For about $150USD more, it was quite an easy decision to make. They are reasonably priced (think of it like a moving hotel room with all food taken car of) for a two night/three day journey. Roomettes (1 to 2 people) Roomettes are the smallest and most affordable sleeping accommodation. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Due to covid, only the flexible dining menu was available. There was a naturalist on board that was giving information about the area that we wanted to hear but everyone was talking and there was much static so it was worthless, so that was disappointing. This length of time 12 hrs (19 hours on the way home as there was an accident where a semi had overturned on the tracks - thank goodness we stopped in time & after 5 hrs of the conductor keeping us very informed - we were on our way again safely) would have been just fine in Coach but we chose the sleeper for coming home since we boarded at 3:30am. Coach is in the back of the train. I knew about this, so I brought along a short 3-prong extension cord. 1. We were only a 1/2 hour late arriving but as mentioned 6 hrs late coming home - so if being prompt stresses you out, maybe you should fly. California Zephyr Roomette is THE MOST WORTH IT! March 31, 2019. so fairly quiet. It's weird. The Route 66 Musical Highway in Tijeras, New Mexico. 4. Too bad, they're out. Lots of other people too with no masks, and little (with the exception of that one conductor) to no actual enforcement of that policy. This is what I did, staying for a number of days in the mountains near Denver and Salt Lake City area.Since I started this review by letting you know I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat, you can correctly guess that it'll be a positive review. On the last day's last meal the choices were restricted - 4 mains and 1 dessert and that was running out fast.Our car attendant was helpful - when we could find him. We had a connection on the Empire Builder thinking that we had 4 hours to enjoy in Chicago. Sensible decision.We left Chicago on the Friday of the Memorial Day weekend. Crescent to NY, and LSL to Chicago - in a Roomette (27 hours - less 2 hr chg in NYC). Settling into a California Zephyr roomette at Chicago Union Station is strangely comforting in a world otherwise turned upside down. Want a red wine on day 2 of your trip? Breakfast was oatmeal, assorted cereals, granola/fitness bars and a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich. Currently crossing the USA on the California Zephyr with Amtrak in a first class roomette because I gotta travel but... COVID. No WiFi. Next day a bit boring heading towards Chicago and two hours late. Would definitely ride the train again. Some ideas for a better trip...I had read to bring an extension cord or power strip and that was helpful! Security is based on common sense. So to be fair to past reviews, I think you can attribute the service/attitudes from Amtrak and its employees to the furloughs that were to go in effect once the train was downgraded to triweekly near the end of October. It was our first experience taking a train and it was a a fun adventure with beautiful scenery along the way. 7. Outlets, AC were working and we experienced no issues whatsoever with any of the accomodations and its features. read more, Since the entire journey was 52 hours, we had to decide whether to travel by coach seats or the superliner roomette. I suppose that it was quite big for a train. Want a seltzer water? Save. Took the CZ from Chicago to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The California Zephyr pulled into the station and we boarded. Good times. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The food, in the dining car is decent but, because of the pandemic, all prepackaged. The train was on time and we experienced no delays or mechanical issues. It also includes a bathroom which is really a toilet and a shower in a tiny cubicle, and a wash basin near the front door. There's a casualness between the staff and customers (because of the nature of travelling together in an enclosed space for days) that makes it feel like you're "bothering" staff to just get water....staff take their breaks casually in the dining and lounge cars and it makes it confusing to customers if you're interrupting their breaks.. and honestly it's unfair to the staff as well. There were girls beside us that were quite noisy but nothing you couldn't handle. The conductor would occasionally make an announcement regarding something of interest, such as the Mississippi River, the tunnel that goes beneath the Continental Divide, and the areas burned in August's Grizzly Creek Fire. We ran early over the first day of our nearly three day two night journey, waiting in stations to allow time to pass. Get over it. Diners are scattered throughout the dining car per Covid rules and we never experienced any issues with being "on top" of another rider. The train was full.We know this because the staff mentioned this several times over the PA system. Sadly, you have to be in the observation car to be able to hear these talks. The miraculously on time trip, which took place during the Covid-19 Pandemic, was certainly less than spectacular, and aspects about it did, unfortunately, live up to its infamous reputation. We rode the California Zephyr train from San Fancisco (well, Emeryville) to Denver, which is a 36-hour ride including one night in the SuperLiner sleeping car 'roomette'. I know we as Americans have this very romantic and nostalgic idea of railway travel in this