The best Amtrak booking is the private bedroom with 2 beds, a couch, and full bathroom for $1,000. Here’s a look inside.

Business Insider’s reporter took a 2021 overnight Amtrak train from Miami to New York City in a bedroom accommodation.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent a night in an Amtrak sleeper car’s private bedroom for $1,000 in October 2021.
With unparalleled privacy and space, it’s the most comfortable Amtrak accommodation I’ve booked yet.
It made spending 30 hours on a train from Miami to New York City feel luxurious.

I’ve taken all sorts of Amtrak train rides in various classes. In 2021, I finally booked the top option.

On a trip from Miami to New York City, I booked Amtrak’s bedroom accommodation in a sleeper car, which gave me my own moving hotel room for 30 hours.

Private rooms are available on sleeper cars for long-distance train rides, like my trip down the East Coast. At $1,000 for one overnight ride, it was easily the most expensive Amtrak ride I’ve ever booked. (According to a 2024 search for Amtrak bookings, prices range from about $800 to $1,000).

It was also the most comfortable, thanks to the privacy and space it provided. According to Amtrak’s website, bedrooms are at least 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed. They can sleep up to two adults, and mine offered ample space for me as a solo traveler.

After several Amtrak rides in various premium accommodations, I’m still thinking about the comfort the bedroom provides.

The author’s workday setup in an Amtrak bedroom.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After so many cramped seating arrangements on previous Amtrak rides, the bedroom was a luxury. It was nice to have a big couch where I could stretch out my legs and put my feet up. That same couch transforms into a bed in the evenings.

There was an additional chair on the left, too, which you can fold up and stow away if it’s not needed.

The bedroom also had a table that pulled out from the wall between two of the three seats, which made working from the rails more efficient.

A small closet with three hangers keeps clothing looking sharp.

The author takes a selfie with her freshly brushed teeth.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The bedroom comes with a three-panel vanity mirror, a sink, and towels, making a quick face wash or tooth brushing convenient. I joked that the setup was nicer than my bathroom at home.

I brushed my teeth and washed my face before bed and again the next morning, just like I would on any regular day at home. Feeling clean makes me more comfortable while traveling.

While I try to pack light, I always make room for my electric toothbrush, so having an outlet next to the mirror was great for keeping it charged.

To the right of the mirror, there’s a cabinet where I stored my toiletries and other personal items.

The door to the bathroom and a view of the inside.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Having my own bathroom was a game changer for me as a train traveler. It allowed me to unpack and made me feel like I was being exposed to fewer germs. Plus, I never had to wait for my turn. I couldn’t find a downside to a private bathroom for 30 hours of travel.

On the bathroom door were hooks to hold towels and clothing items. On a shelf above the toilet were two towels for showering. Then, of course, there was my sink with vanity mirrors in the room.

This was traveling as it should be.

Being able to control the temperature inside the room is a nice touch — and a luxury you don’t get in business or first class.

The author relaxes after receiving bedside service.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In the evenings, Amtrak offers turndown service. An attendant will come to your room and set up your bed.

When the attendant came into my room about 8 p.m., they asked me whether I wanted to sleep on the top or bottom bunk. Since I tried the top bunk in the roomette, I went with the bottom bunk on this trip.

My first thought when I entered the room again was that the bed looked bigger than the one I slept in on my way to Miami in a roomette.

The bed and sheets were surprisingly soft, and I was happy to have more room to spread out as I slept.

Since there are outlets next to the sink, I propped up my phone to watch TV from bed, just like home.

The author wakes up on the train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When I woke up the next morning, I felt much more rested than I ever had on a train. I believe it was thanks to the bigger, more comfortable bed — and my privacy.

The bottom bunk felt less bumpy than my previous ride on the top bunk, so I recommend opting for the bottom bunk on overnight trips.

When I head to another destination that requires an overnight Amtrak journey, I’ll definitely splurge for the bedroom booking. The privacy, space, and better sleep is so worth it.

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source:https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-the-most-comfortable-amtrak-accommodation-bedroom-2022-7