"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" does not APPROACH what this SPECTACULAR, once-in-a-lifetime, yet accessible, and affordable, travel "experience" known as "The Empire Builder" has to offer! It is NOT for people that are in a rush. Nor people that are tied to their cell phone reception, as Montana has NONE. That said, the spreadsheet can wait while some of Our Nation's MOST JAW-DROPPING scenery glides by, nearly silently, outside. The roommette, family, and disabled bedrooms on the lower level rides about a foot off the ground, lending extra smoothness. Biggest, most pleasant surprise? The HOT WATER & SHOWER PRESSURE WERE AWESOME! There's a community changing room/shower stall on the lower level, open to all compartment passengers. I kinda thought "Hmm...sketchy? clean? standing on a slick surface on a MOVING train? how much hot water do ya get?" Wrong, Wrong, Wrong, & Wrong ! ! ! I'd pay $50 more a month rent to get the kinda hot water AND water pressure in my Loft, that I got, going 79 mph, across North Dakota, at 2 in the morning. OMG! I know it seems silly, but, what a really GREAT SURPRISE, huh? ALL Meals were included in the compartment charge, and were very good, very fresh, very friendly. Purchases in the club car (such as beer, liquor, snacks) are at your cost, of course. That said, the sleeping compartment folks are treated to champagne, mints, and toiletries bags upon departure, and a 4 wine and 3 cheese tasting while "Big Sky Country" glides by outside. If, as I, you have never quite gotten what "Big Sky" meant, and how truly, unbelievably VAST Our Nation is...THIS IS YOUR TRAIN! There are simply not enough superlatives I can use. Worst criticism, we arrived in Chicago, after compounding freight delays across the Nation but especially along the Canadian National lines in WI, 5 hours late. Certainly a hassle for those with connections, but all connections were covered by Amtrak and communicated to those affected regularly and clearly. I terminated in Chicago, so no effect for me.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=537647582984439 read more