What Others Are Saying

Here are some selections from a few familiar publications that have mentioned our rail carriages and their unique travel experiences.   Featured excerpts are taken directly from publications like Sunset Magazine, Country Inns & New York Newsday.

'HOUSTON'

"A 1928 beauty with hand-rubbed Honduran Mahogany paneling, is an excellent choice for longer routes. The car boasts the largest bedroom suite of any car. Each of the four sleeping compartments contains an original sterling silver pull- down sink. Terrycloth bathrobes and fancy soaps are standard amenities. Service, reminiscent of the golden age of railroad barons, is gracious and special requests are expected and met. The car has been host to many of Hollywood's leading film stars, politicians and industrial tycoons".

The Houston Post,
November 4, 1990

"Uncommon Journeys offer the most luxurious (and expensive) trips. Four cars run throughout the US on tours or on your own custom schedule. Cars are from the 1920's; interiors include mahogany paneling, silk shades and Hepplewhite chairs"

Sunset Magazine, March 1991

'LOS ANGELES'

"A 1928 jewel with white lacquer decor, has three sleeping compartments, two containing double beds. Terrycloth bathrobes and fancy soaps are standard amenities. In the 1940's and 1950's, Hollywood leading film stars, plus politicians and industrial tycoons, were among this car's passengers"

St. Petersburg Times,
November 4, 1990

'HOUSTON'

"...HOUSTON offers a more understated elegance. Throughout the HOUSTON, walls glow with the warmth of hand-rubbed Honduran mahogany. The rich patina adds depth and continuity of the interior of this 1928 Pullman. The car retains all of its original fixtures and furnishings-making it a true time capsule of 1920's train travel. The HOUSTON also boasts the largest bedroom of any railcar in the country. In the HOUSTON dining room, elegant gourmet meals are served on the original, circa 1934 Southern Pacific Railroad settings of bone-colored china with the gilt 'SP' logo. The intricately carved antique Hepplewhite chairs echo the room's mahogany paneling".

Country Inns Magazine,
October 1989

'LOS ANGELES'

"...this 1928 built Pullman- Standard car once hosted the rich and famous, the who's who of industry and other dignitaries. It was the train car Robert Kennedy used while stomping the campaign train. Newly restored to its original pre-war decor, the car boasts carved 1930's-style moldings, crystal light fixtures, fresh cut flowers, mahogany appointments and big picture windows. The 'Los Angeles' sleeps seven, comes complete with a formal dining room, observation lounge, staterooms, and the onboard services of a master chef, steward and concierge. The chefs are trained by the acclaimed Regina Charboneau, and they use the finest ingredients to prepare the likes of cream biscuits, delicate oyster soup, seared venison and chocolate banana tarte".

Hollywood Reporter,
November 1, 1991

'HOUSTON'

The HOUSTON, A 1928 beauty with hand rubbed Honduran- mahogany paneling, is an excellent choice for longer routes. Each of the four sleeping compartments contains an original sterling-silver pull down sink. Service, reminiscent of the golden days of the railroad barons, is gracious and special requests are expected and met. The car has been host to politicians and Hollywood's leading film stars.

New York Newsday,
October 4, 1992

'LOS ANGELES'

'LOS ANGELES' is named for its home base and exemplifies the brighter, more contemporary style of Hollywood. In fact, Douglas Fairbanks, Ginger Rogers and Noel Coward enjoyed the car during its heyday. Although it is the same size as the HOUSTON, the LOS ANGELES features a larger lounge area and its four bedrooms sleeps seven guests comfortably. Couples will appreciate the double beds in the two master bedrooms, a rare find on a train.... The dining room chairs, like the side chairs in the lounge, were obtained from a luxurious French Ocean Liner. The place settings, again monogrammed with the Southern Pacific logo, are the same as those once used by movie stars in the 1930's and 1940's. Standard operating procedure includes impeccable white jacketed butlers and complete silver service. Drinks are delivered on silver trays. Rolls and pastries, baked fresh on board and served piping hot and wrapped in linen napkins, also arrive on gleaming platters. Even after-dinner mints are formally presented. And it would be unthinkable to bother a guest with the signing of a check.

Country Inns Magazine,
October 1989

'HOUSTON'

"....I was not to be disappointed aboard the 1928 San Francisco- based private varnish, the HOUSTON. Particular about providing impeccable service, tour operator Christopher Kyte offer guests bouquets of fresh flowers, terrycloth bathrobes, scented soaps, evening turn down, room service summoned by the ring of a bell and gourmet dining. The HOUSTON is one of the private railroad cars whose original design has not been altered. The dark rubbed Honduran mahogany paneling and built-in cabinets are original. Brass light fixtures with frosted glass shades are reproductions of the early 1900 Pullman style fixtures. Each of the four sleeping compartments contains a toilet and the original, gleaming sterling silver sink. The car boasts the largest bedroom suite of any car in the United States-measuring eight by seventeen feet.

'....Later we chatted over cocktails in the lounge then proceeded to the dining room for dinner. China, crystal, white linen and a centerpiece of fragrant yellow roses provided the perfect setting for a formal, candlelight repast. The amiable young steward served courses of Caesar salad, Veal Milanese with fresh vegetable bought from a produce stand along the route, and for dessert, poached pears drenched In raspberry sauce. An excellent bottle of wine accompanied the delicious, freshly prepared meal. Coffee, liqueurs and a leisurely conversation followed as we watched distant city lights twinkle past the windows in the darkness.

Innsider Magazine, March 1990