I have a thread going on a different topic and it started heading towards this topic so I thought I would start one. On a trip that is two nights each directions with only one occupant, which do you recommend? I was going with the bedroom because it had its own shower. Pros and cons please excluding the price thing.
Posted by Room Service (Member # 2405) on :
Although it would be nice to get up and walk about a bit in your room, I prefer the larger shower downstairs even if I'm in a bedroom. So, traveling alone I would opt for the roomette and the substantial savings.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
If money is no object, by all means take the bedroom. There's no other downside compared to the roomette.
Having your own bathroom and having your own shower is lovely. Also, if you should meet a comely person of the opposite gender in the lounge car, you could ask if she's ever seen the inside of a full bedroom on the train. Work "North By Northwest" into the conversation, too.
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
I agree with Mr Kisor with money is no object - go for the bedroom (although bedroom "A" is quite cramped). Being able to see out both sides of the train from your room is nice. If something comes along on the "other side" and the lounge is full, you can see across the aisle.
Posted by bill haithcoat (Member # 6773) on :
Being embarrasingly honest, one might consider one's size. If you are a heavyset person, as I am, you might be better off with a bedroom.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
bedroom, defintely.If you want to take a nap the couch (that turns into a bed) is there no pushing the seats together. When the train stopped we had space to do our exercise routine.Also the lower berth is much bigger.It is nice not tohave to go down the hall to the bathroom at night(an added bonus)If you can afford it the bedroom wins in all respects
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
I agree, if you can afford the bedroom, go for it. But don't consider it essential. A Roomette is small, but comfortable.
I will note, however, one minor issue that most people don't mention. The beds in the Roomettes run lengthwise in the same direction as the car. So when you sleep, the rocking motion is side to side.
The Bedroom beds are oriented perpendicular to the length of the car, so the rocking motion is head to toe. I found it more difficult to sleep that way, the one time in recent history when we had a bedroom, as I was more accustomed to the side to side rocking.
Bottom line, a Bedroom is more like a miniature hotel room. A Roomette is more like a camper.
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
Except for the very shortest trips. such as midnight to 6:00 am, I always take a bedroom, even though I am traveling alone. I like the extra room and not having to make your way down the hall to use the facilities (too many awful memories of boarding school). Mr.Toy is right about the berths in a bedroom being perpendicular to the length of the car, however, that is the way Via's bedrooms are positioned so I am used to that arrangement. As others have posted if you can afford it take the bedroom.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Well, money is an object to me (an object to which I would not object having more of!) but I think I like the roomette when traveling alone anyway, because I have met some very nice people across the hall! You are more isolated when in the bedroom and have to rely on observation car and dining room for any socializing, which is always pleasant on a 2 or 3 day trip.
Also, no matter how much money I had, I'd save it to spend on a second trip, or a third or a fourth or a fifth!
Posted by PullmanCo (Member # 1138) on :
I've done both.
I find, when made down, the berth on the "roomette" to be too thin sheet-steel and too narrow.