Nestled in the trees that are some of downtown Pittsburgh's tallest skyscrapers is this city's crown jewel of hotels. If you were to get an aerial view of the Omni William Penn Hotel, its perimeter would remind you of a giant capital "E" but with beautifully carved molding accenting the roofline. Upon entering the building through the main lobby and its gold-trimmed revolving doors, I couldn't help but feel I was being transported back in time to the 1920s.
William Penn Main Lobby Sets Tone
With its massive antique lead crystal chandeliers, luxuriantly designed and upholstered furniture, and marbled floors, the hotel's main lobby is merely a prelude of more opulence to come. Be sure, however, to glance upward at the main lobby's elaborately hand-carved ceiling, replete with squares that bear the "WP" inscription, the hotel's initials.
Even the staircases that lead to the sub-floor bathrooms are adorned with handsomely patterned railings. An affordably priced English-style pub, the Tap Room, is inconspicuously located off of the Grant Street side of the hotel, where twice I enjoyed a delicious grilled Reuben sandwich (with a large helping of fries) and tall Heineken for just under $20. Another, more ostentatious (but rumored to offer exquisitely prepared meals) establishment that is also located on the building's first floor, is the Terrace Room. The average meal price here is far and away pricier than what you'd experience in the Tap Room. But what a fabulously decorous setting; it's worth it just to walk in a take a quick look around.
Amazingly Detailed Throughout
A ride up one of the dozen or so available elevator cars is spacious, expeditious, and essentially an extension of a walk through the main lobby. Everything about the cars themselves and the foyers on each successive floor is a reminder of more extravagant days gone by. Each vestibule showcases vintage effects, including house telephones circa 1925 that actually work, in addition to what appear to be brass-plated wrought iron chandeliers embellished with unusual mystical patterns.
I should mention that the rooms are expansive, including the deluxe rooms, which is what my wife and I shared, providing us with plenty of space at roughly 300 square feet. The two double beds were almost too comfortable, thanks in large part to the cushiest, most agreeable pillows I've ever used. There was more than enough room in the full-size bathroom, with adequate water pressure in the shower and ample space on the vanity to deposit our assorted toiletries.
High Quality Service At Omni William Penn
Did I mention that the entire building is spotless? Every staff member we encountered was cordial, professional and responsive, particularly when we were temporarily (and accidentally) locked out of our room. Before we began our trek back home we traveled to the top floor of the hotel to soak in the (literally) Grand Ballroom, in addition to what is denominated as the Urban Room, which boasts a spectacular sunburst chandelier and hand-painted murals. This specific room is registered as a national historic landmark for a reason.
Situated in what I would consider to be the very heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the William Penn is within reasonable walking distance to most popular and other noteworthy attractions in the center city. For instance, an approximately five-minute walk serendipitously led me to the Consol Energy Center, the home of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins, a facility situated just beyond Interstate 579. It just so happened that the arena was open, with the Penguins conducting their 2011 development camp, exhibiting their recent draft picks and future NHL players. There was no charge to go in and watch.
Hope to Be Back Soon In Pittsburgh
My wife and I hated to leave the hotel, and not just because the pillows were to-die-for comfortable. We had practically everything we needed right in the room or just an easy service call away. Just a word of caution, however: the rooms, even the lower-grade accommodations, don't come inexpensively. Our double room would have set us back over $200 per evening if not for the fact that my wife, who arrived a couple of days before I did, was initially in town for business purposes and was the recipient of the conference room rate. Luckily for us, we had signed up for the free Omni Hotel Select Guest Program. We were assigned a special staff member who was able to extend the conference rate beyond the dates of the conference. We were very impressed with this prompt and special treatment.
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