AOlivier

I will be traveling to Pittsburgh from DC on business and only staying one night. I'd like to do a little exploring in the evening and wondered if anyone could recommend hotels in areas where a single lady would feel comfortable walking around at night.

Rachel

Much as I love Pittsburgh, I'm not sure its a great idea for a woman to walk around solo at night. there is a hotel at Station Square (last I knew it was a Sheraton) which might be a good choice-Station Square has shops and restaurants.

Stephanie

AOlivier:

I went to a wedding a few years ago at the Embassy Suite in Moon Township which is very near the new Pittsburgh International Airport. Very pretty lobby area with plants and waterfalls and they have a swimming pool and workout place. Unfortunately, not much to do around the immeidate area of this place. I do remember however, a hotel, Marriott Courtyard, right in the middle of a huge shopping and restaurant complex (Robinson Town Center) and not too far away is an Applebee and a Quaker State Restaurant I'd say within walking distance with a bar in it. The Marriot is a place a little further down the highway (4 miles) from the Embassy Suite I mentioned. By the way the shopping complex is very safe to walk around in, there is alot of traffic.

Jeff

These are the local "downtown" hotels. All are nice. I would make the selection based on the amentities you require and the things you like to do. Pittsburgh's downtown is not large, it is safe(just use your head, stay out of allys at night, etc., just like any other major city). I would recommend the William Penn or the Renaissance.

Omni William Penn Hotel - - In the downtown business district; information on meeting facilities and accommodations; includes virtual tour.
URL: http://www.omniwilliampenn.com/

Pittsburgh Hilton - Looking for a hotel in the heart of Pittsburgh? This is one of the city's finest hotels. Check out their services, room availability and more.
URL: http://hilton-pit.com/

Pittsburgh Marriott City Center - Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh directly across from the Civic Arena, 25 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport and within walking distance to sports, shopping and sightseeing.
URL: http://www.marriott.com/marriott/

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel - Pittsburgh's newest hotel. A meticulously restored 1906 architectural gem. AAA travel 4 Diamond rating. Located in center of Cultural District.
URL: http://www.marriott.com/epp/default.asp?MarshaCode=PITBR

Doubletree Hotel near the convention center. www.doubletree.com

Sheraton Station Square Hotel - Located in downtown Pittsburgh, they give details about the facilities. Check for room availability.
URL: http://www.downtowns-r-us.com/pittsburgh/sheraton/

The Sheraton is actually across the river downtown located near a shopping/entertainment complex called Station Square. http://stationsquare.com/

If you have any further Pittsburgh questions, post them and I will try to help, as will other Fodorites.

Jeff

Rachel,

I completely disagree with you.

Pittsburgh is quite safe for a woman to walk around. As long as you use your head as just as you should in any other city.

If safety is that much of a concern, taxis are plentiful at the downtown hotels. As I said earlier, Pittsburgh's downtown is not that large, so taxi fare would be low.

If you are still concerned about safety, I would recommend the Sheraton at Station Square. As Rachel and I both said this is a retail/dining/entertainment complex located across the river from the city. It does have great views of the city as well as plenty of walking around opportunities.

Rachel, are you from Pittsburgh? What part? Have you ever been downtown? I don't think this woman will be walking around at 2am by herself. The early evening hours are perfectly safe for her.

AOlivier

Thanks for the suggestions. Having lived in DC, I know not to walk around large cities solo at midnight. I've read good things about Pittsburgh and just thought I'd try to check out what I can in the few free hours I'll have there.

Stephanie

I'd also mention to AOlivier that I have been in downtown Pittsburgh at night after taking night classes at college and I never felt threatened. The only thing I find is that downtown Pittsburgh is basically dead after commuters leave after work. If you don't take my previous advice stay at Sheraton Station Square and then walk around the shopping mall a little and then take the Duquesne Incline up to Mt. Washington and go to one of the restaurants up there for a spectacular view.

Alicia

We stayed at the Renaissance, beautiful hotel. Nice area, near the theatres and a few restaurants. The hotel is on a walking tour if that says anything to how nice the interior (and exterior) is.

If you stay there its an easy walk across the bridge to the Warhol Museum, perhaps they will be open late the night you are there.

Stacy

We have been to Pittsburgh for several weekend trips and really liked the Sheraton at Station Square. There is shopping nearby, the incline and some evening cruises on the river. The view of the river from there is great!

Shari

Shadyside is the hippest and trendiest area in Pittsburgh. It is comepletely safe to walk around at night. Stay at the Sunnyledge bed and breakfast or the applehouse bed and breakfast. you will love it!

alise

I feel totally comfortable walking around Pittsburgh. The Strip bar district isn't that far from downtown and it is fairly safe to walk around there late at night.

Station Square is nice and you can take the T across the river to downtown. I have been in the rooms at the Sheraton and was quite pleased!

However, there are soo many unique buildings --such as the Renaissance Hotel downtown--that given the choice and my company was paying for it--I would stay downtown!

The Warhol is awesome! Will warn you that the shopping tends to close up early because they cater to the business worker's hours. But there is an entire section where you can find Kaufmann's, Saks, Lord and Taylor, Lazarus....BUT my personal favorite is the CLARK BUILDING on Liberty Ave near the Wood ST T stop. AWESOME jewelry shopping!!! Pittsburgh's Diamond District ;-)