is that the "30" car, the one closest to the diner and parlour car, is consistently oriented with the roomettes at the rear and bedrooms at the front. On a northbound train with roomettes towards the rear the even numbered roomettes are on the left, and the odd numbers are on the right.
Generally speaking, the best mountain views are on the right, the best ocean views on the left (northbound). Since good views can be had from both sides, I prefer to take the luck of the draw and graciously accept whatever room Amtrak's computer gives me.
PaulB Member # 4258
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They used to position the deluxe bedrooms toward the ocean side (left if traveling north) but now it's 50/50. Pick any room and stake out space in the Parlour Car or Sightseer Lounge.
Carl@trainweb.com Member # 4654
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Reserve a family or handicapped room, both of which are the full width of the car on the lower level, if you want to guarantee you are on the right side at the right time.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Or you can reserve just a regular bedroom (whatever they are called now -- NOT a roomette!) You'll have one window in your room, but if you leave your door open, there is a hallway outside your room and a window right there on the other side of the train -- the bedrooms are only located on one side of the car -- unlike the roomettes, there is NOT another room across the hall from you which may prevent you from seeing out both sides of the train
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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Oh, Horsehockey.
Take the deluxe BR. If it's landward, do the crouch in the aisleway. I've done this with my son time and time again on 3/4 and 5/6.
You're paying big bucks per night for the most comfortable and private accommodation Amtrak offers. Only pennywise and pound foolish would desert it for a standard SS lounge.
Now, an ex-ATSF Kachina Hi-Level lounge masquerading as the PPC? that I might do.
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