I just found out I will be getting tickets to the All-Star game and Home-Run Derby. Will there be any availability if I book rooms now and where would we have a great experience when we stay over. I will be bringing my son who will be 9 at the time of the game in mid July. I would prefer a nice hotel close to the stadium because I will not be renting a car. I do not need a 5 star hotel,but a 3 or better will do. Also would prefer a safe area if possible. Is there anything fun for kids in that area?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Hey Bigal1, I would recommend the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. It's very close to the ballpark, just a 5 minute walk over the bridge from downtown to the North Shore. If you are lucky, your room will also have a view of the ballpark....it's a gorgeous hotel on a safe street. Downtown is pretty safe for the most part...the biggest problem is that it is quiet on evenings and weekends..but I am sure the city will be bustling All-Star weekend.

Also, the hotel is located on a street close to many good restaurants.

You may want also to consider the Sheraton Station Square, but I would prefer the Renaissance. It's located across the river from the ballpark, and you can take a ferry ride across, or a taxi. There are shops and restaurants near that hotel.

As far as activities for your son, I would recommend the Carnegie Science Center..which is right over on the North Shore, not far from the ballpark. You can also check out Heinz Field (which will hopefully by tomorrow be known as the home of the Super Bowl champion Steelers!)....you may be able to take a tour or shop at their Pro-Shop if football is of interest to either of you.

I am sure MLB will have games and activities set up all over for kids to enjoy during the All-Star game as well.

Hope this helps! Have fun...PNC Park is a fabulous ballpark.

Thank you Elizabeth. This was very helpful. My son loves football. He is routing for the other team,I regret to inform you. I am still heartbroken. I am an Indianapolis Colt fan. I am still drained from the most exciting 4th quarter of playoff football I have ever seen. Would have been happier if they won. I am routing for the Bus. Other than that I just want to see a great game. Good luck to you.

Elizabeth, I just looked the hotel up online. Looks stunning. However,they said they were sold out and so is the city of Pittsburgh. This should be interesting.

Well, that's not good news...let's see what other areas may be convenient for you.

Greentree/Parkway Center Mall area is about 2-3 miles from downtown...there's a Best Western Parkway Center that has quick and convenient bus service.

I don't know much about the hotel itself..but you'd be really close to downtown by bus. There's a Chinese restaurant on site and also a sit down restaurant. Within a few minutes of a lot of dining choices...but you may need a car for that.

There's also a few other hotels in the Greentree/Parkway area....a Radisson, Hawthorn Suites, and Holiday Inn Greentree. Also, there's a Marriott or Wyndham (keeps changing hands)further out the Parkway near the Airport if you are flying in. Only problem here is you'd definitely want a car rental.

Just to be on the safe side, look into these hotels downtown just to make sure they are sold ot: Courtyard by Marriott downtown Pittsburgh, Spring Hill Suites on the North shore (right across from ballpark), Hilton Pittsburgh, Marriott City Center, Westin Hotel, and Omni William Penn....these are all downtown, but maybe double check to make sure they are really all sold out. Hopefully you'll run across a cancellation.

Best of luck, let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for cheering for the Bus today!!!

Thank You. Good luck today!!
All the downtown hotels are sold out. I calle them all last night. One was available for $300 a night.

How about the Holiday Inn Express in South Side? Its @ 20 South Tenth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. I was curious about it so I searched the net it has an indoor pool/fitness center and complementary breakfast. Its right across the Mongahela River from downtown Pittsburgh. It is pretty safe its a neighborhood in the city. I never felt like I'd be a victim of violent crime anytime I walked around the area.

Stephanie,thank you I will call them tomorrow to ask about availability.

We had guests stay at the Holiday Inn Express Southside for my daughter's wedding and everyone was pleased. It is quiet easy to walk, bus or take the T to many attractions from the hotel. It ought to be good for you.

About the Renaissance; they were booked when we called them, but a few checks to their website turned up a couple of rooms which we grabbed. Check their site if you haven't yet done it.

TUSCAN, what is the secret to going into the website to obtain rooms? I would be interested thank you.

Here's the link to the Renaissance in downtown Pittsburgh -

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PITBR

and here's a link to the Holiday Inn Express -

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/pitxs

Been there done that!!