Pittsburgh is classic old-school America – steel-and-stone buildings sit beside brick row homes and beloved public libraries. The city melds art-deco swagger with beaux-arts elegance beautifully and has been undergoing a renaissance of sorts in the last few years. Not only has there been an influx of innovative companies, but also it boasts a burgeoning culinary and food scene that few cities in the world can rival. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also hailed as one of the world’s most livable cities. So, it’s no surprise that Pittburgh’s hotels have seen an increase in demand. The best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania range from luxurious grand dame hotels to boutique hotels and even incredible bed and breakfasts for design-loving and travelers. No matter what your budget is or which neighborhood you’re in, Pittsburgh’s hotels provide stylish and comfortable stays for all kinds of visitors in all seasons.
What drives this demand is the fact that Pittsburgh is such a well-rounded destination. Besides people traveling here for work, it’s also amongst the Best US City Breaks for Sports Fans. It also has botanical gardens dating back to the late 19th century, as well as superb sights such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Frick Art and Historical Center. It’s also home to the wonderful Duquesne Incline, the 1877-built funicular that offers spectacular views of the city. Pittsburgh, thus, has something for every traveler, which is why it should be the next destination on your list. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Where to Stay in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh might be one hell of a city, but it’s large – so large that it’ll take you a few good days to even scratch the surface. That’s why it’s important to choose where you’ll live since there are certain neighborhoods that’ll appeal to you more than they’ll do to others. We begin with the core, Downtown Pittsburgh, where the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers meet. The economic, cultural, and historic center of the city, this is the place where you’ll find the Pittsburgh best hotels, which are also very expensive. Secondly, there’s the charming and more affordable North Side or North Shore, which lies north of Downtown. It’s home to a slew of excellent museums, sports stadiums, and an excellent host of value-for-money hotels.
Next up is the South Side, which is home to Duquesne Incline that goes to Mount Washington and offers some of the most spectacular views of Pittsburgh. It’s famously home to the Strip District, which is where Pittsburgh’s pulsating nightlife lies. So, you’ll also find some of the coolest best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in this neighborhood too. Towards Pittsburgh’s eastern edge lies Squirrel Hill, the epicenter of the city’s Jewish culture and has its best kosher delis and Jewish restaurants. Finally, there’s Lawrenceville, which is amongst Pittsburgh’s largest and oldest neighborhoods. The formerly industrial area is now chock-full of cool bars and hip joints and is easily one of the coolest neighborhoods in the town.
Ace Hotel
11
The Ace Hotel is one of the best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in more ways than one. Tucked in the trendy East Liberty neighborhood, the hotel is a reflection of the neighborhood in a way. It lies in a gorgeously restored former YMCA building and is modern and chic to boot.
Begin your day on the right note by sipping gourmet coffee from the coffee bar in the lobby. Do not miss eating a meal at the memorable tavern-style Whitfield restaurant, one of the best places to eat in the city. In fact, the restaurant also serves a rather robust breakfast with unique takes on classics. For instance, eggs benedict is served with a beet and potato rosti, as well as pastries, biscuits, and gravy, and more – say no more! Oh, and don’t miss asking for the chef’s in-house hot sauce – it’s one of the spiciest, and might we add, finest sauces you’ll ever have.
Discerning travelers with an eye for design will love the minimalist and retro window seats, radios, and bed quilts in the rooms at the Ace Hotel. In fact, music aficionados will downright fall in love with the acoustic guitars and turntables in the suites. You’ll also find minibars stocked with local spirits, high-end toiletries, and the world’s comfiest back pillow spanning the bed’s entire length. Obscure art, a stretching wall hanging guide, and chic bathrooms complete the place.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
10
The super-stylish and funky Kimpton outpost that is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh is for the cool kids in town. There’s a lot that the hip set will love about the hotel, such as complimentary bike rentals, in-room yoga mats, and hosted nightly wine hour. Pull up a seat at one of the communal tables at the rooftop Biergarten that offers superb views of the surrounding skyline. It’s an excellent introduction to Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene, which you can guzzle while nibbling on a salted pretzel. If you prefer to drink in peace, the wine hour in the hotel lounge is perfect. Wrap up your day at the highly acclaimed on-site restaurant, The Commoner. If that wasn’t enough, your pooch is more than welcome at the Kimpton Monaco.
The rooms at this hotel look like they’re straight out of a Seussical musical – think bold hues with unique design touches such as bright-yellow birdcage lamps and bright green headboards. You’ll also find tongue-in-cheek artwork and plush blue velvet couches, and somehow, everything just fits together. Choose from 248 rooms, all of which come with typically thoughtful Kimpton amenities such as yoga mats, Frette linens, and minibars stocked with local gourmet treats.
