16 replies to this topic

[Merlot]

Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip in June to Albuquerque, NM. It will be our 1st Amtrak trip. I am learning so much from browsing the forums and I appreciate all the info shared here. I did want to ask if you have any specific tips and hints for our trip from Cleveland, OH to Albuquerque, NM? I have not booked anything yet, but feel I need to soon. We will definitely get a roomette or bedroom for the Chicago to Albuquerque legs of the trip. Anything specific you can share about booking, roomettes/bedrooms, this itinerary on the SWC , etc will be greatly appreciated! =)

[Merlot]

I forgot to add: Which should we take...Lake Shore Limited or Capitol Limited from Cleveland to Chicago???

[Lakeshore]

In my opinion, take the one that is cheaper. They both leave in the middle of the night, and they get to Chicago within an hour of each other, so either one would be fine to make the connection.

[the_traveler]

Welcome!

First off, you can take either the Capitol Limited (CL) or the Lake Shore Limited (LSL) from Cleveland (CLE) to Chicago (CHI). They both depart Cleveland about an hour apart and arrive into Chicago about an hour apart. On the return, The CL departs CHI at a reasonable time, has dinner served, but arrives CLE in the middle of the night. The LSL departs CHI very late (like 10 PM or so), does not have dinner served on the train, but arrives into CLE at a reasonable time in the morning (around 7 AM IIRC).

Second, since you will have a roomette, you are entitled to use the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago! Take advantage of it! You can also store all your carry on luggage securely and free of charge while exploring Chicago!

Third, are you both members of Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) yet? If not you both should be! (AGR is similar to an airline's frequent flyer program.) If not, I'll be glad to refer you both if you send me a PM (Private Message - click on the envelope under my name) with BOTH your email addresses. (Each AGR account must have a specific email address, and only that person traveling can earn AGR points.)

[Sorcha]

On the second day of your SWC trip, try to get seats in the Lounge car. (You'll see it abbreviated as "SSL" in this forum, which is short for Sightseer Lounge.) The scenery in Colorado and New Mexico is absolutely breathtaking, especially through the Raton Pass and the Glorieta Pass. During the summer, a trail guide sits in the SSL and broadcasts various history lessons and stories about the area over the PA. They also bring in native artifacts and various pieces of clothing, ammo, etc. It's really interesting. You should definitely try to get a seat in there after breakfast.

Also, I love coming across the plains of Colorado early in the morning and seeing the mountains in the distance. Before you know it, you're winding through those mountains.

The meals on the SWC are very good. I like having the french toast for breakfast, as it's a railroad tradition. The steak, offered at dinner, is delicious. Since you're going to be in a sleeper, your meals are included. Your dining car attendant will show you where to sign the check with your room number. There is also a snack area, like a concession stand, in the lower level of the SSL. You can buy all kinds of stuff there: chips, soda, crackers/cheese, yogurt, donuts, etc. You will have access to free coffee, juice, and water in your sleeper car.

If you have any questions about Albuquerque, please feel free to ask. My boyfriend lived there for 25 years, and we go there frequently to visit family/friends.

Edited by Sorcha, 17 February 2012 - 11:59 AM.

[D.P. Roberts]

I would echo the advice above about joining Amtrak Guest Rewards.

Even more importantly, follow your own advice and BOOK SOON! I was just looking at some trains for June and many roomettes are sold out already! The prices will only go up, not down, from here, and there's no real penalty (until the week before you leave) for cancelling.

[Merlot]

Oh thanks so much for the info! I am getting anxious to go! =)

Would you select a roomette or bedroom? The roomette is less expensive, but if we'd be much happier with the bedroom, we'll go with that.

Sorcha~ How kind of you to offer information about Albuquerque. I'm going to take you up on that offer. lol We are considering staying at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya for part of our stay. Do you know if it is a good choice? We want to find a relaxing place to stay and also want to go to a casino, have a couple days in Santa Fe, and of course see the sights.

Thanks much!

[jimhudson]

Nice trip and most of your questions have been answered! I agree that you should take whichever Train is Cheaper from Cleveland to Chicago since they are both middle of the night to Morning Trains! The Lake Shore is Single Level and the Cap Ltd. is Superliner (like the SWC)which means upstairs/Downstairs seating! IMO Upstairs is more comfortable!

As to the choice between a Roomette and a Bedroom, for what is basically a One Night/Two Day Trip Id say that the Roomette would be sufficient for your needs, especially if there is a Big Price Differential which there usually is! (Bedrooms can be as much as 4 times a Roomette )!If you can find a Day (you can use Amsnag.com developed by one of our Members to check Fares for up to 30 days @ a time!)where there is not a huge difference in Prices ,(called Buckets)and you can afford it, a Bedroom is nice! All the Fringe Benefits for Sleeper Travel (ie Meals/Juice/Coffe/Bottle Water/Newspaper/Metro Lounge in CHI/Early Boarding/Showers etc.)are the same!Please keep asking for info, lots of good info here, some is even True!

