Pittsburgh's BEST Downtown Hotel? Hampton Inn & Suites Review!
Pittsburgh's Best Downtown Hotel? Hampton Inn & Suites Review (Hold On Tight!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain’t your grandma’s hotel review. This is the real deal, a messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful dive into the Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Pittsburgh. And let me tell you, after a recent stay, I've got thoughts. Lots of them. And they’re all over the place, just like my suitcase after a long day of exploring the Steel City.
(Skip down to the bottom for a juicy offer, but read the mess first! You'll need the context.)
Accessibility (Let's Start With the Practical Stuff, Shall We?)
Right, so, accessibility. HUGE deal. And frankly, one of the first things I check. The Hampton Inn & Suites ticks a lot of boxes. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, absolutely. Elevators are plentiful, the hallways are wide, and I saw ramps everywhere. That's a major win right out of the gate. Also, they've really thought about the little things, like facilities for disabled guests. I didn’t personally need them, but knowing they’re there is reassuring. They deserve serious props for that.
Internet Access & The All-Important Wi-Fi
Let’s be real, if the Wi-Fi is garbage, the whole experience is, at best, meh. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Praise be! And you know what? It actually worked. No buffering, no dropouts, even when trying to stream something. This is a surprisingly big deal when you're juggling emails, planning your next adventure, or just trying to unwind with Netflix. I'm a sucker for quality internet access. The Internet [LAN] wasn't something I used at all, but the free Wi-Fi was enough for me.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Era Blues (and Wins!)
Okay, COVID. The elephant in the room (and everywhere else, apparently). This is where the Hampton Inn & Suites REALLY impressed me. I'm a nervous traveler when it comes to germs these days. But seeing their commitment to safety instantly calmed me down. First, the whole Anti-viral cleaning products thing. Good. Then, Daily disinfection in common areas – even better. Rooms sanitized between stays: check. Seriously, it felt like they were taking it seriously. And the staff, even if they seemed a little tired at times, were always masked and gave off a sense of professionalism. Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options, check. And the safe dining setup was really well done.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where Things Get Interesting
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff! This is where things are less…perfect. The Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it’s a buffet. Standard Hampton Inn fare. Scrambled eggs (sometimes?), waffles, cereal, the usual suspects. Don't expect gourmet, but it’ll fill ya up before a day of exploring. Oh, and the Asian breakfast -- don't expect a full offering, but I did see some rice. There is also a Breakfast takeaway service, which is genius for those early departures.
Now, the coffee shop…meh it was ok when I went. The coffee was… coffee. Nothing to write home about, but it served its purpose. The Poolside bar was also closed, and I didn't get to try it.
Room Service [24-hour]: This is a definite perk. After a long day of Pittsburgh exploration (more on that later!), just chilling in your robe, with a burger? Yes, please.
Breakfast in room: This is an excellent option for those who want a more private experience.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Here's the thing: a hotel can have a great lobby and amazing rooms, but it's the little conveniences that really make a difference. Contactless check-in/out? Thank goodness! Daily housekeeping? A HUGE plus. Luggage storage? Essential. The Concierge service? Super helpful. They even have a convenience store on-site, which is great for grabbing a late-night snack or a forgotten toothbrush. They also have a gift shop which is really cool ! The elevator was always working when I went.
For the Kids (because families gotta travel too!)
Family/child friendly: Seemed like it! They had some Kids facilities. Although I didn't see any Babysitting service, or Kids meal.
Available in all rooms The Air conditioning was an absolute lifesaver. Yes, it's a basic need, but I was thankful it worked perfectly. Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes? Luxurious! Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a caffeine addict like yours truly. Desk? Perfect for getting some work done (or, you know, planning your next adventure). Free bottled water: a nice touch. Hair dryer: Saved my life. In-room safe box: Always a good idea. Ironing facilities: Because wrinkles are the enemy. Mini bar: Didn’t use it, but good to know it's there. Non-smoking rooms are the norm, of course, and the Refrigerator was surprisingly useful for storing leftovers and drinks. Also: a Smoke detector, Telephone and Toiletries.