Morning Glory Inn
9
What makes the Morning Glory Inn one of the best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is that it is the most delightful slice of Italy in the heart of the city. Nestled in an 1862-built Italianate-style townhouse, it’s the perfect love nest for a romantic getaway in town. You’ll find beautiful and stunning details such as fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and plush four-poster beds in the rooms, besides earth hues and floral or yellow wallpaper. While one room has a gorgeous canopy bed, two rooms have clawfoot tubs, The best of them all is the garden room which a walnut rocket, a white wicker chair and bed, and pink floral and lattice wallpaper. If you’re looking to stay indoors most of the time, then there’s no better place to be in Pittsburgh.
The rest of the inn, which is ensconced by lush Pennsylvanian foliage, is equally dreamy and perfect. The peaceful outdoor courtyard is an excellent spot to relax with a good book or even enjoy the hot complimentary breakfast. Besides free Wi-Fi throughout the property, the inn also has bike hire and concierge service for your convenience.
The Priory Hotel
8
Housed in a former Benedictine monastery, there couldn’t be a better base for a hotel named The Priory. This utterly gorgeous Pittsburgh hotel features a courtyard garden done up in the style of an Italian villa from the 19th-century. So, this European-style hotel is peppered with reproduction pieces and antiques that you’ll absolutely love exploring and taking pictures of. rooms and suites feature swanky mod-cons, cloud-like beds, and stunning views of either the garden or the city. Also, all come with chic ensuite bathrooms with bespoke toiletries. If you want to splurge, the fourth-story apartment-style suite offers jaw-dropping views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
There are a lot of details that are special about the hotel, such as the Monks’ Bar, which is the smallest bar in all of Pennsylvania! It has merely 14 seats and an in-house shrub collection that lends their drinks an added kick. During summers, the hotel even hosts monthly wine parties in the courtyard. Not only do they feature wines from across the world, but also you get to dig into delicious small plates created by the chefs here. Despite being a small and intimate hotel you’ll find both a fitness center and free parking, while bikers will love the outdoor and indoor bike storage areas.
Mansion on Fifth
7
The Mansion on Fifth is one of the best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The historic structure that the hotel sits in is the former residence of Willis McCook, who was Henry Clay Frick’s (of Pittsburgh steel notoriety) attorney. Designed in the Elizabethan and Tudor Revivalist styles from the early 1900s, the massive mansion today is one of Pittsburgh’s most favorite boutique hotels. Dig into a light breakfast of apple, tea, juice, muffins, and yogurt as you relax on the front veranda. Spy gorgeous views of Millionaires’ Row, a famed stretch of Fifth Avenue where once the wealthiest steel magnates of Pittsburgh lived. After a day of exploring the town, order a drink at the 1900s-style Oak Room Pub, before wrapping up your day with a delicious dinner.
Rooms and suites at this hotel are as spacious as spacious gets in a historic structure, complete with private bathrooms with complimentary branded toiletries. While flat-screen cable TVs are standard in all rooms, some suites even have separate seating areas.
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
6
The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is amongst the best hotels in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for downtown luxury. Lavish rooms with stellar views of PNC Park, the Sister Bridges, and Allegheny River are what make this Pittsburgh hotel special. That said, the best rooms of all are the King Corner rooms with wraparound views of the Steel City. Nevertheless, all rooms at this Pittsburgh Pennsylvania hotel feature swanky mod-cons, flat-screen TVs, and excellent bathrooms. Some of the large rooms even come with separate seating areas and bathtubs in the bathrooms.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive. Don’t miss the on-site whiskey bar Braddock’s Street Side that also serves American side dishes or the French-American fare at the Brasserie restaurant. If you’re here for work, the business center is great. Rounding up the amenities here is the gym where you can work out and not miss your regimen.
TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh
5
TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh is yet another of the best hotels in Pittsburgh. In fact, it was the first hotel to open in the Lawrenceville neighborhood and occupies a former school building right on the main street. The hotel is perhaps most known for one of Pittsburgh’s best rooftop bars, Over Eden. What’s more, you can enjoy delicious international meals at the on-site restaurant and also choose from a stellar wine list. Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk only add to its list of conveniences. Plus, if you want to explore the neighborhood on your own, the hotel even offers bicycle rentals.
With choices for double and family rooms, and suites too, the hotel suits all kinds of travelers. While they’re on the smaller side, they offer stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Moreover, they’re stacked with mod-cons such as air purifiers, chic bathrooms, and comfy beds.
Drury Plaza Downtown Pittsburgh
4
Formerly a Federal Reserve building, Drury Plaza Downtown Pittsburgh definitely has a very interesting and historic past. Located just a stone’s throw from most downtown attractions, this hotel is the perfect base for travelers who want to explore Pittsburgh to the fullest. The building has features of the former reserve, such as the original vault doors in the basement! It’s also home to one of the best downtown hotel pools, and that too an indoor one to enjoy swimming notwithstanding the weather. If that wasn’t enough, the eighth-floor patio with good views of downtown only adds to the overall experience. Throw in complimentary evening happy hour with free drinks and free food, and you have a hotel that’s excellent in every aspect.
