A
Anita
Guest
Hi everyone,
I am going on my first long distance Amtrak trip. This is a big trip for me and have booked a roomette.
I am very excited since I really love train travel. I haven't taken an Amtrak outside of the Acela and other short distance trains in the NE.
Denver to Sacramento on Zephyr, Train 5, Car 0532, Room 012
Sacramento to Portland, Coast Starlight, Train 14, Car 1432, Room 006
May I ask your opinion on these roomettes? If they are not the greatest situated, would you suggest a better one? (I'm going at the end of October) Also, I have read that you can't really tell what side you're going to be on.
Tipping. Is it customary to tip the attendant per day? If yes, how much would be good for adequate service. (I usually tip - and would like to know the range.) For the dining car meals, I'm assuming tip as you would if you were paying for the meal?)
Holding my luggage in Sacramento. I would like to explore Sacramento. Can I leave my luggage at the station? Will it be open until I have to board Coast Starlight? (Currently scheduled to depart Sacramento at midnight.)
Bringing towels and toiletries. I plan on bringing a blanket with me. Does Amtrak provide towels for use in the showers?
What else to bring. I already have these other things on my to bring list. Power strip. Disinfectant wipes. (I'm afraid of catching a cold or flu.) Drinks and snacks. Headphones. Earplugs. Any other tips? This is a long (and probably once in a lifetime) trip for me and would like to make it as comfortable as possible.
If this trip goes well (and I hope it does!) I would like to do another trip from Chicago to Seattle on Empire Builder or maybe NY to New Orleans. But, first I need to get through this trip.
Thank you.
A
I am going on my first long distance Amtrak trip. This is a big trip for me and have booked a roomette.
I am very excited since I really love train travel. I haven't taken an Amtrak outside of the Acela and other short distance trains in the NE.
Denver to Sacramento on Zephyr, Train 5, Car 0532, Room 012
Sacramento to Portland, Coast Starlight, Train 14, Car 1432, Room 006
May I ask your opinion on these roomettes? If they are not the greatest situated, would you suggest a better one? (I'm going at the end of October) Also, I have read that you can't really tell what side you're going to be on.
Tipping. Is it customary to tip the attendant per day? If yes, how much would be good for adequate service. (I usually tip - and would like to know the range.) For the dining car meals, I'm assuming tip as you would if you were paying for the meal?)
Holding my luggage in Sacramento. I would like to explore Sacramento. Can I leave my luggage at the station? Will it be open until I have to board Coast Starlight? (Currently scheduled to depart Sacramento at midnight.)
Bringing towels and toiletries. I plan on bringing a blanket with me. Does Amtrak provide towels for use in the showers?
What else to bring. I already have these other things on my to bring list. Power strip. Disinfectant wipes. (I'm afraid of catching a cold or flu.) Drinks and snacks. Headphones. Earplugs. Any other tips? This is a long (and probably once in a lifetime) trip for me and would like to make it as comfortable as possible.
If this trip goes well (and I hope it does!) I would like to do another trip from Chicago to Seattle on Empire Builder or maybe NY to New Orleans. But, first I need to get through this trip.
Thank you.
A