country, and Amtrak is just destroying and disrespecting any of those ideals. The difference between the 2 are that with the higher cost of the roomette, you’ll have all meals included (for 2 people), common showering facilities (towels & soap included), coffee, water and most importantly, the seats can be converted to 2 beds at night. Tags: Amtrak California Zephyr Superliner Roomette. They are not the most comfortable rooms in the world, but if you are expecting premium comfort on a train, go take the Orient Express, not Amtrak. We did leave tips on the table and did tip our room steward. Note that the train does go all the way to Chicago with another night on the train. So sad. Food was ok. You hear all too often that a good restaurant, attracti, I accompanied my daughter and granddaughter on this trip from Chicago to San Francisco. Don't support the awful mis-management of this entire organization. We waited because we weren't hungry and thought we would wait until later, or closer to when they stopped serving, they acted like there wasn't room and it was a big ordeal. In these Covid times, everything you get is microwaved. Took the CZ from Chicago to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This whole company needs a billionaire injection and an entire overhaul of management from the top down. They didn't run out of anything on the menu and there were about 8 or so entrees on the lunch/dinner menu. This is the best Amtrak tour on youtube, guaranteed. Or just lack of management. Passengers can purchase a “roomette” on Amtrak if you do not like sleeping while sitting in coach, and this Roomette, according to Amtrak, can accommodate two medium sized adults on its popular Superliner, California Zephyr and Viewliner sleeper trains.. US citizens may know that Amtrak doesn't own the rail line and freight trains have preference. Spring has returned and pushed Autumn aside. Take a small pillow. They own the rails, and that means their freight trains have priority over passenger trains. Cover up your gear and you'll be fine. Again- TOTAL MISMANAGEMENT. Meals come with the sleeper so that certainly adds value to the price and were good but pricey when you pay for them out of pocket. 3. There are strange squeaks and odd rattles. Book the time that works for you, hop into your novelty vessel, and admire the sights of downtown Long Beach harbor. I have to say that this was one of the best experiences I've had on one of their long distance trains and I've ridden all three routes about 12 times in total. There is no real standard of customer service (although the service staff we had both ways were all very nice folks who were working hard for the most part), it's that there's a total lack of standards of service that are apparent. The service varied from ordinary to rude. This was the first trip where we didn't have to stop once to let another train pass. Keep up to date with the Amtrak phone number! As we chugged along into the Sierra Nevada the scenery was wonderful. The employees have to do a lot of explaining to customers because of this mis-management. Leaving Emeryville on time we settled into our small but comfortable bedroom. The viewing car good but we could sit comfortably in our own room with a view. more. Amtrak Launches 'Buy a Roomette, Bring a Companion Free' Sale Lauren Bowman 7/7/2020 After the worst day for virus deaths, this summer could be 'dramatically better' Amtrak staff unhelpful and couldn't care less. It's important that you understand that if you're considering a rail trip. 2. 1,048 Reviews #62 of 846 Transportation in California. The California Zephyr was a passenger train that ran between Chicago, Illinois and Oakland, California via Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Winnemucca, Oroville and Pleasanton. 1,048 Reviews #62 of 850 Transportation in California. It seems like they're always on the clock? Janell is friendly, conscientious, and constantly on the move. Aside from that, the train was clean upon arrival and it was constantly stressed that you had to wear a mask when not in your room. Took the train from Chicago to Emeryville and had a bedroom (not a roomette). (We loved those custom-cooked steaks back in the day...) We could have had meals brought to our room, but the little pull-out table left something to be desired, especially for two people, so we went to the dining car. I had no idea how I would fare on this journey and now that I have done it I must say I would do it again! With the sleeper, meals were part of it, except alcohol, so take advantage of them. Visiting Space Center Houston. AMTRAK IS DYING FOR A REASON Review for California Zephyr from Emeryville-Chicago both ways during COVID Anyone riding this train needs to know the following things before they commit; 1. Chicago’s storied Union Station. It also provides the additional benefits of being a quiet and … Our sleeper car was right behind the engine. Rule number one - USB stands for “U'll See Beauty!” There is no such thing as USB jacks on these trains. Don't give Amtrak your money. Food: I think the best way to describe the food was one step above international coach airline food. It's important that you know that, because Amtrak doesn't really have any tracks. Grime and grit and grossness in every car. My husband is very tall and so sleeping was a little hard for him but it was nice to have your own bathroom and shower. The only drawback to the trip was the food. happy. For the amount of money you pay for a "first class" sleeper- the options are limited to one style of meal, served 7 ways. For now. Since the entire journey was 52 hours, we had to decide whether to travel by coach seats or the superliner roomette. Told we would catch-up time. Roomette details, sleeper car, diner, lounge, coach, beautiful views, and tremendous sounds. I watched in awe as they professionally handled a couple of obnoxious characters who insisted on breaking some rules regarding alcohol. