How To Choose Where To Stay When You Visit Pittsburgh
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If you are looking to visit Pittsburgh from out of town, one of your first thoughts is likelywhere do I stay?
In a city of 90 neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay in Pittsburgh could make or break your visit almost entirely. So finding a spot that fits your style, budget, and interests is key.
As with most of our guides, we want to take a detailed dive into the best neighborhoods to stay in for your Pittsburgh visit.
But not only are we going to dive into our favorite aspects of each neighborhood , we also want to provide the reasons why you may not want to stay in the neighborhood as well!
Because as awesome as these neighborhoods are, none are perfect. Depending on your style, budget, and trip goals there may be some things you need to keep in mind before booking.
With that, let’s jump into it!
Why Avoid The Strip District
As we absolutely love the Strip District, we may be a bit biased in saying there are few reasons to avoid this one. That being said, most of the businesses in the Strip District are only open in the morning through late after noon such that the foot traffic in this vibrant neighborhood dies down later in the day.
Most restaurants and bars remain open for dinner and clubs even open up at night on weekends. But this neighborhood is best enjoyed in the morning and early afternoon to get the true experience .
Best Overall: Homewood Suites By Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
Courtesy of Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
With a fantastic downtown location, great service and plenty of little extras, the Homewood Suites is ideal for any type of traveler. The eco-friendly, LEED-certified hotel is in the trendy Strip District of downtown Pittsburgh, just steps from the Pittsburgh Public Market, the convention center and PNC Park. Guests can relax on a rooftop patio with two fire pits and barbecue grills or go for a swim in the heated indoor pool. The 150 suites consist of spacious studios or one-bedroom suites with separate living areas and kitchens with dishwashers and refrigerators. Breakfast is included, as is an evening weekday cocktail hour.
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Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown
The Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown is one of those places that has it all. Comfortable rooms with slightly firmer beds, a perfect location , not one but two on-site contemporary restaurants with cocktail bars, and views of Market Square from most rooms. Rooms ending in 22 should have the best view of Market Square and possibly a slight view of PPG Place as well . Rooms ending in 1 and 4 should also have premium views of Market Square as well, and most of the higher-numbered rooms along the inside of the âUâ shaped floor-plan should have decent view to varying degrees.
Who Should Stay Here: Those who value a good downtown location in the heart of it all and those looking for comfortable rooms.
Things to Consider: Parking at the hotel lot is approximately $30 per day. Nearby garages typically charge $6-$8 night and weekend rates however, those staying on Sunday or weeknights must keep in mind that day rates typically start at 6am and have rather excessive hourly rates for those who roll over.
- at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown.
Best Hotel In Squirrel Hill: Mansions On Fifth
Thanks to its great location, chic décor, and proximity to delectable restaurants, this hotel is our pick for where to stay in Squirrel Hill. It offers a myriad of fantastic features include wifi, a gym, on-site restaurant and bar. Theres a beautiful outside area around the mansion as well, which can be enjoyed all day long. Rooms are air-conditioned and each comes with a refrigerator and bathtub.
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Best Hotel In Pittsburgh: Homewood Suites By Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
Homewood Suites is our pick for the best hotel in Pittsburgh. Conveniently located in the Strip District, It is a short walk from downtown and is close to restaurants, bars and shops. This hotel has 150 well-appointed guest rooms with modern amenities. Theres also a pool and an in-house restaurant.
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania is the city of Pittsburgh. A large and sprawling city, Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of three rivers and is characterized by its bridges, steep hills and unique terrain.
Although largely overlooked by travellers, Pittsburgh is a city with a rich history and a wealth of cultural attractions, and it is more than deserving of your time and attention.
The city is home to approximately 350,000 people and covers an area of 151 square kilometres. It is divided into more than 90 neighbourhoods with diverse ethnic and architectural backgrounds.
This guide will explore the five best neighbourhoods to stay in Pittsburgh divided by travel need, interest and budget.
Downtown Pittsburgh is set at the centre of the city. This small and walkable neighbourhood is where youll find good shopping, interesting attractions, and plenty of incredible views.
Head across the river to the North Side. This neighbourhood is home to a myriad of famous attractions and art galleries and is where youll find a good selection of reasonably priced accommodations.
Looking To Visit Pittsburgh Pick The Right Neighborhood
We couldn’t help ourselves and made this guide fairly massive. So if you’re wanting to jump to a specific neighborhood to read more, use the links below!
A few quick notes before we get started: Almost every hotel in Pittsburgh charges an extra fee for parking. These can be anywhere from $10-$30+ per day and some allow for in-and-out privileges while others do not. We recommend confirming all parking fees before you book. Hotels with free parking are highlighted below however, we also recommend reconfirming this before booking as well as perks may change. Likewise, many hotels also offer a free shuttle service to either set destinations or within a one, two, or even three mile radius.
