Passenger Trains > New CUS Metropolitan Lounge

The wife and I had an invite to a preview of the new Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station today. It is scheduled to open next Monday. Several times the size of the old lounge with two levels and 12' ceilings and, of course, all new appointments. Lots of very comfortable chairs in groups as well as tables and chairs. Special section for kids and lots of video screens scattered around for schedules and TV programing. Nice new restrooms and a generous storage room for luggage. I think it's better than the lounge in DC and would give it very high marks. Entrance is located on the passageway between the concourse and the main waiting room.
Also took a look at the Legacy Club off the main waiting room. Very nice facility for coach passengers for a $20 fee.

Tom

I too was at tonight's preview...there are no words to describe how nice the new Lounge is...there will be direct access to it at street level on Canal...facilities include shower rooms and multiple seating areas on both levels.

Unfortunately I will get to 'enjoy' the old Lounge on Saturday before my departure on the Cardinal!

Posted from Android

So where is the lounge located? Is the use policy the same? Departing AND arriving by sleeper? Or departing only. Does Business Class count?  How about  PV guests who have been able to use the old lounge. I'll be going out on a PV in September so hope the lounge will be available.
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UP3806 Wrote:
-----------------------------------------------Entrance is located on the passageway between the concourse
and the main waiting room.

Uhhh, He already stated where it was. Anyway, good to see it finally was finished-- have to check it out next time I'm in town.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/23/16 18:53 by IC_2024.

Hmm. I didn't expect this.  I'll look forward to checking it out in 4 weeks on my short connection from the Cardinal to the Empire Builder.  My son will be happy there is a kids area.  

Progress!!

I never thought there was anything wrong with the old one.  I wonder how much it costs Amtrak to run these things.  Don't get me wrong; I use them when eligible, but they always seem a little over the top as far as amenities, and I find myself thinking the money it takes to operate the lounges could be better spent elsewhere.

Andy

Chicago did not have enough outlets to let people charge the batteries on all the devices they carry. The new lounge no doubt will have plenty of charging stations.

The lounges are such a nice place to await trains. Way to go Amtrak.

Posted from Android

This more walking to your train Now?? More time walking to your train?? What is Amtrak doing with with the old Lounge Now??

railcity Wrote:
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> This more walking to your train Now?? More time
> walking to your train?? What is Amtrak doing with
> with the old Lounge Now??

​The space will be used to expand the currently overcrowded coach waiting area.

No more PV passengers can use the first class in LA. No ticket and you cannot set with the coach passengers seating area. This start this week in LA.
Dennis

railcity Wrote:
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> This more walking to your train Now?? More time
> walking to your train?? What is Amtrak doing with
> with the old Lounge Now??

Not to worry my bear spraying, casino busting, Sleeping Car lovin' little pal. You will be boarding from the VVVIP Lounge. The Jetway there connects to your Superliner, where chilled Cristal awaits your discerning palette in your private accommodations. Must be nice.

Jealous much? 

AndyBrown Wrote:
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> I never thought there was anything wrong with the
> old one.  I wonder how much it costs Amtrak to
> run these things.  Don't get me wrong; I use them
> when eligible, but they always seem a little over
> the top as far as amenities, and I find myself
> thinking the money it takes to operate the lounges
> could be better spent elsewhere.
>
> Andy

Your point is well-taken.  However, anytime a part of old CUS gets a clean-up and remodel, and a new option is offered for passenger comfort, its a good thing. 

For those who've previously waited to board a train in any pre-2015 Amtrak lounge or boarding area (think hot, crowded, cramped and that wild, fragrant carpet smell) the clean, new space is welcomed.  Identifying and acting upon ideas that enable better customer service is a huge part of what retains clients.  Kudos to Amtrak's architects!

Questions have asked about checking of bags in the new lounge.  Presently, a passenger who is between trains can leave his/her bags in a secure area what is monitored by an attendent.
I've heard what when the new lounge opens, bags that are being transferred between trains will be placed in a sercured room.  However, if a passenger who does not wish his/her bags to be transfrered to another train, but simply wants them secured while walking around town to see the sites would place the bag(s) in an open area that is not protected.
Can anyone varify this?
Andy

Photos to the credit of TRAINS: David Lassen

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andersonb109 Wrote:
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> Jealous much? 

Hmm, that was tongue and cheek based on RailCity's illustrious history of colorful posts. Are you seriously that clueless? 

Twropr,   Several years, DH and I left our bags in some lockers in the station for a few quarters.  IIRC, they were upstairs from the old lounge area.  

i agree that the old one was nice but it was also very cramped.  I know when i left on #3 that often times there were few places to sit since there were several other sleeping car trains that leave before #3 does.  But the option of this lounge makes Amtrak a much better choice to travel through or to start at in Chicago.  Good job in investing for the future!



AndyBrown Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I never thought there was anything wrong with the
> old one.  I wonder how much it costs Amtrak to
> run these things.  Don't get me wrong; I use them
> when eligible, but they always seem a little over
> the top as far as amenities, and I find myself
> thinking the money it takes to operate the lounges
> could be better spent elsewhere.
>
> Andy

Curbed Chicago has a very nice article about the new lounge along with photos

http://chicago.curbed.com/2016/6/24/12024162/chicago-transportation-news-union-station-lounge