<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by underdunk:
I'd also stay upstairs... you'll hear more track noise downstairs, as well as more sound of people moving (toilets are downstairs).
Meals are so-so.
Enjoy the trip.. the scenery is fantastic.. </font>
I'd agree with most of underdunk's comments, except that I LIKE the sleepers on the bottom level. My reasons:
1) less side-to-side movement as they are closer to the middle of the car
2) like being able to access my luggage (while you can fit a small bag in the room with you, the bigger bags are stored on the lower level of each car)
3) no kids running by constantly (the only access between cars is on the upper level). Lot less noise.
4) different viewing perspective. Between the lounge car and the diner, you spend a lot of the day sitting upstairs. It is nice to get a lower view occasionally.
I'd recommend either room 13 or 14, which are slightly further back from the bathrooms than 11 and 12.
Regardless of which room you wind up in, you will enjoy the trip. The views are great, but I agree that the food leaves a bit to be desired.
Enjoy your time in the US! As someone who has visited your country twice, I think you will like it here. Americans have as big a fascination with Australia as Aussies do about the States. You will find lots of folks on the train who will want to talk! Have fun and be sure to post your post-trip comments here!