Where the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio River, you’ll find Pittsburgh, a city of two nicknames. It was dubbed “the Steel City” for its role in the early-20th-century rise of the steel industry and the “City of Bridges” as it has 446. Discover more of Pittsburgh’s Golden Era heritage at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and check out the regional flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. Sports fans meanwhile, can head to the Heinz Field football stadium and PNC Park baseball stadium, and pop art lovers, to the Andy Warhol Museum.
Fairmont Pittsburgh
Make the Fairmont your base during your time in Pensylvania. The skyscraper building is close to the Cultural Quarter. It accommodates 185 bedrooms (one bedroom suites and the Fairmont Room are accessible), with floor-to-ceiling windows maximising its elevated outlook and four-fixture bathrooms as standard. For the most premium experience, book out the Presidential Suite on the 23rd floor; this has both north and south-facing aspects, can be set with up to four bedrooms and caters for dinner parties with as many as 20 guests. There’s a health club and spa onsite, as well as a Starbucks and second floor restaurant.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
This design-forward property is part of an international pet-friendly collection, yet offers plenty of nods to local culture in its decor. 248 guest rooms include statement pieces, such as oversized tufted Kelly green headboards, bedside chandeliers encased in golden birdcages and ceramic penguin desk lamps, plus Atelier Bloem Bath products and Frette linens. The Commoner is the Kimpton Monaco’s industrial-chic US-tavern-style eatery and the Biergarten is its seasonal rooftop haunt. There’s a fitness centre, loaner bikes for guest use and Mini Me Milk Fridges for nursing mums available on request.
The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you prefer a more suburban setting, choose this Autograph Collection hotel, named after its district (Oakland). It may be a little further away from the city’s nucleus, but is the briefest of strolls from neighbourhood bars, restaurants, the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Memorial Chapel. A maritime blue colour scheme prevails throughout, with elements of monochrome in bathrooms and public spaces. 167 bedrooms have blackout drapes, laptop-friendly workspaces and eco-friendly practices (such as LED bulbs, recycling and environmentally-friendly cleaning products). Spirits & Tales is the hotel’s restaurant and there’s an in-house library.
