Should I use my free Lounge Pass in PHL?

I received a "Single-Visit Station Lounge Pass" good for "entry at any ClubAcela, Amtrak Metro Lounge, Or Amtrak First Class Lounge". I've never been in any of those lounges for Amtrak so have nothing to compare it to. I dont travel on Amtrak alot but have an upcoming trip in PHL. Did I hear PHL was recently renovated? Is it worth using there or should I save it for use somewhere else on the NE Corridor?

I use the now Metropolitan Lounge in Philadelphia often. Well worth the use of your coupon! They put you on an elevator to track level when your train is close.

I boarded the Cardinal at PHL in December from the Metropolitan Lounge. Very nice space, and had the whole lounge to myself since it was a Sunday morning

Acela150 said:

I use the now Metropolitan Lounge in Philadelphia often. Well worth the use of your coupon! They put you on an elevator to track level when your train is close.

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Philadelphia is my favorite Metropolitan Lounge BECAUSE of the elevators. No other lounges offer direct to-the-platform access like Philadelphia. And, although the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago is little over a year old, and features the best snacks and beverages by far, being treated like a grade-schooler and escorted en masse to the train is a 'negative' for me.

A week ago I used the PHL lounge. They had a whole bunch of new snacks such as candy, popcorn, and more. Which was new and I really appreciated it.

Acela150 said:

A week ago I used the PHL lounge. They had a whole bunch of new snacks such as candy, popcorn, and more. Which was new and I really appreciated it.

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I was in the lounge in early May and they had the new snacks, including Miss Vickie's popcorn and Skinny Pop popcorn. The downsides, in my opinion, to the PHL lounge are: a short flight of stairs to access the lounge, which may be challenging with luggage for some and no designated luggage storage (room or closet). However, I was able to leave my luggage near the attendant's desk when I went out for lunch.

Excellent. Thats it then. Will use it. thanks!!!

If as you say you don't travel Amtrak a lot, I would use it. It probably has an expiration date.

In my case it wouldn't be where, but under what the circumstances. I wouldn't waste a pass for a 1/2 hour wait in PHL no matter how nice the lounge, but save it for say a 5 hour wait in Chicago, Portland, or LA.

pennyk said:

I was in the lounge in early May and they had the new snacks, including Miss Vickie's popcorn and Skinny Pop popcorn. The downsides, in my opinion, to the PHL lounge are: a short flight of stairs to access the lounge, which may be challenging with luggage for some and no designated luggage storage (room or closet). However, I was able to leave my luggage near the attendant's desk when I went out for lunch.

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Penny, you are right about the short flight of stairs. Although the one thing I commonly see is pax using red caps to get to the lounge via the elevator. The lounge in BOS is worse with steps. But there is an elevator.

And sadly when they renovated the lounge all the luggage cabinets were taken away. Which I can't stand!!! Last time I just put my luggage where I wanted to sit and told them I was grabbing lunch and would be back in 10-15 minutes. Kim is great with things like that!