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Why Avoid Green Tree
We can’t talk about driving in Pittsburgh without mentioning traffic issues, and you’ll have them here as well.
The main highway running through Green Tree, I-376, empties out through the Fort Pitt Tunnel that has frequent slow downs especially at rush hour and on game days.
So while the hotels in Green Tree will be the most budget friendly in this list and also offer free parking on top, you may have to deal with some traffic in order to drive what would otherwise be just a few minutes on a good day.
Best Airbnb In Downtown: Noble Apartment In The City
If you stay here, you are guaranteed to see the best side of Pittsburg! This walkable location is ideal for those who want to explore the city on foot. With iconic views of the night lights and a number of tasty restaurants nearby, you wont need to travel too far. And if you have midnight munchies, theres a 24/7 convenient store across the street!
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Complete With Floor To Ceiling Windows And A Location Putting You Right Smack In The Middle Of Pittsburghs Downtown You Are Sure To Fall In Love With This Bnb After A Long Day Of Exploring The City There Is No Better Place To Call It A Day Than Here
This four star hotel is not only luxurious for humans they are also pet-friendly, making them very popular with travellers from elsewhere in the US! Rooms come with excellent views of either Downtown or the park area, and a complimentary American style breakfast is provided every morning.
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Another Great Airbnb In Strip District: Stunning Urban Loft
This centrally located chic urban loft offers a large open floor plan with high ceilings, exposed beams, ventilation system and hardwood floors throughout. Its in the heart of Strip District, within walking distance of great restaurants, coffee shops, fresh produce and lively night life. But dont worry, since youll have the whole place to yourself, noone will disturb your hangover recovery. Create tasty meals in the fully equipped kitchen or just chill on the sofa while watching a bit of Netflix. And if you want to explore the neighborhood, there are plenty of cool attractions around as well.
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Why Stay In Downtown Pittsburgh
One of the best reasons to stay in downtown is if you want to be in the middle of it all. Downtown is bustling, walkable, has a number of things to experience, and provides good access to public transit for those looking to go further out .
If you are coming to the city for a show, a sports game, or have your eye on eating at a few of the restaurants in the Cultural District , using a downtown hotel as a hub is a great option.
Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh
If you are looking for a nice room in a brand new property with one of the most unique views of Pittsburgh you can have, Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh is for you. We visited this one shortly after they opened in 2016 and were impressed with the size of the rooms and the hotel’s many amenities as the hotel’s location on the top floors of a downtown high-rise is not where you’d normally expect to find a premium hotel. For those who love cocktails, their on-site bar, Ollie’s Gastropub, makes some of the best cocktails in Pittsburgh and looks straight down onto home plate at PNC Park- a double win! Overall, this one gave us one of our favorite stays out of all featured in this list.
Who should stay here: Downtown visitors, those who want a higher-end room and a unique view.
Things to consider: Valet parking with in-and-out privilege is approximately $35 per night. The Oliver garage nearby is approximately $19/night on weeknights and $6/night on weekends without in-and-out privileges.
- at the Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh.
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Downtown Pittsburgh Where To Stay In Pittsburgh For First Time
For most visitors, Downtown Pittsburgh is one of the first districts to consider when deciding where to stay in Pittsburgh. Located right at the heart of the city center, you will be within walking distance of numerous popular attractions.
You will also be perfectly positioned to explore the entire city. The downtown area is surrounded by other popular districts including the Strip and Uptown. Downtown Pittsburgh is a safe neighborhood, pratice common sense during your stay as you travel to any city in the world, you will be fine.
With so much to see and do in the immediate area, this is an ideal location for those planning to stay in Pittsburgh for a shorter trip. You will be able to fit in plenty of sightseeing, without having to worry about too much time traveling between attractions.
Located right at the junction of Pittsburghs three rivers the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy riverside views downtown.
Hotels with views over the river tend to demand premium rates, especially in the city center area. Not so ideal for those on a budget. However, if you are looking to keep costs down but still want to enjoy the beautiful views, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy by the riverside.
Two forts once stood in the area of Point State Park Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt. Fort Duquesne has been demolished, but the outline of its foundations remains as a monument and the centerpiece to one of the gardens.
