This train began in Washington D. C, and we hopped on at midnight eastern time in Pittsburgh and got to Chicago around central time.
This article covers my full breakdown from our experience so that you know everything you need to before booking and riding a roomette. An Amtrak Roomette is a private room with bunk beds that turn into cozy seats for up to two people. The service includes meals, attentive service, Metropolitan lounge access in Chicago with free snacks , and other perks.
Think of it like the equivalent of first class, but for Amtrak. You have your own private car. So think of this like in Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express, you have doors that you can close. Unlike the Hogwarts Express cars, which comfortable seat people, this Amtrak Roomette in thinner, with two seats that turn into bunk beds. Rather than bunk beds, you have a coach thing that converts into a full-size bed, which would comfortably sleep two.
In general, the bedroom means a bigger bed, more space, and shower and bathroom all to yourself. The roomette already felt like what I imagine first-class on a plane would be like. Not that I would know. So the private bedroom would be like whatever is above first class. In coach you have ample leg room and reclinable seats, which in theory you could sleep in. However, for my first overnight trips, I paid more for the roomette so I can get the blankets, pillows, the actual bed, and the closed curtains which all make it easier to sleep.
That said, Amtrak coach will still be easier to sleep on than a plane. We got on in Pittsburgh, which arrived on time for an pm departure. So we were ready to bed. In retrospect, I wish we had gotten on earlier closer to DC because I would have liked the few hours to chill, enjoy the complementary dinner, and wind down before sleeping. This is absolutely essential in my opinion.
