City of New Orleans Amtrak Roomette: Chicago to Memphis Review and First Stop

Train travel has a way of slowing you down before you even reach the destination.

For this trip, we started in Chicago and took Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route to Memphis. This was the first leg of our journey before continuing to New Orleans two days later. Since there were three of us, we booked two roomettes instead of one bedroom. Part of that decision was availability, but looking back, I am glad it worked out that way. The extra roomette gave us more flexibility for sleeping, privacy, and keeping our luggage nearby.

As someone who loves travel, I believe a solid plan should back a good trip. This ride was a reminder that comfort, cost, space, and expectations all matter when deciding what type of travel experience is worth it for your family.

Starting the Trip in Chicago

Our trip began in Chicago, where we boarded the train for Memphis. This was stop one of a larger Amtrak adventure that would eventually take us to New Orleans.

One thing I enjoy about train travel is that the transportation becomes part of the trip. You are not just rushing through an airport or waiting at a gate. You are settling in, looking out the window, eating on board, walking through the train, and letting the experience unfold.

That slower pace is part of what makes train travel memorable.

https://youtu.be/M7glV7FKgDQ

The Roomette Was Smaller Than Expected

Let me be clear. The roomette was small.

I knew it would be compact, but it felt even tighter in person. There was only about a foot of space near the door, so once you add bags, bedding, and people, you feel the limits quickly. Compared to the Florida Silver Meteor roomette we had before, this one felt more limited because it lacked a toilet and sink in the room.

For one night, it worked. For a longer trip, I would think carefully about who is traveling, how much luggage we have, and whether the roomette setup fits the experience we want.

The biggest takeaway is this: go in with realistic expectations. A roomette can be cozy and private, but it is not spacious.

Why Two Roomettes Worked for Three People

Because there were three of us, two roomettes turned out to be a smart choice.

We had more flexibility with sleeping arrangements, more space to keep our things, and a little more breathing room. We also kept our luggage with us rather than placing it in the main storage area, and that worked well for this trip.

From a budgeting perspective, this is where travel planning becomes personal. The cheapest option is not always the best value, and the most expensive option is not always necessary. You have to look at the real experience.

Ask yourself:

• Would more space make the trip more enjoyable?

• Will you be comfortable sharing tight quarters overnight?

• Do you need easier access to luggage?

• Are you traveling with children, older relatives, or anyone who needs more privacy?

That is how you decide whether the cost difference is worth it.

Roomette Versus Bedroom

We did get a look at the bedroom, even though we did not book it.

The bedroom clearly offered more space. During the day, three people could probably sit there more comfortably than in a roomette. The bedroom also has an en suite shower and toilet, which is a major convenience. That said, even with the beds folded down, the bedroom can still feel somewhat tight.

For me, the bedroom may be worth considering if privacy, in-room bathroom access, or extra space are priorities. For a shorter overnight ride, two roomettes may still be a practical option, especially if availability or pricing makes the bedroom harder to justify.

The Observation Car Was a Highlight

The observation car is one of my favorite parts of train travel.

We saw it at night and during the day, and it gave us a chance to sit back and enjoy the ride. There is something calming about watching the scenery change as you move through different cities and states.

This is one of those parts of travel that does not always show up in the cost comparison. You may compare airfare versus train fare by only considering price or time. But the experience matters too.

For some trips, the journey itself is part of the value.

The Food Was Better Than Expected

Dinner was one of the pleasant surprises.

The meal came with a beverage, and the food was good. I had a salad and a main course, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the ride. Sometimes you go into travel meals with modest expectations, so when the food is enjoyable, it adds to the overall experience.

That is also helpful when thinking about the total cost of the trip. If meals are included or you reduce the number of meals you need to purchase separately, that can affect your travel budget.

Bathroom and Shower Setup

Because this roomette did not include a toilet or sink, we used the communal bathroom and shower setup.

It was manageable, but it is something to think about before booking. Some travelers will be fine with that arrangement. Others may prefer the privacy and convenience of a bedroom.

This is where knowing your own travel style matters. A trip can be affordable and still not feel like a good value if it does not match your comfort needs.

Arriving in Memphis by Train

Arriving in Memphis by train felt calm and memorable.

There is something different about stepping off the train into a new city. It makes the arrival feel like part of the story, not just the end of the ride. We also stayed at the Curio by Hilton right at the station, which was incredibly convenient after getting off the train.

That convenience matters. When you are planning a trip, look beyond the ticket price. Consider transportation from the station, hotel location, luggage, timing, and how tired you may be when you arrive.

A hotel that costs a little more but saves transportation stress may be worth it.

Memphis Stop: Places to Visit

If you are planning your own Memphis stop, you can explore tours, attractions, and local experiences here:

What I Would Tell Someone Before Booking

Before booking a roomette on this route, I would keep these points in mind.

The roomette is very compact. Two roomettes may work better than trying to squeeze everyone into one space. A bedroom offers more space and private bathroom access, but it may cost more or be harder to book. The observation car adds real value to the experience. The food may surprise you in a good way. Staying near the station can make the arrival much easier.

As a financial counselor, I often remind people that good spending decisions are not only about spending less. They are about spending with intention.

For this trip, the roomette worked because we understood the tradeoff. It gave us privacy, a place to sleep, meals, and a memorable travel experience. It was not perfect, but it was worth it for this leg of the journey.

Final Thoughts on Amtrak to Memphis

The Chicago-to-Memphis portion of our Amtrak trip was a good first stop.

The roomette was smaller than expected, but having two helped. The food was good, the observation car was a highlight, and arriving in Memphis by train made the trip feel special. This was only the first leg before continuing to New Orleans, but it gave us a strong start.

Travel does not always have to be about rushing to the destination. Sometimes the better memory comes from choosing a slower route and planning well enough to enjoy it.

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Planning a trip and trying to make the numbers work? Harris Financial Coaching can help you build a travel budget that supports the memories without creating financial stress.

Annette has shared financial insight in national outlets, including Bankrate and Military Families Magazine.