Are the suites clean?
 

I am wondering how clean the bedroom suites are on Amtrak trains. My mom and I were looking to book one of those for a OAK-VAC ride sometime in the spring or summer.

Yeah, they are just really two deluxe bedrooms with the wall removed to create the larger room. Enough to fit 4 adults. Yes they are generally clean and nice.

That's good to know. We've been talking about doing this for a while and I'd hate for it to turn out bad.

Book it as early as you can for the best price and try to check other Amtrak related forums for more pointers. Have a great trip!

John

If its just you two travelling, having a suite would be fantastic in my opinion (but pretty darn expensive), the combination of two bedrooms (aka they used to be called Deluxe bedrooms), plenty of space, not to mention two bathroom/shower combos.

Hope you enjoy the trip.

This would be an award.
 

I didn't mention that this would be an award trip. She transfered 60k of worthless CO miles into Amtrak.

I once opened a CO NonePass account specifically as a transit point for 125,000 AmEx points I was gifted. CO was a great intermediary to my 2V account, from which I got a few cross-country trips in Deluxe sleepers!

First Class service isn't quite what it used to be (no sodas, snacks, or souvenirs in the sleepers), but you still get meals included, bottled water, a shower, lounge access, and, of course, the privacy and comfort of the rooms. Amtrak has been working to refurbish its cars, so you may see new upholstery or other components. All sleeper linens have been replaced in the past year.

Additionally, you'll be traveling on Amtrak's Coast Starlight, which is Amtrak's flagship train featuring a restored 1950s-era ex-Santa Fe lounge. The Pacific Parlour Car is a very posh car reserved for First Class sleeper passengers, and it features its own bar, comfy seats, a movie theater, and afternoon wine tasting! This car alone has caused me to impulse-buy many a wonderful trip on trains 11 and 14! :D

Enjoy your journey!