Steal Away to Pittsburgh: Marriott City Center Luxury Awaits!
Steal Away to Pittsburgh: More Than Just a Hotel Stay – It’s Therapy (Maybe)
Alright, alright, let's talk about the Marriott City Center in Pittsburgh. "Luxury Awaits," they say. Does it? Well, that depends on your definition of luxury, and whether you're secretly hoping to run into a friendly ghost in a tailored suit. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be less a review and more a stream-of-consciousness exploration of my stay.
Accessibility: Finally, a Blessing! (And a Few Grumbles)
Okay, huge kudos from the jump. The accessibility at this place is actually good. And I mean really good. They’ve got what you need for wheelchair access, elevators galore (crucial!), and I saw ramps and whatnot everywhere. Honestly, it was reassuring. No more trying to navigate a hotel designed by a sadist! (Thank you, Marriott!)
Now, a teensy grumble. While the physical accessibility is great, sometimes the "Facilities for disabled guests" felt a little… clunky. Like, the staff was super nice and helpful, but it wasn't always seamless. A little more sensitivity training wouldn't hurt, you know? Just a thought.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized to the Bone (Which is… Reassuring?)
This place is basically a sanitizing factory. I swear, I saw a guy in a hazmat suit scrubbing the… air. Okay, maybe not, but it felt like it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays – the whole shebang. They take COVID seriously, which, honestly, I appreciated. I mean, who doesn’t want a room that’s been disinfected within an inch of its life? It’s slightly unsettling, sure, but probably a good thing.
They have hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Like, I think I used more hand sanitizer than I did shampoo during my stay. And the staff training in safety protocol was evident. They all seemed genuinely concerned with keeping everyone safe, which is a big plus in my book.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bliss and the Quest for a Decent Cocktail
Alright, let's get real. The food situation is… a mixed bag. Restaurants are available, of course, but the quality… varies. The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. Loads of options! Pancakes! Scrambled eggs! Bacon! Okay, I may have eaten my weight in bacon. No regrets. Seriously, the Asian breakfast options were actually pretty decent.
The Poolside bar? Well, let's just say the cocktails left something to be desired. They were… fine. Not awful, but not exactly the kind of "luxury" you’d expect. More like a fancy-ish slushie. But hey, you're poolside! So that's something.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (with a Few Quirks)
Okay, the room itself was pretty darn good. Free Wi-Fi, which is a necessity in this day and age. Air conditioning blasting so aggressively I almost considered wearing a parka. Blackout curtains – a godsend for a light sleeper like me. The desk was perfect for pretending to work (mostly browsing cat videos, let's be honest). **The bed was comfortable, the linens were clean, and the shower had decent water pressure. All the essentials.
But here's where it gets interesting…
The "Mirror" was strategically placed to avoid your reflection when you woke up with a terrible hangover.
The "On-demand movies" selection was a bit… limited. Let's just say I ended up watching a documentary about the history of staplers. (Don’t judge me. The blackout curtains were working overtime.)
The room also had a "Seating area," which was basically a slightly uncomfortable couch that I used as a dumping ground for my clothes.
Things to Do (or Not): Spa Days and the Relentless Pursuit of Relaxation
Listen, I was there to relax. So, naturally, I went straight for the Spa. They have a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and a Massage. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The massage therapist was a lifesaver; she worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Honestly, she probably needs a medal.
And the Pool with view? Gorgeous. Seriously, it was a highlight. Just floating in the water, looking out over the city… chef’s kiss.
The fitness center, however, was a bit more… intimidating. All the equipment looked shiny and modern, and the people in there looked like they knew what they were doing. I peeked in, felt a surge of existential dread, and retreated back to the blissful comfort of the steam room. Maybe next time.
Services and Conveniences: Mostly Smooth Sailing… Until You Need Something
The Daily housekeeping was fantastic! My room was always spotless, which is a feat considering the chaos I’m capable of creating. Concierge was helpful, mostly. They set me up with great transportation… but I did have to chase them down once for some lost keys. They also offer Dry cleaning and Laundry service which is a bonus.
