When I stay in hotels, I try to make my room feel like home by unpacking my belongings.
But when I'm traveling overnight by train, I don't expect to find storage for my things — if you're looking for that, however, I recommend splurging on Amtrak's private bedroom.
To date, I've spent 80 hours on overnight trains in the US and Europe. And after four nights on sleeper trains in shared and private cabins, Amtrak's bedroom is still my favorite thanks to its storage solutions.
Two years ago, I booked a private bedroom on an overnight Amtrak train for $1,000. For a 30-hour journey from Miami to New York, I had a 45-square-foot space with two beds and a full bathroom all to myself. And I was surprised to find storage compartments for my stuff.
When I stepped into the bedroom, I noticed a cabinet where I could store toiletries and other personal items. Amtrak's website doesn't mention the storage space that comes with a bedroom, so I was delighted to see this.
Like I do in a hotel room, I unpacked my toothbrush, face wash, and other toiletry items in the cabinet. Even though it was just a one-night stay, it was nice to open the cabinet in the morning to find everything I needed to freshen up — just like at home.
I also spotted a closet next to the bed with three hangers inside.
I didn't end up using the closet since I was traveling home from a beach trip in Miami and didn't have any jackets to hang up, plus I'd worn all the clothes I'd brought with me. Still, it was a nice touch, and next time I book an Amtrak bedroom, I know I'll take advantage of this perk — especially if I'm traveling with more stuff.
Business travelers on longer-haul Amtrak trips might also find it worth booking a bedroom so they have access to a closet, especially if they want to avoid arriving at their destination with wrinkled clothing.
Two years after my trip, I still highly recommend Amtrak's bedroom. It made me feel more at home than any other train accommodation.
