What is sleeper car service on Amtrak like?

Check Amtrak's site, there are usually three sleeper accommodations available: a small room with fold-down beds that's about 7' x 4', a much larger compartment with toilet, a room that's the full width of the car with multiple beds, and a room that includes bath/shower in it. The car includes two shower rooms and four bathrooms, shared by the passengers. We did 46 hours on Chicago to Portland (in the smallest room) and being able to stretch out comfortably made all the difference in the world. Train seats are wider, longer, and much more comfortable that airplane seats but I have never been able to sleep comfortably on them. We never had any problem with lines for the showers (never saw anyone, actually) and plenty of hot water & fresh towels. In contrast to 20 gummy-eyed hours in airports, it was great. Anyone with a sleeper ticket is on first class passage and gets immediate service in dining cars without signing up on a queue. Prices vary _widely_ by season. Each person must buy a ticket, but you only pay for your compartment once. Oh, and you have unlimited use of the first class lounge in your arrival & departure stations which include snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, internet, tv, cab stands, newspapers - really, far nicer than most airline lounges.

Yes, meals are included in the price of the Sleeping Car service. The car attendants come around twice a day to either set up the beds or replace them for day travel. I would suggest you only keep vital necessities in your room and ALWAYS keep any valuables with you!

If nothing else it gives you more space to yourself (or yourself and shared with a roomate depending what kind of sleeper compartment) If it's an overnight trip, I would...much better than coach... Here's Amtrak's page about how many people what holds...if you click on one and scroll down there's a "3d view" of how the room is laid out. http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&cid=1080080554190

It's basically a private area with a bed. It's pretty adventurous if you've never done it before.

sure i'll give you advice. the sleeper car costs more than double what a regular ticket costs, yes it does come with meals, however, i don;t see value in it. I'd just go coach. san antonio to chicago should be about 30 hours i'm guessing.