Escape to Pittsburgh's Chicest Hotel: SpringHill Suites Bakery Square Awaits!
Escape to Pittsburgh's Chicest Hotel: SpringHill Suites Bakery Square Awaits! - A Review (With a Sprinkle of Mayhem)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a few days at the SpringHill Suites in Bakery Square, Pittsburgh, and I'm here to spill the beans. Forget those dry, corporate reviews. I'm talking honest, messy, and maybe a little too honest, review. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions!
First Impressions & the Almighty Accessibility (Let's Get This Out of the Way)
Okay, first things first, a big HIGH FIVE to SpringHill Suites for nailing the accessibility. Seriously, they actually thought about people with mobility issues! We're talking wheelchair accessibility everywhere – from the lobby to the pool. And the rooms? Spacious, with plenty of room to maneuver. The elevators? Working perfectly! (A small victory, I know, but a sweet one in this day and age.) It's a huge relief knowing that they've thought of EVERYONE.
Metadata (Because, SEO!): SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh, Bakery Square Hotel Review, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Pittsburgh Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Spa Pittsburgh, Fitness Center Pittsburgh, Family-Friendly Hotels Pittsburgh, Business Travel Pittsburgh, Hotel near Bakery Square.
The Rooms: A Love/Hate Affair
The rooms themselves? Modern, clean, and… well, a bit sterile. I’m talking “showroom” clean, which I’m sure some people LOVE, but I kind of crave a little…character? They offer pretty much everything you'd expect: comfy beds (extra long!), a decent desk (laptop workspace, check!), and even a mini-fridge. The Wi-Fi was blazing fast (seriously, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A miracle!), and you could stream without buffering. Though, and I'm a stickler for this: WHY is there only ONE outlet near the bed? I had to unplug the alarm clock to charge my phone. #FirstWorldProblems, I know, but still…
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Spa and the Pursuit of Relaxation (Slightly Disappointing)
Now, the website boasted a whole menu of relaxation options. Spa? Yes, technically. The reality? The "spa" was more of a "spa-adjacent" situation. There’s a decent sauna and a steam room, which is great. But the massage? They had it, but the appointment availability was tricky. I'm not judging, I'm sure it was good. I just couldn't get an appointment. Huge bummer. I really wanted a body scrub, or, you know, to unwind.
Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Pool: A View Worth Writing Home About On the other hand, the outdoor pool? YES! This is what made the place! It overlooks the whole Bakery Square complex, a great view, especially at sunset. The pool wasn't HUGE, but was perfect for a quick dip and some serious relaxation.
The Food: A Mixed Bag, Mostly Good (But That Breakfast, Though…)
Okay, let’s talk sustenance. The on-site restaurant situation? Decent. There’s a coffee shop and a snack bar for quick bites. The menu had a good range, offering International cuisine, and Western favorites (I did not see any Asian cuisine, sadly). The breakfast buffet? Uhhh… okay. I mean, it serves the purpose. But a bit… bland? Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be writing home about it. They do offer a Breakfast takeaway service, which is a good option if you're in a rush.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Safety First (or, "Please Don't Infect Me!")
Let's be real, we're all thinking about cleanliness these days. SpringHill Suites gets a thumbs up (mostly) here. They’re clearly doing a good job with their hygiene protocols. The staff were wearing masks, there was hand sanitizer everywhere, and they did a daily disinfection in common areas. Individual-wrapped food options were in place, which is a plus. I didn’t get to experience any of the Room sanitization opt-out available, simply because it was implied to be a priority across the board.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
The Service: Friendly, But…
The staff? Extremely friendly, but a little…understaffed, perhaps? There were a few times I had to wait a bit for service. But hey, everyone was trying their best, and they were always cheerful. You can't fault them for that.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
They offer a decent array of services: concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, and even a convenience store. The elevator was dependable (a big plus!), and they have an on-site car park (free, hooray!). Contactless check-in/out was a breeze.
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (Family Friendly)
The hotel is family-friendly, they offer babysitting service, and family/child facilities. I did not visit with children, therefore cannot rate this section.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay (But Manage Your Expectations)
Overall? I’d recommend the SpringHill Suites Bakery Square. It’s accessible, clean, has a fantastic pool, and the staff are lovely. Just manage your expectations: the “spa” is limited, and the breakfast? Well, plan to eat elsewhere.
Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Especially considering it's in the heart of Bakery Square, with tons of restaurants and shops within walking distance. And hey, a little bit of imperfection is charming, right?
Final Score: 7.5 out of 10 (Could be 8.5 with a better spa.)
Postscript: I might have also accidentally spent way too long in the steam room. Don't judge me.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh Bakery Square adventure. This ain't your meticulously planned travelogue, more like a… a chaotic, slightly sweaty, yet ultimately glorious, exploration of the Steel City. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Discomfort, and a Pizza Revelation
15:00 - The Great Hotel Hunt: Okay, so I'm supposed to arrive at the Springhill Suites, but first? Let's be real. Finding the damn thing. My GPS, bless its circuits, decided to route me through a series of one-way streets that felt designed by a sadist. I swear, I saw a squirrel give me the finger. Finally, finally, I pull up, slightly crumpled and already questioning all my life choices.
