Mike,
People have their own likes and dislikes, however as long as you are not in a hurry to reach Palm Springs, there is a lot to be said for train travel. It allows one to take a deep breath and slow down some in this world that normally is moving at a very fast past. One can take in the scenery of our wonderful country, that’s not to say that you probably won’t see a few dumps too, but by and large the trip is very scenic.
You will also have the time to meet your fellow travelers and have actual conversations with them, unlike the often-strained silence on an airplane. Additionally eating dinner while the countryside flies by at 80 MPH is a rather unique experience, not to mention sleeping. Some people find that they sleep wonderfully thanks to the rocking of the train, while others tend to be more restless than normal. I happen to fall in the first category, but there is simply no way to predict how you will react.
Now I’ll give you a few specifics and answers to your questions. You are correct that you will start off traveling in a Viewliner sleeper to Chicago. From there you will encounter a Superliner sleeper for the rest of your trip to California. Both sleepers will provide you with a private room, a public shower, and bathrooms. The sleeping car attendant will make up and break down your beds for you. He will also put out a supply of sodas, coffee, and juice that you can take at your leisure.
The rooms are not huge, so if you’re expecting the Ritz you’ll be sadly disappointed. However most people find them to be adequate. Just be careful how you pack, as you don’t have a lot of room within your room for luggage. The Viewliner room has more room than does the Superliner room for luggage. On the other hand the Superliner has a public luggage rack on the lower level where you can store your bigger suitcases. I suggest packing one small carry-on sized suitcase with everything that you’ll need for the train trip only. Then check your big bags with Amtrak and let them worry about them.
If you haven’t already done so, I would recommend checking out
this page from the Amtrak website. It has both diagrams of the bedrooms, plus a virtual tour of the bedrooms. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Now moving over to meals, all of your meals are included. On the Three Rivers there is no dining car, but they have special provisions in place for sleeping car passengers in the café car. West of Chicago you will have a dining car. Note: if you go to the café car on the Texas Eagle you will pay for your food, it’s only free in the dining car. Also be aware that alcohol is not included with your meal in the diner, only non-alcoholic drinks are included. You can however order anything else off of the menu, including dessert and it’s included.
Waiters/waitress’ do expect tips, as that is not included. Most people leave a buck for breakfast and lunch, while leaving 2 bucks for dinner. I often leave a little more, especially if I’ve received good service. Most people also tip their sleeping car attendants 5 bucks a night at the end of their journey. Again if the attendant was most helpful you can certainly increase that amount. If you couldn’t find him or her when you needed them, then you may wish to leave less.
Your sleeper tickets qualify you as a First Class passenger on Amtrak. As a first class passenger you are entitled to utilize Amtrak's first class lounges in Philly and Chicago. These lounges are a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, conference rooms, computer terminals, newspapers, TV's, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.
In Philly the lounge is on the second floor and it’s called Club Acela. The entrance is kind of hidden down a long hall in the corner of the station. Walk down towards gate 1 and you should see the hall leading to the stairs. Go up the stairs and ring the bell next to the door. The attendant will buzz you in and just show them your ticket. They will send you down to the track level via an elevator about 5 to 10 minutes before your train is due to arrive.
In Chicago the lounge is called the "Metropolitan Lounge". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of and facing the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign noting the lounge.
Just show your tickets to one of the attendants at the counter inside. They will give you a pass that will allow you to come and go, as you like until your trains departure. So you can either just relax in the lounge or you can wander about the station. There are several places within the station to buy lunch, if you like. Note: The Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding. For this reason they will make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, you cannot take them to your seat due to the crowded nature of the lounge.
I will also mention that there is a locked luggage area for first class passengers. You can find this room by making the first right after you walk through the first set of sliding glass doors that I mentioned above. Walk down a short hall towards the south waiting area and again make the first right available. This is where I usually leave my bags when I go through Chicago, as opposed to the unlocked side room in the actual lounge. I’ve never heard of any bags being stolen from the unlocked room, but there have been a few cases of people grabbing the wrong bag by accident.
If you choose that latter alternative to store any carryon luggage, when they make the first call for those people who need redcaps, you should go get your bags out of the locked room. Then you can return to the lounge and board with the rest of the passengers, or you can allow the redcap to escort you and carry your bag to the train, although that will make your wallet a little lighter.
Also never leave any valuables in your luggage or your bedroom when you are not there. Take all wallets and purses with you, when you are moving about the train. There are usually no problems, but don't tempt the fates. Also don't leave any important medicines in your luggage while in Chicago, keep it with you.
If the Three Rivers arrives on time, then you would have some time to wander around Chicago if you like. Union Station is not far from Chicago’s famous “Loop” and Lake Michigan is only about a 12-block walk or so.
Finally you don’t have to switch trains in San Antonio, when the Sunset Limited arrives they will just add your sleeping car to the rear of the Sunset Limited. So in theory you can stay asleep in your room, unless the lack of motion wakes you up, and by the time you wake up you’ll be on your way again.
I hope that helps some, please don’t hesitate to come back with more specific questions if you have any. I’m sure that someone here will be able to provide the answers. Otherwise, have a great trip.
