Goshawk posted:clem k posted:You can't really think of a 6 hour layover in Chicago as a delay
, if you think of layover time as a delay you have the wrong mode of transportation. Thats not a delay thats exploration time !!
You can explore a lot in 6 hours and have a really good meal in one of downtown Chicago's great restaurants. get some train watching in also. I travel long-distance Amtrak a few times a year. Chicago, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, D.C. all have great delays (exploration time). I also ride the Canadian, more great exploration time, Vancouver, Jasper, Toronto.
I do tip the room steward and the dining car staff, I'm never sure how much to tip. Use to be it wasn't expected. two years ago on the VIA Canadian the steward gave me my tip back. It's good you got the room on Amtrak. With sleeper accommodations you also get use of the first class lounge in Chicago. The first meal on all trains leaving Chicago is evening dinner. You will share your dining car table with other people, some people don't like that but I do, meet a lot of interesting people. Have fun and talk to everyone
Remember its the journey
Clem
I would 100% agree with this. Pretty sure there are lockers in Union Station. Store your stuff and go explore. Chicago is a fun city, go see it! You need to try the Billy Goat Tavern, Lou Malnati's Pizza or Al's Beef Sandwiches.
All pretty good selections for food, however if you want a REAL nice lunch prior to your 3PM departure, walk about 3 or 4 blocks east from Union Station to the Berghoff Restaurant. Truly excellent German dining (for what it's worth, they still hold the number 1 Chicago Liquor License). Not cheap, but their sauerbraten & potato pancakes is out of this world.
