Having a meal in your room is a subject that has been discussed here before. I read threads and comments about how this should not be done unless you need to because of problems, inconvenience, etc.
Here is my question...
Why would it be wrong to partake of a service specifically offered as part of your accomodation charge? This service is specifically offered by Amtrak on it's website where accomodations are explained. It says, and I quote:
"Along with your Sleeping car accommodations comes personalized service. Your attendant will help you with your baggage, turn down your bed at night, wake you up with coffee and the paper in the morning, and make up your room while you are at breakfast. You’ll enjoy special seating and complimentary meals in the Dining car — or your attendant will serve you in your room."
I would never abuse this service and dinner in the diner is obviously a wonderful experience, but I would like to - at least once - avail myself of this offered service for a relaxing meal in the room. I would also choose my timing appropriately to cause the least trouble possible and tip appropriately.
What do y'all think?
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
You are right - if Amtrak offer it with no strings attached, then having your meal in your room should be a perfectly reasonable request.
And, as you say, time it right so you don't ask the attendant while at, approaching, or just departing a station stop, nor while he is clearly busy with other tasks.
Go for it! (But don't forget to eat in the diner as well)
Geoff M.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
On our last trip I went to the Sightseer Lounge cafe to get a sandwich for the two of us to split. We didn't have time to get a full meal in the diner, nor did we need one.
When I bought the sandwich the attendant realized I was a sleeping car passenger. He said I should get my food from the diner so I wouldn't have to pay for the sandwich. When I explained the situation, he said "Oh your car attendant will bring a sandwich to your room." I didn't want to hassle with all that at the time, since I then had a sandwich in hand, but it sounded like serving in rooms was a fairly routine procedure.
Posted by CG96 (Member # 1408) on :
Due to some of my first rail experiences (back in the 1980s), I would rather get out of my room and take the meals in the diner. leave the room wervice for the folks who are handicapped. I can just imagine what would happen if certain folks discovered that one could abuse the attendant by demanding meals in the room, when they are able-bodied and capable of getting them selves to the dining car. Besides, you miss that unique opportunity to socialize with the other passengers.
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
When I traveled on the Coast Starlight (8 years ago)the attendant offered us the choice without even asking. We decided to do it. Of course, we tipped nicely at the end of the trip.
Posted by paulr (Member # 2761) on :
Your attendant will be happy to get your meal. It gives them a chance to visit with the dinig car crew. Just give him/her advance notice and give them a nice tip when they deliver the meal. A couple extra dollars should come back to you with great service for the rest of the trip.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
I agree with the above. The highlight of any Amtrak trip, besides the scenery, in many people's mind is having meals in the dining car. I think Amtrak is in need of great improvements in this regard. I will be traveling from San Jose, CA, to Seattle, WA, round trip this summer. Because of a much later arrival time for the Coast Starlight, into San Jose, it usually isn't possible to get dinner on the train (scheduled time into San Jose around 8:45 PM). It would be great to have a meal warmed and served in your sleeper car. The worst experience, for me, on the train is getting thrown into a dining table with undesirables. Why can't they really do a 1st class job and add tables and even additonal dining cars per train? Is it not possible to have tables for 1-2 people? If not, it sure would be nice to have the option of delivering a meal to your sleeping car, even if it would cost extra. Even a meal delivered to your coach car would be nice, if possible. The cost for a delux bedroom, round trip from San Jose, CA to Seattle, WA is $ 1,104.00 (!!!). For that kind of money, I think that improved meal services would be justified. RH
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
quote:Originally posted by CG96: I can just imagine what would happen if certain folks discovered that one could abuse the attendant by demanding meals in the room, when they are able-bodied and capable of getting them selves to the dining car.
It's not abusing the attendant if you desire having a meal in your room. It also has nothing to do with be able-bodied. There are times people want to enjoy a meal in the privacy of their room.
Reggie
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Posted by chile2 (Member # 3110) on :
I didn't ask for meals in our room during a recent trip, going sleeping car. The dining car was a nice welcome change and all that. However, I think it is prudent all around to make friends with your sleeping car attendant and dazzle them with your pleasant personality (when they aren't busy of course). Be prepared to tip for meal delivery and I think tipping at the end of your journey is welcome too. I work with the public and I know if someone is pleasant and personable to me I will go the extra mile to help them as opposed to someone who is grouchy and demanding.
