Amtrak unveils $7 million lounge at Chicago's Union Station

Amtrak yesterday opened a new $7 million "Metropolitan Lounge" for premium customers at Chicago's Union Station.

Photo: Amtrak

The area is reserved for riders traveling in sleeping cars or in business class, as well as those in the top two tiers of Amtrak's Guest Rewards program.

The 13,500-square-foot lounge is twice the size of the lounge it replaced, according to an Amtrak press release. The new lounge has seating for 360 people.

Located behind and above one of two grand staircases off Union Station's Great Hall, the lounge has two entrances. Amenities include free snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi access and shower facilities.

"Not only does this project greatly improve the Amtrak experience for these customers, it also clears the way for changes at the Concourse Level that will improve those boarding areas," said Mark Murphy, an Amtrak senior vice president and general manager.