• I upgraded from coach to a non-public roomette on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Restricted for an additional $110.
• I beloved the toilet facilities, offered meals, and nice views that got here with my roomette.
• I believe it might be a little bit of a squeeze for 2 folks, however I would ebook one once more for solo journey. 

In January, I took a 15-hour Amtrak journey on the Lake Shore Restricted from Cleveland, Ohio, to Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

I initially booked a coach ticket for $116 and put in a $110 bid to improve to a non-public roomette through Amtrak’s BidUp system. I ended up successful my bid, which was an unimaginable deal — reserving the identical roomette forward of time would’ve price $500 or extra. 

In whole, my journey price $226 and included complimentary meals, a private attendant, a bathroom and sink in my room, ample cupboard space for my baggage, and most privateness. The improve was completely value it. 

The scale of the room was nice for a solo traveler

The roomette was about 23 sq. toes — not too large and never too small. I used to be snug the entire size of the journey.

Navigating the doorway and getting onto the highest bunk have been the one components that felt a bit tough to handle.

I needed to swing my luggage in and switch to the aspect to suit comfortably contained in the roomette. To get to the highest bunk, there was a small platform that folded over the bathroom that I might stand and hoist myself up on. 

I had loads of house to sit down and stretch my legs out, work on my laptop, stand and rearrange my baggage, and eat, however not far more.

I additionally had loads of choices when it got here to lighting. There have been adjustable studying lights, overhead lighting, and a sink mild. Moreover, I had management of the quantity of the practice’s intercom system and the thermostat in my roomette.

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the in-room toilet facilities 

Having a bathroom and sink in my room was a shock to me, however I appreciated that I might use the toilet with out leaving.

I nonetheless take COVID-19 precautions severely, particularly when touring, so it was comforting to know I wasn’t sharing restroom house with anybody else.

The roomette supplied nice views all through the journey

The view in my room was stunning and saved me entertained for a lot of hours.

Every roomette has two large home windows positioned so there’s full visibility from each the decrease and higher sections. However if you happen to’re resting and do not wish to be bothered by the solar or different lights, there are full-coverage curtains that may be pulled shut.

Extra perks included free meals

I used to be staying in a roomette so I had entry to an unique eating automotive that offered a pleasant respite after I needed a change of view, extra space, and good meals.

I had breakfast (pancakes and sausage) and lunch (Atlantic salmon and shrimp) within the eating automotive. My dinner was delivered to my room by my attendant. He got here round to every roomette at midday to clarify the menu and made positive the meal arrived earlier than I disembarked.

The meals was a spotlight of the journey, and all of the folks working have been attentive and thoughtful. As a result of the meals have been complimentary with my ticket, I made positive to tip further.

Upgrading to a roomette was value the additional $110, and I would do it once more

The roomette was an ideal improve from my coach ticket as a solo traveler.

If I used to be touring with a companion, I would most likely attempt to improve to a bed room as a result of they’ve twice as a lot house. However roomettes could possibly be a budget-friendly possibility for 2 people who find themselves OK with the tighter squeeze. 

I am glad I upgraded my ticket. The complimentary meals, privateness, attentiveness of the workers, and in-room facilities made for a memorable journey.