amtrak usa and hilton heathrow, hilton alexandria

parsonstrish · #1 (**permalink**) 15th August 2008, 07:12 PM

I did Amtrak last wk. from nyc to dc. Newish train, very clean, only abt. 3 hrs. You can pre-board within 30 min's of departure if you use red cap. Worth the tip to find a seat in comfort.

Now in England and stayed o'nite at Hilton Heathrow this week. Don't miss the information, like I did, that courtesy bus outside terminal 5 to hotel. I was a bit frustrated to finally arrive at hotel and see the jolly bus. Altho. the train links aren't too bad at heathrow, taking the one bus would have been much easier.

If you want a hotel close to dc but not in the city, the Hilton Alexandria is conveniently located next to amtrak and metro stations. Only about 15 min's by metro into dc. I paid abt. US$230 for suite last frid-monday. Separate large bedroom and large lounge. Alexandria is on the potomoc river and has some old and historical bldgs. Lots of restaurants, shops.
cheers
trish

Timtammi · #2 (**permalink**) 16th August 2008, 01:04 PM

Amtrak is good fun and good value too. I did Amtrak all down the eastern seaboard of the states a few years ago, lots of fun.

FPred · #3 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timtammi

Amtrak is good fun and good value too. I did Amtrak all down the eastern seaboard of the states a few years ago, lots of fun.

after that greyhound incident I might give trains a shot. apparently it is a much more comfy ride.

BAM1748 · #4 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPred

after that greyhound incident I might give trains a shot. apparently it is a much more comfy ride.

Hmmm, think I'd rather Amtrak than ride "the dog".

FPred · #5 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 03:10 PM

The last time I was on a train was in vietnam and that wasn't a pleasant experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM1748

Hmmm, think I'd rather Amtrak than use "the dog".

BAM1748 · #6 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPred

The last time I was on a train was in vietnam and that wasn't a pleasant experience.

Many people had some unpleasant experiences in 'nam, mainly people shooting at them.

Trying to avoid the turd world, been there done that

FPred · #7 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 03:36 PM

The train was extremely dirty in first class and extremely slow.
Overall I didn't enjoy vietnam. Cambodia was a really nice experience though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM1748

Many people had some unpleasant experiences in 'nam, mainly people shooting at them.

Trying to avoid the turd world, be there done that

BAM1748 · #8 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPred

The train was extremely dirty in first class and extremely slow.
Overall I didn't enjoy vietnam. Cambodia was a really nice experience though.

Yes public transport is such a great thing, shame about the public. When travelling by train I try to avoid the crowds.
How I prefer train travel, pity no FF points.
Private Rail Road Cars for Charter or rent.

sr81 · #9 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 04:30 PM

Amtrak is great. Massive seat pitch and very comfortable. A little slow owing to the fact that the freight roads own the track and hence pax trains come a distant second but for the price it cannot be beaten.

My favorite is the Carolina. Raleigh NC to Charleston SC. Change in Wilson NC (pronounced Wilt-son) and enjoy some local hush puppies with your 45 min wait between trains. It is the arch typical southern agricultural town.