I’ve tried a variety of classes for overnight train travel in the US and Europe, from private cabins to seated cars. However, this was my first time spending two consecutive nights on the same train, so I thought it would be worth it to book a room on Amtrak for $2,200. The rate also includes meals.

Sleeper class accommodation is essentially a small hotel room. The private cabin, about 50 square feet, looked like a living room during the day, with a folding table, a comfortable seat, and a long couch. At night, the sofa was removed and another bunk bed was lowered from the ceiling, transforming the space into a bedroom.

It wouldn’t be a hotel room without a closet and a bathroom, and it had both, with a sink and vanity facing the closet. It also had a private bathroom and shower in a small space separated by a door. There was also closet storage space.

Booking a room made my trip much more comfortable than it would have been in a coach seat or a small room, a smaller class cabin without a private bathroom.

Without feeling overwhelmed or having to shower in the car’s shared bathrooms, it was much easier to relax and enjoy the trip.