On January 15 I decided to check out the new Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station, thanks to a free pass I received for renewing my Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card.  An actual train ticket was unnecessary, although that would have made the visit a little sweeter.  Nevertheless, this newly renovated space is the cleanest, newest, brightest, most relaxing atmosphere I’ve ever encountered in a train station.

First of all, there are windows!  The new Metropolitan Lounge space includes the Pennsylvania Room at ground level above the main portion of the lounge, which is at track level.  This is a welcome contrast to the old space’s lack of windows.

The highlights of the Pennsylvania Room are some PRR photographs adorning the walls.

More views of the Pennsylvania Room.  Bright, modern, and plenty of space.

The main space (track level) has plenty of space and includes a children’s area.

The snack snack and beverage area is self serve and features a flat screen arrival and departure monitor.  More snacks were brought out after this photo was taken – nuts and snack mix.

I’ll end this post with the most pleasant of surprises during my visit:  a clean restroom!  This is BY FAR the cleanest restroom I have EVER seen in a public train station.  All in all, Amtrak’s new Metropolitan Lounge is well worth a visit whenever your sleeping car ticket finds you at Chicago Union Station.  Check it out!

Have you visited Amtrak’s newly renovated spaces in Chicago Union Station?  What did you think?  Let me know: