A Conshohocken native is helping to reinvent luxury travel, writes Ariel Zilber for The New York Post.
Mike Avena, founder and CEO of Halloway, is offering private railcar charters attached to Amtrak routes. The experience gives travelers what he describes as a ride “above first class.” The service allows groups of six to book restored 1950s-era railcars outfitted with glass dome ceilings, leather seating, fine dining service and private sleeping suites.
Two recent trips, a 12-hour Coast Starlight journey in California priced at $10,000 and a 36-hour California Zephyr trip costing $18,500, both sold out. Longer routes, including a New York-to-New Orleans option, top $28,000 for six passengers.
The cars include five bedrooms, a master suite with a private shower, a dining room with china and crystal, a media room and even an open-air platform for scenic stops. A chef and steward are part of the experience.
Halloway doesn’t own the railcars but acts as a booking marketplace, coordinating privately owned luxury cars that have long existed but were often difficult to reserve.
“If you want to charter a private railcar, we can arrange for charters between most major cities along the U.S. passenger rail network,” Avena said.
From Conshohocken to coast-to-coast routes, Avena is betting there’s a market for travelers who want serious style.
To learn more about Halloway’s trips, visit The New York Post.
