Cracker,
1. Hotel eating - In general, you will select an entry of the menu that may have several items. For example - a roast turkey plate that may come with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, beans, etc. Some times you can order "ala carte" which means you get just that item only. So ala carte turkey is just turkey. The menu for luncheon and supper will typically differ in selection, size of meal and price. If by chance the hotel offers breakfast it might be a standard breakfast or a "continental breakfast" which is lighter fare and of a limited selection.
In a nice hotel, there is a Maitre D that handles reservations ( a good idea to place for dinner seating ), a head waiter, an assistant waiter, a wine steward and a bus boy who will take away dishes and the like.
For supper do not let the head waiter suggest any of that Flank Steak bullshit on you - get the London Broil!
Other Mrs Thompson favorites are Beef Wellington, Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, potato soup, dinner rolls and apple pie for dessert.
2. What to wear in the hotel
Dress smartly but comfortably during the day. At night wear your best clothes.
3. Riding the train
Try and get a window seat on the train if you can - looking at the country side is enjoyable. If you can avoid the cars up near the locomotive it might be best as you will want to avoid the train smoke. If it is a long trip, you might want a berth in a sleeper car as that is more comfortable.
Also do not be surprised if you see a fat lady hitting a kid in the train station. Every time, Mrs. T. has taken a train, there was a fat lady hitting a kid in the train station.