I had the chance to visit Amtrak‘s “new” Metropolitan Lounge in Los Angeles recently, as part of a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego.
The Metropolitan Lounge is part of Amtrak‘s limited lounge network in major cities only. On the east coast, you have ClubAcela. In the Midwest and on the west coast you have Metropolitan Lounges.
The Metropolitan Lounge can be accessed by same day Business Class customers, Select Executive Members or those in sleeping car accommodations.
The lounge itself is actually in a very awkward location. When looking at the ticket counter, it’s around the corner and you need to take an elevator up to the second floor.
Once upstairs you’ll see signage leading you inside.
Once you step inside, you’re greeted by an attendant who will verify your ticket or credentials.
The lounge itself is actually quite small, though I imagine it doesn’t get overly packed, outside of maybe some weekdays Surfliner trips.
There’s a snack and drink bar with limited non alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea and chips and cookies.
At the time of my visit, the Wi-Fi was completely unusable. There was about 10-12 people inside – some working on laptops, some on the phone and some grabbing snacks from the counter, but otherwise a very low key environment.
Sure, it’s better than waiting in the station below, but i wouldn’t say it was drastically better, either. 🙂
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
I took an Amtrak cross country trip in Oct 2017, The lounges were some of the best parts of the trip ( at certain locations) We started in Tampa FL – Lounge resembled an empty library in a closed school! – Orlando the same. DC’s lounge was a huge upgrade and a great place to get out of the bustle but no food allowed in the lounge but wifi was free and chairs comfortable and a clean bathroom. Was a little freaked when police/capital security and secret service came in but found out a few politicians were using the lounge also. Chicago’s lounge was the best, good snacks, lots of fruit and drinks, even a clean shower. This shower was a god send as it was really difficult to shower in a moving train!!. Wifi was great in the Chicago lounge also. From Chicago to Portland Oregon – there is no wifi anywhere ( not on the train – not at stops) Portland Oregon Lounge is really old and dated but had wifi , a great host who got us on a soon connection but only bottled water. Ended in Seattle WA and they are supposed to have a lounge but did not see it. We had never done a train trip and now understand why they call a lot of states “flyover states”. Trains were rough riding , never on time, sleeping cars tiny.
Train is my new mode for transportation. I have a disability & a roomette is great for me. I don’t have to navigate a moving train. Just stay to myself. All meals are already paid for in price.
Attendant on train could not have been more helpful. Wonderful Amtrak employees, until arriving at Union station in Los Angeles terrible customer service! I slept like a log on train & was very comfortable my whole trip.
San Antonio to Bakersfield, CA I am leaving tomorrow Wednesday 7/10/19 from Bakersfield CA to Nashville TN . This time I fully intend to take advantage of the lounges in Los Angeles & Chicago