Tired of the drab, predictable experience of train travel? Amtrak is betting big on transforming your journey with the unveiling of its upgraded and reimagined Metropolitan Lounges, promising a haven of comfort, convenience, and even culinary delight for its discerning passengers.

In a move designed to elevate the travel experience and compete directly with air travel, Amtrak is pouring significant investment into its station lounges, particularly those serving high-traffic routes between major northeastern cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. The recent overhaul of the Metropolitan Lounge at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City exemplifies this commitment, transforming what was once described as a "dull dungeon" into a bright, modern, and welcoming space.

Category	Information
Lounge Name	Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge
Locations	Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City (Moynihan Train Hall), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), Washington, D.C.
New York Location	Moynihan Train Hall, Mezzanine Level
Access Eligibility	Amtrak Acela First Class Passengers, Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members, and other eligible passengers.
New York Lounge Hours	5:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Monday - Friday), 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Bar Service Hours	11:00 AM onwards (purchase required)
Website Reference	Amtrak Official Website - Moynihan Train Hall

The New York lounge, in particular, represents a significant upgrade. It offers a respite from the often chaotic environment of Penn Station, providing a comfortable and stylish space for travelers to relax before their journey. The lounge is conveniently situated on the Mezzanine level of the Moynihan Train Hall, easily accessible to eligible passengers.

The Metropolitan Lounge at Bostons South Station shares this commitment to a modern and comfortable experience. The design aesthetic emphasizes cleanliness and a calming atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of a busy transportation hub. These renovations and improvements are clearly aimed at attracting and retaining customers who might otherwise choose air travel.

Access to the Metropolitan Lounge is typically granted to Amtrak Acela First Class passengers and Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members. The lounges provide a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. These often include comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and charging stations to keep devices powered. Some locations, like the renovated lounge in New York City, now feature staffed bars offering a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hot food for purchase, adding a premium element to the lounge experience.

Amtrak is also focusing on improving the culinary offerings within its Metropolitan Lounges. In New York City, Amtrak customers can now savor new, seasonal menu items within the Moynihan Train Hall lounge. These dishes are being rolled out on a monthly cycle, demonstrating Amtraks commitment to providing fresh and innovative options. A key focus of this new menu is sustainability. The improvements include eliminating 95% of plastic packaging and individually packaged products. More food preparation is being done in the lounges kitchen to reduce waste, and unsustainable materials are being replaced with eco-friendly alternatives.

The Metropolitan Lounge in NYC offers a diverse menu to cater to various tastes. For a quick snack, travelers can choose from options such as Amys bread pastries and street corn hummus. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes items like a grilled chicken ciabatta baguette, Santa Fe chicken flatbread, and a poached pear, blue cheese, and pecan salad. The staffed bar provides a selection of beverages, including local New York beers, showcasing the states thriving craft brewery scene.

However, the level of offerings can vary significantly between different Metropolitan Lounges. While some are fully staffed and feature extensive amenities, others are simply private rooms offering a quiet place to wait for train boarding. The locations and operating hours also differ. For example, the Metropolitan Lounge at Union Station in Chicago is beautifully redone and exceptionally clean. The lounge in New York is typically open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. The Metropolitan Lounge located between gates D and E at Union Station, on the other hand, is open from 4:45 a.m. Monday through Friday and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are currently ten Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges in the United States, primarily located on the East Coast. In addition to the lounges already mentioned, they can be found in Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. For those traveling in the western United States, there are two Metropolitan Lounges on the West Coast, in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Amtrak's commitment to improving its lounge facilities extends beyond the Metropolitan Lounges. Upgrades to the ClubAcela in Philadelphia are nearly complete, and Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Lounge opened in 2020. These lounge renovations are part of a broader effort to modernize the Amtrak travel experience and make it more appealing to passengers. This is particularly important in regions where Amtrak competes directly with air travel, such as the Northeast Corridor.

Despite the improvements, some challenges remain. During peak travel times, especially when multiple long-distance trains are arriving within a short period, queues can become quite long. Additionally, the location of some lounges within busy train stations can sometimes make them feel less like a relaxing retreat and more like an extension of the crowded station environment. However, Amtrak's ongoing investments in its lounge network suggest a commitment to addressing these challenges and providing a consistently high-quality experience for its premium passengers.

The focus on sustainability in the new menu items is another positive step, aligning Amtrak with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices. By reducing plastic waste and prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, Amtrak is not only improving the passenger experience but also contributing to a more sustainable future. This commitment to sustainability is a significant differentiator in the travel industry and may attract environmentally conscious travelers who are seeking alternatives to air travel.

The improvements to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounges are a welcome development for train travelers. The promise of a comfortable and convenient pre-departure experience, coupled with improved food and beverage options and a commitment to sustainability, makes train travel a more attractive option for both business and leisure travelers. As Amtrak continues to invest in its station lounges, passengers can look forward to an even more enhanced and enjoyable travel experience in the years to come. The transformation of these spaces is a key element in Amtrak's strategy to compete with air travel and solidify its position as a viable and appealing transportation option.

Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounges provide a refuge from the hustle of travel for eligible passengers. With amenities ranging from comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi to staffed bars and seasonal menus, the lounges aim to create a more relaxing and enjoyable travel experience. While offerings and access vary by location, the overall goal is to provide a premium experience that rivals air travel. Here is a list of the seven cities in the US with Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, DC. The focus on sustainability in the new menu items is another major win, making train travel an option for those looking for ecofriendly solutions.

List of Amtrak Station Lounges Locations & Hours [2024]

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