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Making VIA’s Prestige-class bed
I hope the Concierges take off their shoes or put on clean booties or use some other method to avoid stepping on the sofa cushion with street shoes to remove the stored pillows, as shown in picture two.
It’s a shame the top sheet must be so wrinkled under the duvet–I guess it is a flat sheet. I wonder if a fitted sheet would make a better appearance.
I also wish they had one or two single roomettes. I’m a single traveler and wonder if I could pay less for a smaller roomette. Probably not, but I guess that’s my problem. Single travelers or single diners are looked on at a bit odd, although I don’t really understand why.
Looks very well done!
$5000.00 per couple seems stiff. have made that same trip before at about 75 percent of this one. dont know how they will justify the cost if nothing else has changed other then a tv in the room.
This is a train trip! If you want to watch the tv a motel room costs less than $100 a night.
How about some moderate sleeping accommodations for those who just don’t want to sit up all night? Amtrak could use some too. How about bringing back the slumber coach?
Amtrak, Slumbercoach?
If they would be still arround, the price would be only a litte cheaper than a Viewliner Roomette.
Best example, Superliner Economy Bedrooms, les comortable than a Slumbercoach but the price?
Would be nice to have an exterieur picture of a Chateu Sleeper, finaly.
Wonder how the larger windows, will affect the outside apperence of the cars?
Having ridden in this very bedroom back in January, my wife and I enjoyed every aspect of the Prestige Class and all the amenities associated with it. This is a “not to be missed” trip for those who enjoy classic rail travel. VIA Rail has made a commitment to high level service and all the employees we encountered take this committment seriously while at the same time appear to truly enjoy what he or she is doing. This was a bucket list item for us, but we have added it back to the bucket because after this trip, one is too few.
Why a TV? Who wants to watch a TV while on a train?? Enjoy the night sky, lights in the cities and towns, daytime vistas! Remove TV price to 4K!
Why a TV? Because this is 2015 and most people have been brought up on canned entertainment and could care less about the night shy - Boring! I stay in inns that don’t have TVs and you should hear people complain about the lack of electronic junk. Even in hotel rooms that have TVs, I seldom turn them on. Staying disconnected to the world and other people is the best way to go.
“Prestige Class” is VIA’s top class on The Canadian. If you want a sleeper but don’t want to pay as much there is also “Sleeper Plus Class” for about half the price. For the extra money, beyond the TV and Murphy bed, you get a private shower and enhanced service. According to VIA’s website both classes have access to the Park car and diner service is included.
Hats off to VIA for adding a new level of luxury travel on a public train. We were fortunate to ride the Canadian in September 2014, Vancouver-Toronto, when Laurentide Park made its unofficial debut as the tail car. What a well-designed and appointed car! If you cannot afford the Prestige Class fare, join VIA Preference (frequent traveler program), which often promotes discounts up to 60% off. We used this for our September trip, but still had access to Laurentide Park! (Word to the wise: couples should book side-by-side roomettes. You have all the fun of traveling together at a lower fare than the bedroom, but more privacy and room when you need it. Either way, you are sleeping in a bunk bed, so may as well have a bit more wiggle room!)
Because of this article, my wife and I decided to take the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto in September. We can’t afford the prestige class, but we are getting a cabin for two. Can hardly wait as it sounds fantastic. Anyone have any suggestions for this trip?
Now I’m 77 but I remember traveling on Canadian National during WW2 from Buffalo, NY to Charlottetown, PEI and sharing a bed with my now deceased mother. Oh the memories! jwn_73@yahoo.com Later on my family relocated from Depew, NY to Portland, OR by Amtrak, I love railroading!