RAILforum: Amtrak Lounges

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Posted by Robert L (Member # 3144) on :

I have a question on Amtrak policy at the Lounges (i.e. at Washington, Chicago, N.O.,etc).
If a train is late into those stations with a Lounge how long could you stay there? For instance, in my example, we usually have sleeping car tickets and do use the Lounges before our trip, but never afterwards. If a train arrives really late or in the early AM can we still use the Lounges to wait until a civilized time to search out hotel accomodations. Would like some information or if you have had similar experiences.

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

From my experiences @ WAS, it appears that arriving Sleeper passengers have "reasonable" use of the Met/Club Acela lounges after arrival.

Here at CHI, I noted that friends recently arriving on #49 Sleeper and connecting to #7 Coach were afforded use of the Met Lounge for their entire layover.

As for myself, when connecting between Amtrak and a BNSF commuter, I much prefer the Great Hall. It is so much easier for elder eyes to read in natural sunlight than in Mr. Edison's variety; also cell phones work "a might bit better" out there than in "The Met".

Posted by Capltd29 (Member # 3292) on :

Does Philadelphia have a Club Acela?

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

Affirm, Mr. Cap

Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :

My only two experiences upon arrival rather than departure was connecting trains the same day, and after arrival of a late train.

For the first, I arrived at Chicago in the morning and was due to leave 7pm that evening. I was asked for my ticket and there was no problem accommodating me all day (although my bags stayed and I didn't).

For the latter, permission was a little more begrudging. Again, I was asked for my ticket stub (for the journey just completed) and was allowed in - no time limit specified. I think "reasonable" time applied in this case.

Geoff M.

Posted by TheBriz09 (Member # 3166) on :

Well, Amtrak's official policy states that first-class passengers will be admitted to any Metropolitan Lounge or Club Acela by presenting a same day first-class ticket, which I would interpret to mean that when you are arriving in first-class, it is technically a same-day ticket (whether the ticket's printed departure date is the actual same day or not). I've only used a ClubAcela arriving once, in Washington D.C., and we were allowed in to get a drink even though they were about to close.

From the wording of your post, it seems as though you are talking about using a Lounge "really late or in the early AM" - but keep in mind that I think most of the Lounges close around 10:00 or 10:30. At least the one in Washington D.C. did, and I'm pretty sure the Met Lounge in Chicago does as well.

Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Robert L:
If a train arrives really late or in the early AM can we still use the Lounges to wait until a civilized time to search out hotel accomodations.

Based on my own experiences, arriving in any Metropolitan Lounge-equipped city (Chicago, New York, Washington, etc.) without booking your hotel in advance is akin to playing Russian Roulette.

Because of big conventions, multiple trade shows, baseball games, college graduations, and other events that attract hordes of out-of-towners, there are periods when virtually every easily accessible hotel in town will be booked solid.

In other words, you could step off your train to discover there's literally "no room at the inn" -- or at least not at any inn that isn't miles outside of town.

So search out and book your hotel accommodations before you leave home -- especially if cost and a central location are important.

[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 06-22-2004).]