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Having surprisingly easily convinced the better half that we could take the train from Chicago to LA rather than flying, I looked into a family bedroom as we'll have our what will be 22-month old with us. The room price is currently US$1139 which is a little steep but maybe that will change (October is a long way away).
Two questions to those that may have travelled in a family room - I have only travelled in a roomette. Firstly, are there any kind of side boards for the kids' beds, to stop them falling out (though the adult bed provides some protection). Secondly, looking at the 3d image on Amtrak's website I'm curious about what is in the corner not occupied by beds. The picture doesn't really show it. I know there's a closet there, but there's something else, some sort of cabinet.
Thanks
Geoff M.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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The kid's beds have the same black straps that the adult beds do. Unfortunately, a little one can slip through that strap so there really isn't a lot of protection from falling out of bed.
I'll have to take a look at the 3D image to see what it is you're referring to. I'm only aware of the closet and nothing else, but I'll look and see.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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Okay, I think I see what you are looking at. Would this be to the right of the closet? If so, it's just a very small trash can built into that little wall. There is a metal flap that you push in and then drop your garbage.
Geoff M Member # 153
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Thanks for that - yes, to the right of the closet. I agree it does look like a trash can.
Geoff M.
Judy McFarland Member # 4435
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Instead of the family room, you might consider the bedroom. The ensuite bathroom is a plus for little kids and the lower bed is at least as wide as a twin so one adult & a toddler could share. Family rooms are only 1 to a car, so they get booked early & the prices go UP. Maybe a bedroom would work better for you? (But NOT room A - it is much smaller & layout would not work so well for you)
Geoff M Member # 153
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The bedroom is an interesting idea - I hadn't realised the lower bunk was wider than a UK single (3'4 vs 3'0). We've had Sam in a single before so it wouldn't be much of a problem - plus he can be trapped between the wall and one of us, so no falling out.
Only thing is... bedrooms are showing as sold out for most of the week in which we can travel, but the family rooms are available every day. The nearest date shows $497 for the family bedroom and $795 for the deluxe bedroom! Such are the wonders of bucketing.
Geoff M.
train lady Member # 3920
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Geoff, one thing you want to remember is that the family bedroom is on the lower level, the windows are smaller and you do feel the tracks more. They used to have a netting which attached to each end of the bed when it was made up That was very effective for keeping little ones in. You could check with Amtrak to see if this option is still available. My kids are grown now and have kids of their own so I am not up to date on those things
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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If you only have 1 child, the family BR should not be a problem. The lower child bed isn't that high off the floor and you could stack luggage next to it to keep him in place. Also you can tuck the sheets in tight whih is how the beds are made up. Finally, the lower adult bed is as wide as the lower bed in the deluxe bedrooms so you could double up with him. I agree the small windows and room location leave something to be desired but we just use the family bedroom for sleeping and sightsee from the lounge car.
sojourner Member # 3134
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What about two upstairs roomettes across the corridor from each other? I really like being upstairs, and maybe that will be cheaper. You can each take turns sitting with your child in one, and use the observation car much of the time, to all be together; it might be fun. . . .
Geoff M Member # 153
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Thanks for the further ideas and tips.
Geoff M.
train lady Member # 3920
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the nice thing about the family bedroom is there is more floor space for the kids
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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Family bedroom or deluxe bedroom are better bets as the roomette beds are very narrow. It would not be good to double with the little one in a roomette and two adults cannot sleep together. Either option is possible in the family or deluxe bedroom.
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