best standard superliner sleeper?
 

I'm moving from San Francisco to Ann Arbor, and figured the train would be a fun way ease the transition into what will be a rather different environment. Before I get off track and too philosophical...what would you all recommend in terms of sleepers?

I looked at the previously posted sleeping car layouts but would still like your advice. Is there a ton of traffic on the upper level? Any disadvantage in terms of views on the lower level? Any preferred side of the train headed west to east? Thanks in advance.


[This message has been edited by snorkmaster (edited 08-07-2003).]

I think the general consensus is that upstairs (1-10) is better than downstairs, due to the better view and the fact that downstairs is extremely close to the rails. If you're really uncomfortable with the train's rocking motion or like close proximity to more bathrooms, then downstairs might have an edge. Assuming that the sleeper is placed at one end of the train, the thru traffic should be minimal - but you will have more people than with the downstairs (of course, if you go downstairs you may be next to an occupied family bedroom downstairs with uncontrolled children...)

Personal preference is for 3-4 - close to the center, but not right next to the upstairs bathroom and stairs. No idea on what's the best side - probably difficult to predict how the sleeper will be positioned to make more than a guess, anyway.

Going up the coast, I used the warning I read over and over....even up, odd down. And, it worked well. Since then some expert on another website told me that I may have lucked out that trip, but there is no set pattern to determine which side is best.

I agree that the upper level is better. There were families with children on our last trip and we were happy to be upstairs. The amount of traffic passing by would again be determined by the direction of the car.

That was our experience on a recent trip. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Thanks for your suggestions...according to Amtrak reservations, I ended up with #6, which looks fine on the diagram.