Mystery Critic

Hotel URL

Stayed On: May 2005 

Published Internet Rate (for the same days): $129 / Hotwire Rate (incl. tax and fees): $65

Constructed 1986 / Renovated 2004

Orbitz Rating: 4 Stars / MC Rating: 

Cleanness and Comfort
Location and Parking
Noise and Privacy
Service Efficiency and Attitude
Value (based on Hotwire rate)

GENERAL

If you for some strange reason must visit Pittsburgh, you are probably thinking that you need to stay really far away from downtown because of 1) reputation of most downtowns and 2) your perception of Pittsburgh.  Well, this hotel is a pleasant surprise - it's located downtown but it really doesn't feel like you're gonna be robbed the second you step out, thanks for thoughtful design.  In a city with not much to be proud, this hotel is an oasis.

GOOD

The hotel looks very new inside and out - you will never tell it's 20+ years old.  Maybe it's because it was renovated together with the convention center.  The usual Westin comfort and recently placed "hip' furnitures and decoration helps lifting a soul dampened by the drive from airport to this rusty city. Westin beds are always my favorite so there's no point mentioned them again.

It's conveniently located for driving excursion from the city - especially when the traffic in the morning pours into the city but you're going out.  From what I know, the convention center is not that busy so there's a good chance you'd get a good rate thru hotwire or priceline and you won't be fighting to check in with 100 other people like you would in the convention hotels in Orlando or Vegas.

BAD

After all, it's downtown, and it borders a part of downtown that looks like Baghdad 2007.  You look out of the window and you'll probably see a couple unoccupied ruins but also some sleek looking office towers.  While the rooms are not noisy, the narrow streets and bridge around the hotel doesn't quite make it a nice "home away from home".  

Since there's the convention center under your feet so you can walk around in relative safety, but I'm a bit surprised that there's not a whole lot places to eat or shop right around the convention center.  Well, maybe I shouldn't compare it with Mascone in SF.....

OVERALL

Another nice Westin - really can't go wrong when you get this kind of rate for a Westin.  I wish I had stayed for a few more nights - then again you've got to give me some reasons to do it at Pittsburgh....