I'm not sure what's appealing about traveling by train. I've done it from Maryland to Florida and other than the fact you don't have to drive, it was fairly miserable from my memory as a kid. I'd rather drive and be in control personally.
If you have your own private room with a toilet and shower, I can see the appeal. If it was just like the trains I take into NYC for a few days, it'd suck the big one.
I've done a bit of research on this as well. Apparently of those who drop the money for a bedroom (with bathroom) over a roomette (no bathroom), they still shower in the dedicated car showers instead of of the private one. it's so small, you'd end up shower while on the toilet otherwise.
On a train, you can booze though.
You can only booze with your own on the train if you get your own cabin. In coach you're technically not allowed to bring your own alcohol.
From reading about dozens of other trips and advice from long time riders, it sounds like the roomette is the best value. Apparently the private bathroom isn't really worth it, and it's nicer to spend most of the time in the lounge car as opposed to your closet of a room anyway. Also, if you get a sleeper room, all your meals in the dining car are free. That's a plus as they are pretty over priced.