We road the Sunset Limited last week from LAX to San Antonio. The sleeping car attendant was outstanding and there was always good coffee in the sleeping car. The dining car staff were likewise outstanding in service and attitude. The food selections sounded great, but were largely mediocre...
I went through this exercise 3 weeks ago. I found the earliest Vancouver to Toronto room fare available. I then compared Seattle to Detroit. It was 40% less.
My wife and I just enjoyed the Sunset Limited from LA to San Antonio. There was no silverware and the mediocre meals were served on plastic plates. The staff were competent and friendly.
"I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is 'So it goes.' "
Kurt Vonnegut
And AMTRAK 2 + 1 Business Class was not bad. Now one has to put up with 2 + 2.
The commuter train Danbury to Grand Central in the 70s were running some of the parlor cars. They were filthy and stunk, but definitely roomy.
My price comparison was done as follows:
I found the earliest VIA rail bedroom available Vancouver to Toronto. This was November 17 on the date VIA was first available, all earlier were sold out.
I priced Seattle to Detroit, a similar distance with AMTRAK, in the closet accommodation, a bedroom...
How about this?
November 17 Vancouver to Toronto discounted "cabin for 2" USD 2,883.
November 17 Seattle to Detroit, bedroom with shower and toilet en suite USD 1,835.
Consider this for additional service.
If you get an upgrade to First Class it can only be used 12 hours before departure and in that case you'll have lounge access.
Also, The Metropolitan Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to. 9:00 p.m. The lounge is available for...