thit_cho

I will be visiting Pittsburgh (for the first time) in September, primarily to see the Mets play at PNC Park. Can anyone recommend a hotel within walking distance of PNC Park. Thanks

Kal

Stay at the Southside Sheraton and take the Riverboat over???

Someone poke Stephanie and rjw so we can get some help for thit. :-"

rjw_lgb_ca

The closest and nicest hotel in downtown Pittsburgh is the Renaissance, 107 Sixth St. If you gotta stay in the 'Burgh, you can't do better than this place. The hotel eatery can be skipped (fussy, overworked food), but the lobby wine bar and the big bar just off the lobby are great. You cross the Clemente Bridge to get to the park.

The Courtyard by Marriott and the Westin Convention Center are on Penn Ave, basically across the street from each other. They're only a bit farther from the stadium. They might be a bit cheaper than the Renaissance.

thit_cho

Thanks, the Renaissance looks like a refurbished, historic building, which I like.

Are there any non-chain hotels, or, perhaps, a B&B in an older building? Also, is "the Strip" within walking distance of PNC (I'd like to try Lidia's since I know her family from NY). Thanks

fluffnfold

The Springhill Suites North Shore (Marriott) is a new hotel that is right NEXT TO PNC Park (opened last August 2005). That's the only hotel on the same side of the river. As a previous poster said, the NEXT closest hotel is the Marriott Renaissance. Also within walking distance are the Hilton, Omni William Penn, Marriott Courtyard, Westin Convention Center, Marriott Chatham Center, Ramada Suites (though I think this was just taken over by another chain--perhaps Embassy Suites). We always stay at the Omni--it always seems to be cheaper than the others if you book far enough in advance. It's right across from a parking garage with awesome weekend rates. Omni usually has good deals, and if you join their Select Guest program, they often send coupons for free weekend nights or upgrades. It's an old, historic hotel with lots of character. The rooms vary in size and features, so ask for another if you are unhappy. Many of the rooms have a bath and a half, which is nice. Sheraton Station Square is another option--taking the riverboat shuttle across the river is a novel way to get to the game. Make your reservation NOW--you may find that not only are the Pirates playing that day/night/weekend, but so are the Steelers, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers), and/or the Penguins. Rates usually run $100-$150 per night in the fall (weekends, anyway). The Strip is within walking distance of all of the above hotels (except the Sheraton, and then you can just take the "T" subway). Besides Lidia's, I highly recommend Eleven and Sonoma Grill (Sonoma is more downtown than in the Strip).

rjw_lgb_ca

That Springhill Suites looks like the best choice, if you can get a room. I will admit I haven't been back to the 'Burgh in over a year, so that hotel is completely new to me. The Renaissance would still be my first choice, but its rack rate will be quite a bit higher than the Springhill Suites.

fluffnfold

rjw_lgb_ca:

The Renaissance would be my first choice, too, if the Omni's price didn't always beat them by at least $50 (maybe I prefer it because I've never actually stayed there before, and I like their Bath & Body Works toiletries)! So in addition to the price differential, add to that more expensive parking, no free morning hot/cold beverage delivery for Select Guests, no 5:00 pm checkout for SGs(which works really well when my crazy husband goes to any one of the football/baseball games and the inclement weather makes me wimp out). The Omni is also closer to the department stores, although only Kaufmann's and Saks are left since Lazarus-Macys and Lord & Taylor have closed. Plus, the Starbucks in the Omni as well as the cigar bar (Tap Room) don't hurt either. Of course, the Renaissance has its benefits too--the Bridge Bar and Opus Restaurant, closer to the Benedum Theatre, and definitely closer to the sports fields (except the hockey stadium). Tough call.