But that’s not all. The hotel even has a fitness center and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy meals. In fact, that’s where a complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served daily. If the lobby is historical, the rooms are utterly modern and comfortable and furnished with Pittsburgh artwork. Moreover, all rooms have swish ensuite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs for your convenience.
Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh
3
Posh and modern to boot, the Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh is one of the best hotels in Pittsburgh. Set in a former Salvation Army downtown building, the hotel boasts a minimalist yet upscale design. Despite being a design hotel, Distrikt offers a slew of modern amenities. Work off those Pittsburghian calories in the small but elegant fitness center or grab one of the free bikes and explore the city. After a long day, unwind with a beer or a cocktail on the quaint rooftop deck before proceeding for dinner at the on-site chophouse Or, the Whale. Wind up the day with a nightcap at the Evangeline cocktail bar. So, if you’re looking for a unique design experience or want to woo a client, this is the place.
The rooms and suites here are spacious and chic with grey carpeted floors and monochrome color palettes. Plush white linens, a spiffy work desk, huge windows with views, and spotless bathrooms complete the offerings here. if that wasn’t enough, this hotel is also amongst the Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Pittsburgh!
Homewood Suites Downtown Pittsburgh
2
Located in the heart of the iconic Strip District neighborhood, Homewood Suites Downtown Pittsburgh is excellent. It’s one of the most favorite hotels for travelers in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Rooms and suites at this hotel all come completely equipped with complete dinettes and kitchenettes with microwave, stovetop, fridge, and everything you require to cook meals comfortably in the room. So, if you’re traveling with your family and occasionally want to eat meals indoors, then this hotel is perfect.
What’s more, the Hampton Suites offer a host of other amenities. These include a nice-sized indoor pool, which is great for a swim notwithstanding the weather. There’s even an outdoor patio with grills for enjoying an alfresco meal under the stars. Play a game of pool at the pool table during your free time, or work out in the small but well-equipped fitness center.
Omni William Penn Hotel
1
Occupying the top spot on the list of best hotels in Pittsburgh is The Omni William Penn Hotel, which is one of the most historic properties in all of the city. Built by Henry Clay Frick, the historic hotel was, when it opened its doors in 1916, amongst the grandest hotels in all of America. In fact, it has hosted kings, presidents, and some of the world’s most important conferences. You have a lot to do at this hotel, which features three on-site restaurants and cafes, including a tasting taproom from Wigle Whiskey! There are even whimsical and might we add expensive quirks such as valet parking with in-and-out privileges. If you want to live it up in Pittsburgh and stay like royalty, then we can’t think of a better place.
The rooms might feel slightly dated, but that’s just the historical theme kicking in. They’re extremely spacious with carpeted floors, antique touches such as gilded mirrors, and huge bathrooms with bathtubs. Bathrobes, bespoke toiletries, coffeemakers, fridges, and flatscreen TVs are standard in all rooms, as are the superb views of the city.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Pittsburgh:
- Sip of Pittsburgh Brew Tour: Did you know that Pittsburgh has a very tasty beer-flavored pretzel? Yes! Discover and eat and drink your way through Pittsburgh’s best culinary offerings on this 5-hour tour. This one takes you to 3 of Pittsburgh’s best breweries that range from tiny nano-breweries to large-scale regional ones that are amongst the region’s top beer producers.
- Apteka: Eastern European meets Pittsburgh piquancy at this casual eatery right in the heart of the town. It serves eastern and central European foods with a “Burgh” twist – think Pittsburgh pierogi. This vegan restaurant also serves bottled cocktails, cakes, tarts, cabbage bun vegan sandwiches, and seasonal soups.
Recommended Activities in Pittsburgh:
- Pittsburgh Architecture and History Tour: Perhaps Pittsburgh’s biggest and best neighborhood is downtown, which is at the heart of the city’s history and architecture. Explore gorgeous lush squares, must-see historical landmarks, as well as fascinating pieces of public art such as murals and statues. Also, see the city’s famed “Golden Triangle” in the heart of downtown, a name bestowed to Pittsburgh by a newspaper in 1914 for being the “most gilded city in the United States.”
- Best of the Burgh Walking Tour: Hop on to this kid and dog-friendly urban walking tour of the best and most memorable sites of Pittsburgh. The well-informed guide delves into an excellent narrative that offers you a profound understanding of this “City of Bridges.” Listen to fascinating snippets of its history, snap pictures of its outstanding architecture, and even discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