15:30 - Check-In Chaos (and the Lobby's Vibe Check): The lobby. Clean, bright, vaguely corporate-y. A friendly face at the desk, thankfully. I'm always internally calculating the staff's misery levels. This one seemed… moderately okay. Which, in my book, is a win. My room? Clean, which is the bare minimum after the traffic ordeal.
16:00 - Room Reconnaissance & the Unspoken Truth About Hotel Beds: Ah, my sanctuary. A bed. After the driving? Pure heaven. Are hotel beds always so… perfect? Is there some secret pillow conspiracy I'm not privy to? I spent a shameful amount of time just face-planting. Let's be honest, I probably napped. It was a strategic move to manage my sleep schedule.
18:00 - Food Emergency! (and a Pizza Miracle): Alright, hunger pangs hit. Hard. I'm starving, I've got a rumbling stomach, I need food. I have to eat; I need to eat, I deserve to eat! Being in Pittsburgh, food is critical - my strategy? Pizza. The online reviews led me to Spork Pit. The name, honestly, had me intrigued. And, reader, it was glorious. The crust? Perfection. The toppings? Divine. I ate half of it, alone in my room, and felt zero shame.
20:00 - Unpacking (sort of) and Channel Surfing: Unpacking? More like a strategic scattering of clothes across various surfaces. Efficiency is not my strong suit, especially after pizza. I fell into a vortex of terrible cable TV. Ended up with a fascination for a dog grooming contest. Don't judge me!
22:00 - Sleep. Attempted. The real fun of hotels is in the sleep. My poor attempt to sleep, while hearing the faint sounds of the air conditioner, the highway, and a dog barking somewhere.
Day 2: Bakery Square, Art, and a Questionable Coffee Decision
07:00 - Breakfast Debacle: Okay, let's be honest, hotel breakfast is… predictable. Scrambled eggs of unknown origin, rubbery bacon, and the promise of beige carbs. I managed to choke down a waffle. You know what would have made it better? Fresh fruit that wasn't half-rotten. I'm starting to think I need the hotel to put fresh fruit.
08:00 - Bakery Square Exploration: Right outside the hotel! Lovely. Supposedly! A few cute shops, the architecture is pretty cool, and it's a nice little stroll. I got way too excited over a bookstore. And spent an hour just browsing the titles and the authors.
10:00 - The Mattress Factory (A Glorious Rabbit Hole): Okay, this is where things get amazing. The Mattress Factory is an art museum and it's not what you think. It's immersive installations. It's weird. It's wonderful. There was this room with mirrors and lights that made me feel like I was floating in space! I actually got a little teary-eyed. Art, it's powerful stuff.
13:00 - Coffee Catastrophe: I was feeling adventurous, so, I tried a local coffee shop recommended by the hotel staff. Big mistake. This coffee tasted like old socks. I took two sips and I just dumped the rest right into the nearest trash can. My poor, abused taste buds! I had to drive back to the hotel to get some good coffee.
14:00 - The Quiet Hours: Back at the hotel. I tried to get some work done, but the allure of the comfy bed, was overwhelming. A quick but much-needed nap.
17:00 - Dinner and Emotional Overload: I went to a fancy restaurant. It was good, but it was also too loud. The service was great but I was alone and I ended up fighting back tears again. Why am I so emotional?!?!?
20:00 - More Cable, More Regret: Back to bad TV. This time it was a reality show about competitive hot dog eating. I'm starting to question my life choices.
22:00 - One Last Stare at That Ceiling: Back to bed.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Something
07:00 - The Breakfast Routine (with a Twist): Yes, same breakfast, same rubbery bacon. I did manage to snag a slightly less-wilted piece of fruit. Progress!
08:00 - Packing Panic: The "strategic scattering" from day one is now a full-blown explosion of belongings. I'm pretty sure I'm leaving a pair of socks behind, but honestly, I have come to accept that by now.
09:00 - The Mystery Scent: As I'm doing the last check before leaving, I notice there's an odd smell in the room. Something faintly… musty? A hint of what? I check everything. Under the bed, the closet, in the microwave. I couldn't figure it out!
10:00 - Check-out and Farewell: Goodbye, Springhill Suites! I'm slightly sad to leave my little temporary home.
10:30 - Driving from the City: Now on my way to the road I came in. The car is a mess and a little bit of trash is still on the passenger seat. But that's how I work, I get the job done.
And there you have it. My SpringHill Suites experience, warts and all. Pittsburgh, you're weird, wonderful, and full of surprises. And I definitely recommend the pizza. And maybe skip the socks.