Edited by jimhudson, 17 February 2012 - 02:10 PM.
to correct the spelling of site referred to

[Sorcha]

Sorcha~ How kind of you to offer information about Albuquerque. I'm going to take you up on that offer. lol We are considering staying at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya for part of our stay. Do you know if it is a good choice? We want to find a relaxing place to stay and also want to go to a casino, have a couple days in Santa Fe, and of course see the sights.

I've never stayed there, but the rooms look nice. It also has horseback riding, a spa, tennis courts, and a pool. According to the website, they have a shuttle that runs to the casino too.

Albuquerque has several casinos in addition to the one at Tamaya, including a new Hard Rock Cafe/Casino if you're into that (but it's a ways south of town). Sandia Resort & Casino is close to you, and they're in a beautiful area. That one is my favorite because it's right by the mountain peak.

Old Town Albuquerque is definitely worth a few hours. There are tons of little shops and cafes. It's really quite charming.

If you decide to spend an evening in downtown Albuquerque, I'd recommend the Hotel Andaluz: http://www.hotelandaluz.com/

If you're spending a couple of days in Santa Fe, I recommend using the Rail Runner. It's a commuter rail line that runs from just south of Albuquerque north to Santa Fe, with several stops along the way. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Santa Fe if you leave from the Bernalillo stop, which is near your hotel. You can also leave from downtown Albuquerque. You can find the schedule at: http://nmrailrunner.com/ . I'm just biased, though, because I love trains. If you already have a rental car, then it's a quick drive up I-25. I believe it would take about 45 minutes from your hotel.

[the_traveler]

That one is my favorite (casino) because it's right by the mountain peak.

My favorite casino is the one I win money from!

[me_little_me]

I agree with the replies above. Some more info:

The RailRunner goes right to near downtown Santa Fe and there is a free shuttle (or you can walk) right at the station that goes to the Plaza. There are some state museums on the Plaza and it is a pleasant way to spend a day. If you want to splurge on an overnight stay, the historic St. Francis Hotel right on the Plaza is about as central as you can get. Check TripAdvisor for restaurant reservations.

If you plan well, you can skip the car for at least part of the time. Then rent at an off-airport location (Enterprise gets you Amtrak points) for only the days you need it.

If you have lots of time, the train goes to Arizona where you can catch a bus or tourist train to the Grand Canyon (or save it for next time). In ABQ, don't miss the Sandia Peak Tramway and the Hot Air Balloon Museum. Abq also has Museum of Nuclear Science & History run by Sandia National Laboratory.

Have a New Mexico-style green or red enchilada for me. And the sopapillas are awesome!

[debmep]

Albuquerque is our destination from Grand Rapids MI next month on the 22nd. We're spending our time in and around Old Town. Arriving on Friday evening and returning on Sunday. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express Old Town. We'll take advantage of taxi's or even the city bus to get back and forth to Old Town. Our roomette on the SWC is reserved, we have #2 westbound and #5 eastbound. I plan on loading up on turquois jewerly, along with lots of other things. Countdown is closing in on 30days.

Edited by debmep, 17 February 2012 - 03:25 PM.

[AKA]

I forgot to add: Which should we take...Lake Shore Limited or Capitol Limited from Cleveland to Chicago???

Capitol limited by all means. The CL has assinged seating. Much better than the LSL. The CL also is a Superliner. Much nicer I think. CL has a SSL car with a larger seating aera. CL has a superliner diner, again larger. CL has more restrooms. Just my $0.02. Have a good trip.

[the_traveler]

Both the CL and LSL may have semi-assigned seating (you can't chose your seat ahead of time), especially if you board in the middle of the night!

Are you still certain they should take the CL, even if it is high bucket at (say) $100 but #49 or #449 (which by the way are the same train) is (say) $20? I'd say chose the least expensive one - especially westbound!

[Lakeshore]

Between Cleveland and Chicago WB, it is a)dark and b)not very scenic. Me personally, I would do this portion as cheaply as possible. Then splurge and enjoy the SWC portion.

[Railroad Bill]

Our personal preference out of CLE is the Cap Ltd. There usually isnt much of a price difference in coach. All of the above mentioned advantages are nice. We have found the conductors on the CL to be better at moving people if needed when boarding. We also prefer to ride in the downstairs--lower level seating. Easy boarding, restrooms nearby. Just our opinion.

[Swadian Hardcore]

I you want to, you could ride the CL west, then the LSL east, because the LSL times are better eastbound IMO.
I usually travel roomette, not bedroom. Too expensive, and it's not THAT much better.