Omni William Penn Hotel

The Penn is housed in what's arguably one of
Pittsburgh’s most iconic structures, a red brick building that dates back to 1916 and once counted nearly 1,000 rooms. Guests enter a spacious entryway with spectacularly coffered ceilings and intricately detailed
chandeliers. This leads to a red-carpeted marble staircase that opens onto a stunner of a lobby. All around, vintage and antique chairs and couches are set on ornate rugs, while gorgeous period drapes hang from the towering windows. There are original photos of the hotel and architectural plans
framed in the hallways and the entire hotel is decorated with a nod to the 1920s, including hand-painted ceilings, high arched doorways, etched walls, and
elaborate molding. While the lobby is grand, it can be busy with
guests and visitors checking email since it's the only area in the hotel with
free Wi-Fi. The hotel has been frequented by famous politicians, celebrities, and musicians, and it's also the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guests these days range
from couples to business travelers and wedding parties.

The hotel is
situated in downtown Pittsburgh, directly across from the Steel Plaza T Station and Mellon Square Park. It's surrounded by corporate office buildings
and banks, and is only four blocks from the Heinz Hall
for the Performing Arts. Market Square is a 10-minute walk from the hotel while iconic Point State Park, at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers is just five minutes farther. Duquesne University and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center are a 10-minute walk away. The Strip, a popular area of artisanal food vendors and boutiques is a five-minute drive from the hotel and is a lively spot on Saturday mornings. It's also a 10-minute drive to the Andy
Warhol Museum, Heinz Field, and PNC Park. Pittsburgh International Airport is less than
a 30-minute drive from the hotel, or about an hour via public transportation.

While rooms do not have the same exuberant antique vibe of the hotel's common areas, they do possess an undeniable classic appeal, with old-school elegance and sophistication. Patterns are employed in smart ways, from the carpets to the decorative pillows and subtle wallpaper, while elaborately framed mirrors add a bit of pizzazz. The dressers, cabinets, and nightstands are all made from solid cherry wood, though we did spot a bit of wear on some pieces. Some of the hotel's Deluxe Rooms can be a bit snug, and start at just 180 square feet of space (17 square meters), though suites are spacious, with the top-of-the-line Presidential Suite offering a staggering 2,500 square feet (232 square meters) of space for guests who have the cash to spend. Suites also have separate bedrooms and living rooms, while the State Suite and Presidential Suite offer proper dining areas and kitchenettes. All rooms feature modern comforts like large flat-screen TVs, ironing
facilities, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is subject to an extra daily
charge. Beds are plush and comfortable, covered in high-quality linens and elegant bedspreads. While some rooms have fine city views, others only have direct views of the walls and windows of a neighboring building. Bathrooms are fairly run-of-the-mill -- even in higher-category rooms -- with tan marble tiling, shower/tub combos, thick robes, and handsome granite
countertops. 

This large hotel
offers multiple on-site restaurants, including Prohibition-era cocktails in The
Speakeasy Lounge and gourmet traditional American fare in the Terrace Room.
There’s a great beer selection in the Tap Room, plus live jazz music weekly in
Palm Court. There's also a bagel shop and a Starbucks on-site as well as free coffee
and flavored water in the lobby every morning. The hotel offers 24-hour room
service and serves a popular afternoon tea.A 24-hour fitness center is a nice bonus. It's a big and bright space that has a somewhat bizarre classic style, though there's a nice selection of modern weight and cardio equipment. The hotel also offers in-room fitness kits that include mats, dumbbells, kettle balls, and stretch
cords. Massages can be arranged on request. For business travelers and wedding hosts, there are several beautiful meeting rooms and a massive,
spectacular ballroom with hanging tapestries, chandeliers, decorated walls, and a giant, hand-painted mural on the ceiling. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but
costs extra in rooms. Valet parking is available for a
nightly charge; alternatively, there are parking garages in the area where guests might be able to get better rates. Small pets are allowed with advanced notice for an extra fee.