Getting Around (Navigating Pittsburgh)
The Hampton Inn & Suites is smack-dab in the heart of Downtown, which is both brilliant and slightly… challenging. Taxi service and Airport transfer are available, and the car park [on-site] is pretty reasonable for a downtown hotel. You can also find a car power charging station. I ended up walking everywhere. So for me, the convenience of location trumped everything.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, Etc. (or, My Pittsburgh Diary)
Look, I didn't spend a TON of time in the hotel itself. (That's not really the point, is it?) But I did manage to squeeze in some relaxation. There's a Fitness center, which is decent, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Pittsburgh in summer is a blast, so I spent most of my time exploring.
So, what did I do in Pittsburgh? Well…
I took a detour to the Spa/sauna and Massage. But the whole point is … Pittsburgh. You can't just sit in a hotel like that!
I spent a whole afternoon exploring the Strip District! The energy is electric, the food is amazing, and the sights are something else!
I even went up to the Pool with view. It was simply gorgeous. The views of the city from the pool were a serious moment of zen.
Overall Vibe and My Annoying Little Quirks
The vibe? Clean, modern, and professional. I found the staff generally friendly and efficient, even if they were run ragged at times. The whole experience was very, very solid. No major disappointments. Not a ton of soul-crushing mediocrity. Just a good, reliable place to crash after a day (or a night) of exploring.
The Imperfections:
Rooms Sanitization: There were some imperfections as I found hairs around the shower drain and a very thin soap. My reaction: Oh no! A hair! I don't know if that makes me sad or disgusted.
The pool itself: My reaction: I really loved the pool but I wished it had a bar by it.
So, is the Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh's Best Downtown Hotel?
Look, "best" is subjective. But is it a really good choice? Absolutely. Especially if you:
- Prioritize cleanliness and safety: They’re doing a great job.
- Need a central location: Perfect for exploring.
- Want a worry-free experience: It’s reliable and professional.
- Value convenience: Everything is at your fingertips.
The Juicy Offer You’ve Been Waiting For (Or Skipped To!)
Okay, listen up!
Book your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Pittsburgh through my link (coming soon!) and get:
- A special insider's discount.
- Free upgrade! (Subject to availability. First come, first served. I can't guarantee it, but I can influence the hotel.)
- My personal guarantee: You'll have a comfortable and safe stay.
- Additional tip from me: book your room today. Don't let me down.
(I'll add my link here as soon as I get it – stay tuned!)
Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. Now go explore Pittsburgh! (And let me know what you think.)
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Fuli Resort Chihpen, Taiwan
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Pittsburgh adventure. And trust me, it wasn't all sunshine and perfectly-timed bus schedules. This is going to be… well, let's call it a realistic itinerary. Think less "polished travel blog" and more "frantic notes scrawled on a napkin while fueled by caffeine and existential dread."
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown – The Lair of Mild Discomfort (and Free Breakfast)
Okay, first things first. The Hampton Inn. Decent. Perfectly adequate. The usual suspects: comfy bed, slightly suspicious coffee, but hey, free breakfast. That’s a win in my book. Though, I did have a mortifying moment. Woke up late, stumbled downstairs, and accidentally grabbed a waffle that was shaped… well, let’s just say it bore a striking resemblance to a certain anatomical feature. The look on the elderly lady's face behind the buffet was priceless. I just mumbled something about "artistic license" and scarfed it down. Mortified.
Day 1: Arrival, Rivers, and a Serious Misunderstanding About Pizza
1:00 PM: Arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Smooth flight, surprisingly. Maybe the universe was trying to make up for the waffle incident. Uber to the hotel. Found parking, thankfully. (Finding parking downtown is a real-life scavenger hunt. I swear, I saw a guy trying to bribe a pigeon to move its car).
2:00 PM: Check-in. Room surprisingly clean! (I'm easily impressed, okay?) Dropped bags, and inhaled a sigh of relief because all the travel stress had finally caught me.
2:30 PM: Wander. The city's right there. I decided to explore the area since I checked in earlier. I strolled along the rivers. Majestic! I could almost feel the "yinzer" spirit (learned that word quickly, by the way. They love their city apparently.). The Point State Park, just gorgeous. Seriously, those rivers meeting? Poetry. Almost made a tear.
4:00 PM: Time to eat. Pizza. Gotta have pizza. I read an article about how Pittsburgh pizza is different. Had to try the local stuff. Picked a place called "Pizza Perfection," expecting…well, perfection, obviously. What emerged? A…a thing with a sweetness I wasn't prepared for, a crust that was…questionable, and a topping situation that made me question my life choices. Let's just say, it wasn't perfect. It was a food crime.