Cash withdrawal available. The doorman was super friendly, but I got the sense that he got bored easily. He seemed to disappear more than once when I needed him.
For the Kids: Family Friendly Vibes (with More Babysitting)
The place is Family/child friendly! They've got Babysitting service, which is a huge help. They also have Kids facilities, which is great if you have kids.
Getting Around: Park It… or Hail a Ride?
Car park [free of charge] – a massive win! Especially in a city. Valet parking is also offered. Airport transfer is a big plus. Taxi service is, you know, there.
Overall: A Solid Choice, with a Few Quirks and a Whole Lot of Bacon
Look, the Marriott City Center in Pittsburgh isn’t perfect. There are quirks, the cocktails could be better, and some of the common areas are a bit… generic. But overall, it's a solid, reliable choice, especially for accessibility.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially for that bacon. And that spa treatment. And the feeling of being encased in a bubble of sanitized goodness. It's a good starting point, an good enough experience.
Escape to North Bay: Downtown Luxury at Days Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is me, wrestling with Pittsburgh, and hopefully, surviving. My base camp? The Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. Let's see if I can actually, you know, enjoy myself.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations (Shattered… Maybe?) and Pierogies!
1:00 PM: Arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Okay, first impressions: the airport is… functional. Not exactly screaming "Welcome to the City of Bridges!" but hey, at least it's not O'Hare. Grabbed an overpriced coffee (standard traveler's initiation) and took an Uber to the hotel. Traffic? Oh sweet Jesus, the traffic. Pittsburgh, you're already testing my patience.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The Marriott City Center: looks…nice. Clean. Slightly generic hotel-y vibe going on, which is fine I guess. The front desk person seemed genuinely friendly, which is a good sign. Luggage deposited. Room: Adequate. Not a suite, sadly. Gotta learn to level up that travel life.
2:30 PM: "Okay, itinerary time." I had some visions of me being able to get some tasks done (e.g. getting the phone to work, getting the tv to work, ordering things to eat and drink) In reality, I could not do these things. Why are people so bad at providing their services? I mean, a phone. The TV. Even ordering things to get to me! Where is the assistance? The help? The magic? It was all very frustrating and I ended up just lying on the bed reading.
4:00 PM: Fueled by pure desperation (and the lingering need for caffeine), I ventured out to find food. Pierogies. This was The Goal. Planned on heading to the Strip District, but Google Maps lied. I’m already lost, which is… typical.
5:00 PM: Found a little place called „Pittsburgh Pierogi.” Jackpot. Ordered a plate of potato and cheese pierogies, smothered in onions and butter, with a side of… (drumroll please) sauerkraut. It was utter comfort food perfection. The kind of meal that makes you briefly forget all the world's problems. Ate so many I almost passed out. Worth it. Regret? Maybe tomorrow.
6:30 PM: Wandered back to the hotel, slightly doughy and content. Maybe Pittsburgh wasn't so bad after all.
7:00 PM: Attempt to charge my phone but realized the outlet is weirdly placed. Managed to watch a movie I'd been meaning to view for ages, using bad lighting and a slightly fuzzy picture.
9:00 PM: Hit the sack. Exhausted.
Day 2: Culture Shock (or, How I Learned to Love the Inclines) & A Museum That Nearly Broke Me
8:00 AM: Woke up. Hungry. Breakfast at the hotel: average. Hotel food is never great.
9:00 AM: Headed to Mount Washington via the Duquesne Incline. Okay, whoa. This is actually amazing. The view… breathtaking. The city sprawled out beneath me, bridges arching, rivers winding. I'm not even kidding, I actually gasped. Took about a thousand photos. Made a mental note to come back at sunset.