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies, and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It has been more than three years since I last wrote a review of the California Zephyr but I have ridden it more than a dozen times since then. We rode the California Zephyr train from San Fancisco (well, Emeryville) to Denver, which is a 36-hour ride including one night in the SuperLiner sleeping car 'roomette'. For a romantic activity perfect for admiring the Rainbow Harbor sunset, just grab your favorite person and pedal out onto Rainbow Lagoon with this swan boat adventure. (BTW - this slow-pace was a blessing, since the scenery was Utah desert.) It's called Amtrak, not Amtrack. We recently rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco and found it a delightful experience. No matter that they stop at a couple large cities during their trip- there seems to be no re-stocking or actual realistic par levels for anything. After sitting in my cabin for a little bit, a call comes out over the announcer for lunch. The California Zephyr is an Amtrak train that connects Chicago, Illinois to San Francisco, California. The staff sounded like they were pushed to the limit.The Diner car staff were all grumpy women of a "certain age" who did not seem to enjoy their job at all. Things like: Seriously, wake up. There are three different types of sleeper cars – the Superliner Roomette, Amtrak Family Bedroom, and Superliner Bedroom. Boarding is a quick process especially in small stations - Train stops, get on, train leaves within minutes. That said, it is a decent room, with beds the are more or less comfortable enough. As a business owner-it's just so frustrating to see and I feel for the employees because they aren't being respected either! ), Hotels near (LAX) Los Angeles Intl Airport, Hotels near (SJC) Mineta San Jose Intl Airport, Hotels near (OAK) Metropolitan Oakland Intl Airport. But honestly, NOT WORTH IT Don't go. We took a cooler with several meals and would take more food next time. On the last day I asked for a breakfast sandwich and was told they were out- even though the lounge car had some for purchase. Day two through the Rockies fabulous. Restrooms were always clean in the sleeper car & our attendant Dennis was great! Then we ran over an hour behind but were assured that we would catch time up. POWER! We were a little cold the first night so an extra blanket would have been nice. I'll be going all the way from Chicago to San Fran (emeryville), and I'll have the basic sleeper car/roomette (so free meals, yay). THE TRAIN IS OLD- outlets don't work, heating/cooling systems don't work, lots of. Amtrak has a really handy app that does a great job of keeping track of delays.6. The crew walked them off the train at the next stop, right into the hands of the local law enforcement.7. It was definitelt reheated, but I did enjoy the vegetarian dishes available to me a lot. Food is served in the dining car and not in your room, past reviews have stated that it was brought to your room because of Covid, that has changed. THE VIEWS ARE EXCEPTIONAL. Exploring Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize. It has stops in several major cities across the Midwest and Southwest United States. They're inherently safe because of the presence of the car attendants and the fact that the only sleeper passengers traffic these cars. California Zephyr. They were so friendly and helpful 100% of the time. Chicago to Grand Junction in a Roomette - California Zephyr. read more, Many people chide at the prospect of spending 51 hours aboard a train, especially aboard an Amtrak... Less than four feet wide, roomettes are private spaces with a door, fold-out table and some storage space. They have to borrow (or rent) rails from commercial railroads like CSX or BNSF. I can't ever remember a train where that didn't happen. From the ... Fun Train Trip in the Western USA. First time on the train, so we did coach... Since this was our first train trip, we decided to try both. I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips for the train journey itself. By the end of the trip, we were all on a first name basis, and we had some wonderful conversations. We bought tickets in the Superliner Roomette which is a compact but adequate space for two to sit and sleep. seating arrangements. The cost of tickets to travel by coach (for 2 people) was $516USD while the superliner roomette costs $645. My 9 yr old son and I traveled from Grand Junction, CO to Holdrege, NE to see family. California Zephyr. United States ; California (CA) California - Things to Do ; California Zephyr; Search. Rather than repeat those reviews, I'd rather focus on some observations of the pros and cons noted elsewhere in this forum. 2. This is not meant to be the Carlyle Hotel. Employees knew that they were being laid off and weren't. There's no wi-fi on this train so make sure you download your music or movies or plan to use up your entire data package....ORRRRR just enjoy the incredible views and real conversation with your traveling companion or others traveling. 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