First off, I grabbed this fare because it was only $88 for Acela first class. I don't know why the fare was so low; I've never seen it so cheap. As far as I could tell, with the COVID distancing, the first class car was close to 100% booked by the day of departure. For reference, the same train in two weeks (next time I might take Amtrak) is over $200 for first class. It was good to sample the first class product since hot meals were restored and this was also my first time in the new Metropolitan Lounge.
Service was good with proactive drink refills and the lounge is gorgeous, but will be much better once they open up the bar area.



Entrance to lounge from the station

Check in area at the top of the escalator

Lounge view

"outside" Balcony

Lounge view

work station

storage lockers


Beef short ribs