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Escape to Pittsburgh's Chicest Hotel: SpringHill Suites Bakery Square Awaits! (But, Like, Real Talk FAQ)
So, SpringHill Suites Bakery Square... Is it *really* chic? I saw the pics, but you know how that goes.
Okay, let's be honest. "Chic" in hotel advertising is like "delicious" on a restaurant menu: a bit overused. But, yeah, SpringHill Suites at Bakery Square does have a *vibe*. Think modern, industrial-ish cool. Exposed brick, high ceilings... it's definitely a step up from your roadside motel. My first impression? "Wow, okay, this isn't a dungeon." I mean, the lobby has actual *style*. There’s a weird, slightly off-kilter art installation (a giant, metal... thing?) that I stared at for a solid ten minutes trying to figure out if I liked it or hated it. Still undecided tbh.
What about the location? Bakery Square... is that, like, a real place?
Oh, it's real alright. And it’s freaking *convenient*. Bakery Square is a mixed-use development, which is fancy for “a bunch of shops and restaurants all in one spot, built on the site of what used to be a Nabisco factory.” It's actually pretty cool, though. There are trendy restaurants (hello, delicious avocado toast!), cute boutiques, and even a free shuttle to other cool spots in Pittsburgh. No, I didn't use the shuttle. Guilty as charged (more on that later). But the point is, you're not stuck in the middle of nowhere. You can walk right out of the hotel and… consume all the calories.
The rooms – are they actually suites? Do I get a separate living area?
Yes! Yes, they are. And honestly, the suite situation is pretty sweet. You get a separate "living area" with a pull-out couch (which, okay, isn't the *most* comfortable thing in the world, but it’ll do in a pinch), a desk, and that magical thing called *space*. My room was clean, which is a big win in my book. And the mini-fridge was a lifesaver for my late-night snack stash (don’t judge!).
Breakfast... what's the deal? Is it the usual hotel fare?
Breakfast is free, which is always a good start. They have the usual suspects: eggs, make-your-own waffles (which, let's be real, are always a highlight), cereal, fruit, and yogurt. It's not gourmet, but it gets the job done. The coffee? Well, it's hotel coffee. Let's just say I made a beeline for the Starbucks across the street after the first cup.
Okay, so you said something about a "free shuttle." Why didn't you use it? Spill the tea!
Okay, fine, you got me. Here’s the confession: I *completely* forgot about the shuttle. I was so busy Instagramming the exposed brick and trying to figure out if that weird metal thing in the lobby was art (still leaning towards "no"), that I just… didn’t even think to ask. Then, later, I was too lazy to walk to the stop, so I took a ride-share. Don't judge! I was on vacation. And besides, Pittsburgh is a city of hills. I'd rather not walk uphill in heels, thank you very much. It was a *perfectly rational* decision at the time. Though, looking back, it's a little embarrassing.
Anything *really* good or *really* bad that you remember? Like, a moment?
Oh, definitely. The *best* moment? Waking up in a comfy bed (yes, the bed was actually really good!) and realizing I had a full day ahead of me to explore Pittsburgh. I also remember the absolute glee of ordering room service and having it arrive *exactly* when I wanted it. The *worst*? Okay, maybe not the worst, but I did get stuck in the elevator for about five minutes. It was probably a malfunction, but in that moment, I was convinced I was going to be stuck there forever, surrounded by the faint smell of chlorine from the adjacent pool. No biggie. I mean, I emerged victorious. And honestly? The elevator episode just added to the whole experience. It was like, a little Pittsburgh adventure. I’ll never forget it. And the relief when the doors finally opened… pure bliss.
Would you recommend this hotel? And what's the bottom line?
Yeah, I'd recommend SpringHill Suites Bakery Square. Especially if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively stylish base of operations for exploring Pittsburgh. It's not perfect – no hotel is. But the location is great, the rooms are spacious, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Just don't forget about the free shuttle! And maybe, just *maybe*, bring your own coffee. Honestly? I'd go back. Even if the elevator tries to eat me again.
Parking? Because downtown Pittsburgh is parking hell...
Yes, okay, this is important. Parking at the hotel is available, BUT it's not free. It’s valet only, and it comes at a price. I grumbled a little at the cost, but honestly, it was worth it. Trying to find street parking in Pittsburgh? Nope. Especially after you've had a couple of those tasty Primanti Bros. sandwiches. Just factor the cost into your budget, and you'll be fine. Consider it a convenience tax. It's way better than circling the block for an hour, which, trust me, I have *also* done.
Is it kid-friendly?
I saw a few families, so yeah, I'd say it's kid-friendly. It's not *specifically* designed for kids, like, there aren't themed rooms with slides or anything. But the suites offer plenty of space, and the pool is a definite plus. It seems like a solid choice if you're traveling with little ones. However, I'm a solo traveler, so take my assessment with a grain of salt. I'm not really the kid-wielding type, you know?
And finally, the Wi-Fi... because, you know, the internet is life.
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