5:00 PM: Stroll through the downtown area. Okay, maybe I was still a little bit disappointed about the pizza. But then, buildings. They're tall. The architecture is cool. (I'm an art major at heart.)
7:00 PM: Drinks at a dive bar. Found a bar tucked away in a back alley. The bartender had seen some things. The locals knew their beer. Talked to some guys (and gals!) about the Steelers. Learned even more about "Yinzer" culture. Felt like I belonged.
9:00 PM: Realized I was REALLY tired but the bar was so alive! Stayed late, made friends with a very opinionated local (who swore about the pizza too).
Day 2: Museums, Memories, and a Quest for Redemption (Pizza Edition)
9:00 AM: Free Breakfast, another waffle, this time un-offending. (Phew!) Coffee. Needed caffeine. I was still getting over the pizza trauma.
10:00 AM: Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs! Absolutely amazing. I'm a sucker for a good T-Rex skeleton. Spent way too long marveling at the… well, the marvels. The Hall of Gems was a real stunner. And the giant rhino? Seriously, I might have spent an hour just staring at it. Who knew rhinos were so…rhino-y?
1:00 PM: Carnegie Museum of Art, which was a wonderful transition! More art, more awe!
2:00 PM: Lunch. Still haunted by the pizza. Needed to redeem myself. Spent an hour researching "best pizza in Pittsburgh." Determined, I headed to a place called "Aiello's Pizza." The anticipation was KILLING ME.
(THIS IS IMPORTANT): Aiello's. Okay, so it wasn’t a religious experience, BUT. It was real pizza. Proper pizza. The crust has a good balance. The sauce, not as sweet, and the toppings? Ah, the toppings were just right. I think I have a slight craving for it right now. Anyway, I ate an entire pizza. Felt no shame.
4:00 PM: Explore the strip! Walked along the strip, a total sensory overload, from food vendors to little shops.
6:00 PM: Evening at a show! Took in a play, it was a little bit quirky. All I can say is that the show gave me a new view of life.
8:00 PM: Dessert and walk in the area. Found a local ice cream shop, sat on a bench, and watched the city lights. It was just nice, finally.
Day 3: Inclines, Views, and the Reluctant Tourist
9:00 AM: Attempted breakfast. Failed. Went to the buffet again. The waffle shaped like a uh… I ate some eggs.
10:00 AM: Inclined to go somewhere. Decided to go up the Duquesne Incline. The views! Spectacular. Should've brought sunglasses, the city gleamed. It was so beautiful. The ride up was a little…intense. (I'm not great with heights.) But the panorama at the top? Worth it.
11:00 AM: Stroll through Grandview Avenue. Walked around, soaked up the views. I could've stayed all day. Just took some time to exist.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local place. Sat down for a big meal, and I felt great. Ate a massive burger.
2:00 PM: Did some last-minute souvenir shopping, some gifts to people who did not know I was gone.
4:00 PM: Head to the airport. Goodbye, Pittsburgh, you weird, wonderful, pizza-challenging city.
5:00 PM: Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. I had my share of good and bad things.
Overall Reflections:
Pittsburgh? It’s… quirky. A little rough around the edges. The pizza situation is, to put it mildly, complex. But it's a city with heart. It's got character, and it’s got a certain charm that grows on you, even if it takes a while. I felt a connection to the city, which is crazy. It’s a place where you can stumble into something amazing, or something utterly bizarre, on almost every street corner. Would I go back? Absolutely. (And I will be going straight for Aiello's as soon as I land.) Now I'm rambling. Time for the rest of my trip to be planned.
Vienna's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Luxury at Best Western Plus Amedia Wien!
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown: The Good, The Bad, and The "Did That Really Happen?"
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Hampton Inn Downtown *Really* The Best?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Best" is a big word, like saying "the best pizza in Pittsburgh" (that's a whole other debate). But, lemme tell ya, after a recent stay, the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown *definitely* makes a strong case. It's a contender, a solid pick, your reliable friend who always shows up… mostly. Is it perfect? Heck no. Do I have some feelings? Oh, honey, do I ever!
