i am meeting 2 friends in Pittsburgh next weekend? We are looking for a nice , upscale hotel, and are unsure as to what neighborhood we should be looking to stay in?
Looking for fun places to go/shop over the weekend- antique shows, fairs, neighborhoods to shop in, craft shows, etc. Any suggestions are welcomed.

I would suggest staying in the Hilton in Downtown Pittsburgh, or somewhere in Oakland if possible. Oakland is close to Shadyside and to Squirrel Hill, which are both good places to shop and get good food. Oakland itself is strong on these points as well. I am not sure of the hotels in that area. The downtown area is very scenic, clean and safe, but potentially a little boring, depending on what events are happening or not.

You could probably check out www.pghcitypaper.com to find out things going on in Pgh. for the weekend, or check www.wyep.org and look at their arts & events calendar.

I hope you enjoy your weekend here. I love this city!

I would stay at the newly renovated Renaissance Hotel in downtown
http://www.pittsburgh-downtown.com/h...naissance.html
You would be close to the Carnegie Science Center, Warhol Museum, Station Square and the theatres. PNC Park and Heinz Field are located just across the river. Other department store shopping is located on nearby streets as well, see http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/Co...px?pid=0&cid=1
and check out Oxford Centre, Fifth Avenue Place, Station Square, plus Lord & Taylor, Saks & Kaufmann's all downtown.

Oh, and if you're interested in the performing arts, check out
http://www.pgharts.org/

And, while you're in town, forgot to mention to go up to Mt. Washington, you can ride the Duquense Incline, but more importantly, dine atop at one of the hillside restaurants (LeMont, for one) with a fantastic view of the city.

The Renaissance is probably the most upscale Pittsburgh hotel, but I find the hotels in Oakland to be more convenient to most everything. Oakland, shadyside, Squirrel Hill and the South side all have fun shopping. Shadyside used to be mostly local stores, but it's now pretty much like any mall (Gap, Banana Republic, etc.). The Strip District is fun day and night. During the day, it's the old market area. at night, lots of bars, restaurants.The Strip is actually closer to downtown, but everything else is more convenient to Oakland.

Here's another vote for the strip district (fun for shopping and food)and the Andy Warhol museum (a little wacky, but unique). If art museums interest you, then the Carnegie museum is at the top of the list; it's a first class museum.
How about the Omni William Penn hotel, right downtown?

try:www.pgh1.com/daytrips for info(think flea markets,etc)....................http://www.pittsburgh.about.com---pi...rgh.net--maybe you'd like Sunnyledge(.com) Hotel and Tea Room in Shadyside(former owner DR. who started Shadyside Hospital)...and the Bloomfield are few streets from Shadyside has good restaurants and Bloomfield (Polish) Bridge Tavern is a gas..don't miss The Strip District..Sat am is good for that area.. the Morning Glory Inn B&B in the South Side.. is a good place too.love the Soth Side...quaint not far from Oakland section..Nationality Rooms @Oakland near U of Pittsburgh a the Cathedral of Learning is very unique..some ideas anyway..there is shopping in Shadyside..downtown rolls up the sidewalk in the evenings..

There are restaurants on Mt. Washington with great views of the three rivers and downtown Pittsburgh. I can't remember their names!

Grandview Saloon is one rest. that is good w/fantasitc views @ the top of Mt Washington..another is Monterey Fish ...you can ride the incline up at the end of Station Square on the southside of PGH..not the one that is across from Station Square..there are 2 side by side..

I would stay at the Apple Tree bed and Breakfast in Shadyside or the Sunnyledge B&B in Shadyside. It is a safe/hip area with lots to do. If you want to have one of the best meals of your life, go to Isabella's on Mt. Washington.