I took a long distance trip on Amtrak last year; here’s my thread on that experience:
TLDR: I really enjoyed it! I will, however, mention that you shouldn’t plan on getting there at a specific time. Pretty much assume they’re going to be at least a couple hours late.
Well, not exactly, but there are less expensive sleeper options other then the Bedroom, which sounds like what you described:
The cheapest sleeper option is what Amtrak calls a “roomette”. This is the smallest room they offer. During the day it’s two seats facing each other. When you want to go to bed the seats fold down into a bed, and a second bunk folds down from the ceiling. This option does NOT have a private bathroom or shower. You’ll have access to communal bathrooms and a communal shower in the sleeper car.
Each sleeper car has one “Family bedroom” and one “accessible bedroom”. The Family Bedroom is, like the name implies, intended to accommodate an entire family, up to four people. That’s the biggest room, the full width of the car in fact, but does not have a private bathroom either. It’s priced in between the Roomette and Bedroom, but from what I understand it’s hard to snag that room since there’s only one per car.
The Bedroom is the most expensive option. That’s the one with it’s own private bathroom and shower.
All the sleeper accommodations include meals in the dining car. Amtrak’s steak is actually quite excellent! Getting to eat in the dining car really enhances the experience IMO.
No! Since you said you’re leaving from Colorado, I assume you’ll be taking the California Zephyr for the first part of the trip. There will be an observation car (Amtrak calls it the “Sightseer Lounge”), where you can hang out, look at the scenery, and socialize with other passengers. Downstairs in the lounge car is a cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks (including beer and wine). The Sightseer Lounge is accessible to both coach and sleeper passengers.