Amtrak bedroom vs roomette review
A recent comparison on the California Zephyr found the Amtrak bedroom is clearly worth the splurge for long overnight trips — more space and amenities make a material difference on multi‑day journeys. The piece underscores growing passenger expectations for comfort on intercity rail investments. (businessinsider.com)
Business Insider reporter Joey Hadden paid $400 for a 15‑hour Superliner roomette and $2,200 for a 53‑hour Superliner bedroom on the California Zephyr, reporting the roomette at ~23 sq ft and the bedroom at ~50 sq ft. (africa.businessinsider.com) Amtrak’s specification lists a Superliner bedroom footprint at about 6'6" x 7'6" and confirms each bedroom includes an in‑room sink, toilet and shower. (amtrak.com) Roomettes on Superliner cars are far smaller — roughly 23 sq ft with two seats that convert to upper and lower berths — and passengers use shared restrooms and a car‑level shower rather than an in‑cabin bathroom. (aol.com) The California Zephyr operates with Amtrak’s bi‑level Superliner equipment on its Chicago–Emeryville route, a consist that routinely includes Superliner sleepers, diner, sightseer lounge and coaches. (media.amtrak.com) Amtrak’s Feb. 26, 2026 announcement set a formal shift to a universal single‑level long‑distance fleet with the first new cars targeted for the early 2030s as part of a revised replacement strategy. (media.amtrak.com) An Amtrak OIG audit counts 765 cars in the long‑distance fleet, reports the oldest Superliner I cars average about 43 years old, and notes Amtrak plans to replace close to 600 bilevel cars using federal IIJA funding (up to $7 billion earmarked for Phase 1). (amtrakoig.gov) Amtrak’s current private‑room benefits include complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding, complimentary onboard meals, and a dedicated first‑class attendant providing turndown service and luggage assistance. (amtrak.com) Industry coverage and Amtrak statements show the agency canceled the prior bi‑level procurement and pivoted to simplified single‑level requirements to reduce technical risk and expand competition among carbuilders. (media.amtrak.com)