10:30 AM: The Carnegie Museum of Natural History. I'm a sucker for dinosaurs. And, OMG, the dinosaurs were glorious. T-Rex, Triceratops, the works. Spent an embarrassing amount of time gaping at the fossils, channeling my inner child. Then wandered through the Hall of Gems and Minerals. Shiny things. Very distracting.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a café near the museum. Solid, not spectacular. People-watching extravaganza. Observed a couple passionately arguing over a sandwich. Classic.
2:00 PM: Carnegie Museum of Art. This might have been…too much. The sheer volume of art! My brain started to melt. Abstract expressionism? Modern performance installations? My art history knowledge is, let's just say, "basic." Started to wander aimlessly. Feel a bit overwhelmed. (This is where the "museum fatigue" hits hard)
3:00 PM: Left the museum, blinking in the sunlight. Exhausted from art and introspection.
3:30 PM: Found a coffee shop. Needed caffeine. Badly.
4:30 PM: Took an Uber back to the hotel.
5:00 PM: Nap. Because, museums. And life.
7:00 PM: Tried to find dinner. Had been meaning to find a place that really does a great job with vegan dishes as a side-line. I went to some place recommended online. The place was crowded. And the food was mediocre. Very sad.
8:30 PM: Gave up on dinner. Ordered room service - it was expensive. I was feeling sorry for myself.
Day 3: River Adventures and a Moment of Zen (ish)
9:00 AM: Sleep in. Needed it.
10:00 AM: Wandered around.
12:00 PM: Took a boat ride down the three rivers. It was… pleasant. The city looked different from the water. The breeze was nice. Saw some interesting things. The water was surprisingly clean. Thought about how the only thing missing was a real love interest.
2:00 PM: Found a place that sold ice cream. Ate a double scoop. The sun was shining. Things were looking up.
2:45 PM: Decided to seek out the Andy Warhol Museum. It’s a pilgrimage, really. (I am a huge fan.) Walked through, saw the soup cans, the portraits, the whole technicolor shebang. The man was a genius, even if I didn’t get everything. Spent an hour just thinking about the whole scene. How would he perceive the world today?
4:00 PM: Went back to my hotel.
4:30 PM: Ordered a pizza.
6:00 PM: Went to the gym. Walked back to my room.
7:00 PM: Ordered a drink.
8:00 PM: Watched a movie. Fell asleep.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (or, Did Pittsburgh Win Me Over?)
8:00 AM: Checked out.
9:00 AM: Uber to the airport.
11:00 AM: "Reflections" - Did I have a good time in Pittsburgh? Kinda. It's a city with grit, and heart maybe. Its beauty crept up on me. The river views were stunning. The pierogies saved my soul. The art and museums were a roller coaster, but hey, at least I tried. And the people? Generally kind. I could learn to like this place.
12:00 PM: Delayed flight. Of course. This is travel, folks.
2:00 PM: Finally, I'm outta here.
Final Verdict: Pittsburgh, you're weird, you're charming, and you definitely surprised me. Would I come back? Maybe. Especially for those pierogies. And that incline. And maybe to try and figure out the art stuff. But next time, I'm bringing a better phone charger. And a bigger suitcase for all the art supplies.
Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn & Suites Midtown Review!
Okay, so, "Steal Away to Pittsburgh: Marriott City Center Luxury Awaits!"... Really? What's the *real* deal?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Luxury"? It's Marriott. Decent, reliable, predictable... which, honestly, is sometimes *exactly* what you need. I went with my partner, Mark, a few weeks ago. He was stressed about work, I was… well, I was just *existing*. We needed a break, a real escape, somewhere we didn’t have to cook. Pittsburgh felt… right. Cheap flights outta our way, a good starting point for a road trip.
We booked it, figuring, "Marriott, clean sheets, decent coffee, we'll be fine." And we were. But "steal away"? Look, it wasn't like we stumbled upon a hidden gem. It's a solid, well-located hotel. Think of it like a dependable sports car. Gets you where you need to go, reliably. Not a Lamborghini, not trying to *be* one. More like a slightly worn-in Honda Accord.
Location, Location, Location! Is it *actually* in the City Center? Or are we talking "technically" downtown?
