I paid $230 for a first-class roomette on Amtrak. After my journey was delayed 5 hours, I appreciated the extra space.

Train travel in America has experienced a renaissance, with more travelers choosing rail over air for medium-distance journeys. Curious about the premium experience, I booked a first-class roomette on Amtrak's Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

The $230 upgrade from coach seemed steep initially, but I wanted to understand whether Amtrak's premium offering justified the cost. What I experienced was a mix of old-world charm and modern frustrations that ultimately highlighted both the potential and limitations of American rail travel.

The roomette itself exceeded my expectations. The private compartment, though compact, felt thoughtfully designed. During the day, it featured two comfortable seats facing each other with a table between them. The large window provided unobstructed views of California's diverse landscape.

Amtrak staff converted the seating area into upper and lower berths for overnight travel. The beds, while narrow, were surprisingly comfortable with clean linens and adequate pillows. Having a private space to sleep made the overnight journey far more restful than coach.

The real test came when our train encountered a five-hour delay due to freight traffic congestion – a common issue on routes where Amtrak shares tracks with cargo trains. In coach, this would have been miserable. In the roomette, it was merely inconvenient.

During the delay, I had space to work on my laptop, make phone calls privately, and even take a short nap. The roomette's privacy became invaluable as frustrated passengers in coach became increasingly vocal about the delays.

First-class passengers received complimentary meals in the dining car, which featured locally-sourced ingredients and surprisingly good preparation. The salmon dinner and continental breakfast were substantial improvements over typical travel food.

Service from the sleeping car attendant was attentive without being intrusive. They provided regular updates about delays, offered additional amenities, and ensured the compartment was properly configured for both day and night use.

The roomette's compact bathroom, while basic, provided essential privacy and convenience. Having access to a private sink and toilet eliminated the need to navigate crowded coach facilities during the journey.

Despite the significant delay, the roomette experience felt worth the premium. The privacy, comfort, and included amenities transformed what could have been a stressful journey into a relatively pleasant travel experience.

For travelers considering Amtrak's premium options, the roomette represents good value for overnight journeys, especially when delays are likely. The upgrade cost becomes more justifiable when viewed as both transportation and accommodation combined.