Plan a Trip

Can You Visit Pittsburgh Without a Car? The Answer is Maybe

When we travel to major cities, we generally don't rent a car if we can avoid it. Part of this is obviously the cost associated with a rental car (daily fee + gas + parking can add up for sometimes minimal use), but also because if a robust public transit system exists, we'd rather just use that. We love a good metro even if it takes a bit longer to reach our destination than driving.

Anyone who lives in Pittsburgh knows where we're going with this because our public transit, well, leaves a lot to be desired- this statement is being generous. 

If money was no concern, we'd state outright that you'll do well to rent a car in Pittsburgh- you'll have way more freedom than if you didn't (and also have access to a number of great day trips too). If money is a concern, you can make it work without a car but you need to be a bit more strategic with how you plan your stay.

Read more

10 Cool Pittsburgh Airbnb, VRBO, and Apartment Rentals

While we would say that the Pittsburgh Airbnb and apartment rental scene is small but growing, we have to admit that there are some pretty amazing properties in the region you may want to check out.

After looking through many of the properties listed on the service, we found a few pretty amazing options located in (or quite close) to the city that we absolutely had to share today. So if you're looking for a getaway with Airbnbs in Pittsburgh, you may want to put these options on your radar.

If you're looking for more information on the best neighborhoods to stay in and questions to ask your host, be sure to scroll to the end of this guide for detailed information as well (or click here to jump to it)!

Disclaimers: All images are credited to the respective booking platform (Airbnb/VRBO) and hosts. While we are frequent customers of these services, we have not personally stayed in the below properties. We reviewed many of the apartment rentals in Pittsburgh for what we normally look for when traveling, and simply think these are quite unique, interesting, and in most cases also have fantastic locations such that we would likely inquire about them if we were travelers. These reasons will be highlighted below. Amenities may have changed since initial publication and should be confirmed prior to booking.

Read more

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Review – Modern Comforts Downtown

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh is often considered to be one of the best value options in the city, but it wasn't until we stayed overnight that we started to understand why that is.

Yes, this one has relatively affordable rooms downtown, but it also backs it up with a high quality stay all around. So after visiting this one for a weekend stay, well, call us fans!

Read more

Omni William Penn Hotel Review – A Historical Ambiance

I was eagerly anticipating my visit to the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh as this historic hotel is perhaps the most iconic of any in the city. One step in the lobby and you feel transported to a different time.

But sadly, this does not translate over into the room nearly as much, and I have to say- I was fairly let down from my stay here.

Read more

5 of the Best Hotels Near Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh

As it comes to all of our guides about hotels near the stadiums, it would be easy for us to list the five hotels close to Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) and be done with it. Unfortunately, that is a bit boring (and a bit impractical even) as the Pittsburgh hotel scene offers a number of options for those coming in for a Steelers game.

So if you are looking for hotels near Acrisure Stadium, we have a few options for you, both in terms of their location, amenities, and practicality!

Note: A few hotels featured in this guide are found in the North Shore right next to Acrisure Stadium. Traffic becomes pretty crazy on game days, so if you are coming in just before the start of a game or departing shortly thereafter, plan for significant delays.

Read more

Drury Plaza Pittsburgh Review – A Refreshing Stay Downtown

When it comes to downtown Pittsburgh hotels, we have quite a few with each having their own unique features.

We didn't know much about the Drury Plaza Hotel, located just a few blocks from the convention center, but when we were invited out for a review we were excited all the same.

As we quickly found out, this one has comfortable rooms and some pretty awesome on-site perks!

Read more

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel Review – A Historic Stay

The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is located in the historic (and architecturally unique) Fulton Building in downtown Pittsburgh.

The building was constructed in 1906, financed by Henry Phipps (namesake of Phipps Conservatory), converted to the Renaissance Hotel in 2001, and named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

From its unique arch on the outside to the beautiful rotunda and luxurious rooms on the inside, it doesn't take long to understand why this particular hotel is one of the most popular in the city.

Read more

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Review – A Grand Chateau

If you are in the mood for an ultra-luxurious hotel in southwestern Pennsylvania, look no further than Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands.

Whether you are looking for relaxation, outdoor activities, high-end cuisine, or more, odds are good this property will have what you seek.

We were guests of Nemacolin Woodlands for a media conference, and share our thoughts from the stay in this review!

Read more

How to Choose Where to Stay When You Visit Pittsburgh

If you are looking to visit Pittsburgh from out of town, one of your first thoughts is likely “where do I stay?”

In a city of 90 neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay in Pittsburgh could make or break your visit almost entirely. So finding a spot that fits your style, budget, and interests is key.

As with most of our guides, we want to take a detailed dive into the best neighborhoods to stay in for your Pittsburgh visit.

But not only are we going to dive into our favorite aspects of each neighborhood (both in general and from a visitor's perspective), we also want to provide the reasons why you may not want to stay in the neighborhood as well!

Because as awesome as these neighborhoods are, none are perfect. Depending on your style, budget, and trip goals there may be some things you need to keep in mind before booking.

With that, let's jump into it!

Read more