Amtrak Cancels East Coast Trains on August 27 and 28 (Albany, Boston, Harrisburg, New Haven, New York, Springfield,MA, St. Albans, Virginia, Washington, DC)

Amtrak has cancelled many trains operating in the Northeast on Saturday, August 27 and all trains on Sunday, August 28 due to Hurricane Irene's arrival on the East Coast.  Although the link leads to the latest public announcement of service, it may be worth tolerating the long line to talk to an agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL to get the latest information.

Alternative to Washington Union Station for December

Although I discuss hotels near Washington Union Station on my website, there is a great alternative near the Baltimore/Washington International Airport.  There is an Amtrak station right at the airport. The Aloft Baltimore Washington International Airport provides complimentary shuttle transportation to the Amtrak station (about 1/3 mile away) and the airport itself 24 hours a day.  From the station you can take Amtrak or MARC trains to Washington, Baltimore and beyond.  The hotel has 24-hour food pantry, bright and airy hotel rooms and complimentary hotel-wide Internet access according to its website.  And through the end of December, you can receive 50% of your second night's stay if your first night is Thursday, Friday or Saturday!  It is usually cheaper to stay outside of DC and now it is much cheaper!