Where to Stay in Pittsburgh: The 10 Coolest PLaces for any Visit

2 min read 

Hotels, Airbnbs, and bed and breakfast in Pittsburgh

 Springtime is finally here and that means flowers are finally blooming, the sun is out when you wake up, and the birds are chirping a happy song once again. But, it also means that you have to wake up at an ungodly hour on the weekend to cut your grass and spend hours laying mulch just so your neighbors don’t judge your yard, all while medicating your allergy induced migraine and scratching those pesky mosquito bites. 

 You deserve a vacation, but where should you go? Florida is quite nice this time of year and Vegas is always a good idea. Maybe you could go on an international trip to an island and let go of all your problems. But, what about going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Who needs Miami’s nightlife or Disneyland when you can have a 40 degree range of temperatures within 24 hours? All jokes aside, Pittsburgh is actually a prime vacation destination. Before we dive into the range of activities, museums, shops, and restaurants the city of bridges has to offer, we have to start at square one of your vacation planning: Your hotel. 

 Here are my top 10 picks for hotels, bed & breakfasts, and Airbnbs in Pittsburgh: 

 Mansions on Fifth: Perfect for Couples 

If you want to woo your sweetheart, take them on a getaway to Mansions on Fifth. Located on Pittsburgh’s historic Fifth Avenue, Mansions on Fifth offers an intimate, romantic atmosphere within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in Shadyside and Oakland. The facade looks just like a castle, but that’s hardly where the splendor stops. There are plenty of dark oak accents and stained glass windows inside and some of the rooms have fireplaces. 

There are a variety of different types of rooms to choose from with either a queen or king bed and located in either The Amberson House or the Fifth Avenue House. They range from $179 – 499 per night. Per its title as a luxury hotel, Mansions on Fifth offers guests the highest quality linens and a 16 hour butler service. 

Mansions on Fifth has curated packages combining their lodging with different activities in Pittsburgh. For instance, the “Orchids and Other Blooms” package includes one night at Mansions at Fifth, two passes to Phipps’ Conservatory, a meal voucher for the conservatory cafeteria, Ubers to and from, as well as a wine voucher at The Oak Room. The “Romance, Romance” package includes a one night stay, a dozen roses, a bottle of champagne, a dessert tray, and breakfast the next day.

If your idea of vacation is just lounging around the hotel, The Oak Room pub is open daily from 4-11pm and serves hand crafted cocktails and various microbrew beers. There are also weekly events that occur in the Oak Room pub such as wine tastings and live music events. In the summer, the veranda is open, which offers a stunning view of Fifth Avenue.

Omni William Penn Hotel: Perfect for First Time Visitors 

If you’ve never been to Pittsburgh before, you have to stay at the Omni William Penn Hotel located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The minute you walk in the lobby, you’ll be captivated by the high, ornate ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and overall grandeur from carpet to curtain. Its location is within walking distance to all of the most famous Pittsburgh attractions including Point State Park, the theatres in the Cultural District, even the Strip District and the stadiums. 

The Omni William Penn Hotel has different rooms and suites to choose from with either double beds, queen beds, or a king bed. All of the rooms come with rich cherry wood bed frames and cost between $224 – 449 per night. The hotel offers valet parking and special discounts for military, seniors, and a special rate if you stay over two nights. 

Though downtown Pittsburgh has some of the best restaurants in the world, you might just be tempted to stay in the hotel and try their variety of restaurants. The Terrace Room, decked out in rich reds and browns, serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends. As its name suggests, The Speakeasy is a dimly lit bar located below the hotel, its ambiance inspired by the 1920s. Palm Court is a restaurant located near the lobby that serves small plates and snacks all day. Lastly, the Tap Room is a historic bar serving wine, beer, and greasy pub food in a cozy atmosphere.

Tiny House Airbnb: Perfect for a Staycation

If you’re a yinzer who needs a break from the Squirrel Hill tunnel traffic, the tiny house Airbnb in Beechview will provide a nice change of scenery from the “dahntahn” hustle and bustle. The house only measures around 200 square feet, but it has all of the amenities, if not more, of your average hotel. There is a living room, full size bathroom, kitchen with bar, and not one but two queen beds.

The tiny house is available for $126 per night and includes amenities such as a private courtyard with privacy fence, bathroom linens, kitchen appliances, as well as a parking space near the property. 

The property can be found on Airbnb here. Thus far, almost the whole summer is free to be booked, so be sure to reserve your spot soon.

The Oolikhanna Houseboat Airbnb: Perfect for Adventurers 

If staying at another Holiday Inn sounds like anything but a holiday, your next vacation should be on the Oolikhanna Houseboat in Verona. It’s far enough away from Pittsburgh to unwind but still close enough to drive to dinner or a show. The boat has new, modern appliances and decor with a cozy sitting area by the helm and a spacious bed right next to the spectacular view of the Allegheny River. The Allegheny in itself is an amenity in this listing since the owners give guests a free rental of a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard; or you could just dive in the river. 

The houseboat costs $200 per night and is currently open for most of the summer. You can book your stay by clicking the link here

SouthSide Bicycle House Airbnb: Perfect for Families 

Pittsburgh is a perfect city for families to visit with tons of museums and activities that your kids will love. If the bright lights of downtown do nothing but wind your kids up, consider staying at this house in the artsy SouthSide. The facade is homey with its yellow exterior, red door, green planters, and mint bicycle leaning against the side. Inside, the house has colorful bedrooms that sleep up to six people, a full service laundry room, and a relaxing back patio. The owners also provide several bikes for free and maps of the trails around Pittsburgh, including the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which is only a few blocks from the house. 

The house is $212 per night and there are only a few weeks left to be booked for the summer, so book quickly using this link

Artsy Downtown Airbnb: Perfect for Concertgoers 

If you’re going to see a concert at PPG Place this summer, why not just spend the night in this pop art inspired unit a block from the venue? This unit is located in the CityView apartment complex, sleeps up to four guests, and includes a parking space in the parking garage. From the colorful couch to the palm wallpaper plastered bathroom and the Takashi Murakami touches in the bedroom, this place is unlike no other Airbnb in the city. The accents also make it a perfect place to take Instagram pictures before or after the concert. 

The unit is $103 per night and most of the summer is open to book, so use this link to book your stay.

Mount Washington Airbnb: Perfect For Those on a Budget 

Need to get away but don’t want to break the bank? This unit is the perfect getaway for anyone on a budget. It is a large sized bedroom in a house that is shared with other units and has priceless views of Pittsburgh. Though the room may not be as large as other condos available in Pittsburgh, it has just as many amenities such as a Smart TV, desk, and bathroom linens. The guests also have access to a full service kitchen, living room with games, front & back porch, and three bathrooms. 

The unit is only $40 per night and can sleep up to two people. You can book it using this link. 

 Whether you’re going on a couple’s retreat for a weekend or a getaway with your family for the week, I hope this article has inspired you to take the first step in planning your Pittsburgh vacation. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever stayed at any of the above places or are planning on doing so now! 

 Stay tuned throughout the week for more about how to play the perfect Pittsburgh vacation. More information about Pittsburgh shopping, dining, and events is on the way later this week! 

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