Okay, this is important. Yes. It *is* in the City Center. Seriously, you can practically roll out of bed and fall into a Primanti Bros. (Which, by the way, you *should*). We did. Mark, bless his heart, woke up ravenous after a night of… let's just say, *rest* and a few too many beers. He stumbled out, I followed, and bam! Primanti's, 8:00 AM. It was glorious. The fries, the slaw, the… everything. Worth the slight hangover.
You’re within walking distance to everything Pittsburgh has to offer, or any major sports event.
So yes, you're centrally located. It really *is* convenient. That's its biggest perk. You can leave the car in the garage and walk everywhere. And the walk does wonders for that post-Primanti's food coma, trust me.
The Rooms! Are they actually ‘luxurious’? Spill the tea.
"Luxury." Again with that word. Let's temper expectations. The rooms are clean, spacious, well-appointed for the price. The bed? Comfortable enough. I slept just fine, but I'm also the type of person who could sleep on a park bench and be happy. Mark's a bit more discerning. He did complain at first the mattress felt "old", but after the Primanti's coma, I think he didn't notice anymore.
The bathroom was… functional. Good water pressure, which is a major win in my book. The toiletries? Standard Marriott fare. Nothing to write home about, but they get the job done. The view? We got a pretty decent one overlooking the city, which was nice. Mark actually liked it. He said it was a "good vantage point for people-watching". He's a weirdo.
Think of it this way: It's not the kind of place where you'll be gasping in awe at the marble countertops. Unless you're easily impressed, like, *really* easily impressed. It's practical, comfortable, and gets the job done.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Is there a decent coffee situation?
Alright, let's tackle this. The pool? Yes, there's a pool. It's... a pool. Indoor. Not huge. Not particularly glamorous. I didn't actually use it. Mark did though. Said the water was cold. He complained about that. The gym was decent, had all the basic equipment. He used that, too. The man likes to work out, I don't. Fair enough.
The coffee situation... This is where things get interesting. The in-room coffee? Meh. Seriously, bring your own instant if you're a coffee snob. Or, better yet, walk down to the lobby. They had some… decent coffee. Not life-changing, but passable. Crucial as a chaser to that hangover the morning after...
Food! Besides Primanti Bros. (which we get), what are the dining options like? Any hidden gems?
Okay, let's talk food. Pittsburgh, bless its heart, has some seriously good eats. Besides Primanti's (which, again, go, people!), there are *tons* of options within walking distance. We stumbled upon a place called "Cure" and had a phenomenal meal. Get the charcuterie board. Seriously. Get it. It was one of the best I've ever had. The service was fantastic, too. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming.
And, of course, there's the hotel restaurant. It's convenient. Food was… fine. Standard hotel restaurant stuff. Edible. Probably not something you'll write home about.
My advice? Venture out! Explore! Pittsburgh's culinary scene is far more exciting than the Marriott's in-house options. Don't be afraid to wander and try new things. That's where the fun is.
The Staff: Are they helpful? Annoying? Basically, what's the vibe?
The staff were lovely, honestly. Friendly, helpful, efficient. Check-in was a breeze. They even brought us extra towels when we asked. They were polite and didn't bother us. I'd give them a solid A-. No complaints. No major drama. Just… competent, pleasant people. You know, the kind of people who make you feel welcome without being overly intrusive? Exactly what you want.
Value for Money? Is it worth the price you paid? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Was it worth it? Yep. Absolutely. Considering the location, the cleanliness, how well-located in the middle of the city it was. The price was fair. It wasn't a "steal" per se, but it was a good value. We weren't ripped off.
Let's be honest, it wasn’t *that* expensive. We got a good deal compared to other hotels downtown. And the convenience? Priceless. Being able to walk everywhere saved us a ton of money on parking and Ubers. And it all added up. Definitely worthwhile if you get a good promotion.
Would you go back?
Post a Comment for "Steal Away to Pittsburgh: Marriott City Center Luxury Awaits!"