Best Luxury: Omni William Penn Hotel Pittsburgh
Courtesy of Omni William Penn Hotel Pittsburgh
The sprawling, 597-room Omni William Penn Hotel has been welcoming dignitaries and debutantes to downtown Pittsburgh since 1916, but now offers a modernized luxury experience. Fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel has a host of dazzling amenities such as traditional afternoon tea with live jazz music, a speakeasy-style lounge and an opulent, two-tier Grand Ballroom for special events. Theres also a traditional sports bar, a new American restaurant, as well as casual a breakfast café. Rooms have vintage, cherrywood furnishings, robes, foam or feather beds and pillows, MP3 alarm clock radios and motion-activated lights. Square footage in each room category can vary dramatically, so ask for one with more space.
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More Travel Options In Pittsburgh
Whether you are traveling to Pittsburgh for a romantic getaway, business trip, golf, or a family vacation, Pittsburgh has great hotels which can fulfill all your needs.It’s important to select the right hotel, motel, or resorts based on your trip goals.When traveling, some amenities can be the decision-maker on your vacation, business trip, or family getaway.Imagine reserving a hotel for a business trip that doesn’t provide free Wi-fi for its guests.You can narrow down your hotel search and get everything you want by viewing accommodation types like motel, resort, inns, B& B, and lodge that provides amenities like pet-friendly, free breakfast, and gym or by different activities like golf, beach, ski, or casino.
Pittsburgh Hotels By Star Rating
Fairmont Pittsburgh, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, an IHG Hotel and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, an IHG Hotel are the top 3 luxury hotels near the Pittsburgh center.
What hotels are the closest to Pittsburgh center?
Fairmont Pittsburgh, Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown and Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel are the closest hotels conveniently located near the Pittsburgh center.
How much does a cheap hotel in Pittsburgh cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star economy hotel in Pittsburgh has been as cheap as $71.96 per night.
How much does a 3 star average hotel in Pittsburgh cost per night?
The average room rate for a 3 star hotel in Pittsburgh have been as low as $146.42 per night.
Best Budget Option In Lawrenceville: Hyatt House Pittsburgh Bloomfield Shadyside
Hyatt House is located a short drive outside of Lawrenceville. This four-star hotel is well-positioned for exploring the city and is close to shops, bars and restaurants. It has 128 comfortable room, a pool, and friendly staff. All of this combined makes it our pick for where to stay in Lawrenceville.
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Best Hotel In Downtown: Omni William Penn Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown, the Omni William Penn Hotel is a great base for your time in Pittsburgh. It offers a range of features, including a coffee bar, valet parking, and express check-in/out. This hotel boasts a stylish on-site restaurant, and there are plenty of options for dining and shopping nearby.
Best Airbnb In Strio District: Comfy And Minimalistic Studio
If youre into unqiue homes, industrial interior design, massive windows and want to get a lot of bang for your buck, look no further than this stunning Airbnb. Not only can you enjoy a truly special home, youll also be in one of the best locations in the city. The studio accommodates 2 people, making it perfect for a solo traveller or a couple. if you need to cure a hangover after a big night out, just roll back into bed, turn on the TV and enjoy a lazy lay-in day.
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Best Boutique: The Priory Hotel
Courtesy of The Priory Hotel
For a unique stay, the 42-room Priory Hotel was once a Benedictine Monastery and now offers historic charm with European-style service. Opened in 1888, the historic brick building was expanded in 2010 to offer a brand-new wing with modern accommodations. Rooms are available in a number of options and have sleigh beds, beautiful wood furniture, as well as views of the courtyard or downtown. Guests can mingle at the cozy Monks Bar for craft beer and cocktails or relax in the beautiful outdoor courtyard. Free amenities include a shuttle, continental breakfast and parking. The hotel is located on the north side of the Allegheny River within walking distance to the childrens museum, the Andy Warhol Museum and other restaurants and attractions.
Hotel Options In The East Liberty Include:
- Hotel Indigo Often a decent value location with modern rooms and an on-site whiskey bar.
- SpringHill Suites Bakery Square Generously sized suites located right next to Bakery Square- home to Google, many shops, and chain restaurants.
Restaurant options in East Liberty we’ve enjoyed include: Muddy Waters Oyster Bar and Lorelei to name a few.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is one of Americas best-kept travel secrets. It is a great sports town, has an eclectic restaurant scene, and is home to some of the trendiest bars in the state. Without a doubt, Pittsburgh definitely deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
In this guide, weve looked at the five best neighbourhoods to stay in Pittsburgh. Although there arent many hostels in Pittsburgh, weve done our best to include affordable hotels, apartments and bed and breakfast options alongside mainstream hotels.
If youre still not sure where to stay, heres a quick recap.
The Strip District is our number one choice for the best neighbourhood in the city thanks to its central location and delicious restaurants. Its also home to our favourite hotel the Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown.
Another great option is the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh. Modern and stylish, this downtown hotel is also incredibly luxurious and affordable.
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email to find out how.