The Location: Is It Truly "Downtown"? And How's the Walkability?
Oh, YES. You are *smack dab* in downtown. Seriously. And the walkability... chef's kiss! Everything you wanna see – the Cultural District, Market Square, even a decent walk to the Strip District (if you're feeling ambitious and fueled by a strong coffee) – is right there. I'm talking, you stumble out the door, and BAM, you're basically in the middle of everything. For a tourist who doesn't want to spend all their time in a car or relying on Uber, THIS IS IT. One word of caution: Pittsburgh hills. Your calves will thank you (or curse you) depending on your fitness level.
The Room: Clean? Comfy? That Mattress *That* Good?
Okay, room time. Yes, generally clean. Like, I didn't immediately recoil in horror. The bed? That's where things get interesting. Hampton Inns are known for their beds, right? The "Cloud Nine" or whatever ridiculous name they've given them. My take? It’s a good bed, a *very* good bed. Not quite cloud nine, more like… cloud seven-and-a-half. Okay, maybe cloud eight after a long day of sightseeing. The pillows? Needed some extra fluff. Pro-tip: ask for an extra set upon check in. Trust me.
My issue: I've stayed in a *lot* of hotel rooms. The room I had was alright, but not spectacular. But here's the kicker: the *view* from my window? A brick wall. Seriously. Just… a wall. Made me seriously question the hotel gods for a while.
The Free Breakfast: Worth the Hype... or Just Another Hotel Buffet Tragedy?
Alright, here’s where things get… conflicted. The free breakfast is… well, it’s free. That's a definite plus. They had the usual suspects: waffles (always a win), scrambled eggs (questionable provenance, I won't lie), sausage (generally passable), and fruit. The coffee? Let's just say a decent cup of diner coffee is preferable. And, the moment you’re waiting for… the waffle machine. It's like a game of chance, a gladiatorial contest between you and a poorly maintained piece of equipment. My attempt to get a waffle ended in a half-cooked, burnt-edged disc of regret. BUT, I saw a kid absolutely NAIL it on his first try! Kid waffles are better than adult waffles, evidently. Overall, it's good enough to get you started. Lower your expectations and bring your own syrup.
Parking and Logistics: A Downtown Nightmare or Smooth Sailing?
Parking in downtown Pittsburgh... well, it's a dance with the devil, a tango with your wallet. The Hampton Inn *does* have valet parking. Is it convenient? Yes. Is it expensive? Also yes. Consider it an unavoidable cost of doing business. Alternative? There are public garages nearby. You'll be walking a block or two, though. I'd suggest downloading a parking app before you go to compare prices.
Here’s a story for you: I almost locked my keys in the car at 2 AM. The valet guy was a lifesaver. He deserves a medal, and maybe hazard pay. So, while parking is a pain, at least the staff are generally helpful and friendly. That goes a long way.
The Staff: Friendly or Frumpy? Helpful or Helpless?
Mostly friendly. Seriously. The front desk staff were genuinely helpful. They answered my questions, pointed me in the right direction, and didn't make me feel like an idiot for asking them. (My sense of direction, sadly, is terrible.) I had a minor issue with my room (that brick wall view again!) and they were very accommodating and tried to fix it. The breakfast crew? Working hard, doing their best. So, thumbs up on the staff front. It makes a HUGE difference, and they really do.
Amenities: Gym? Pool? The Things That Make (or Break) the Stay?
Okay, let’s be real. Gyms and pools are rarely amazing at these mid-range hotels. The Hampton Inn has a gym. I didn't use it. Because… well, Pittsburgh food. And there's no pool. This isn't a resort, folks. Just a solid downtown hotel. So, if you're looking for a water park experience, look elsewhere. If you’re happy with location and a decent bed, you’re in the right spot.
Final Verdict: Yay or Nay? Would You Recommend It?
Here’s the truth: I *would* recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Pittsburgh. It's not perfect. The view from my room nearly ruined my trip. The breakfast is... adequate. Parking is a nightmare. But the location is AMAZING. The beds are generally good. The staff were great! It's a solid choice. It’s reliable, it’s central, and it gets the job done. I'm not going to call it the absolute *best*, but it's a contender. Go, and enjoy this crazy, wonderful city. Just, maybe ask for a room on a higher floor. With a view that isn't a brick wall.
