I’m an NYC-based Editor, This Luxury Pittsburgh Hotel Passes My Test
From stunning city views and plush beds to a chic bar and spa amenities, find out if this downtown gem passes the test for a picky hotel guest.
- By: Grace O'Connell-Joshua
As Loop’s Editorial Director, one of the best parts of my job is getting to travel, whether it be for a press trip with a brand or an international fashion week. Whenever a work trip calls, I’m answering. With a few years of experience under my belt (and a serious love for a good hotel) I have been lucky enough to have my work take me to some seriously stunning hotels. On the rare occasion my boyfriend’s job takes him on the road, I try to go with him, and this time he had a project in Pittsburgh. While I wasn’t exactly thrilled by the news that my boyfriend would be spending the next two months in Pennsylvania, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for a little hotel stay.
When searching for a hotel that met my standards in Pittsburgh, there was only one place that made sense: The Fairmont Pittsburgh. As a lover of the hospitality industry, of course, I’m familiar with the Fairmont Hotel Group. After all, the Fairmont is a leader in its industry worldwide, offering some of the most impressive hotel experiences at locations around the world. I was intrigued. I wanted to see how this hotel held up amongst its fellow Fairmont properties and if it would pass my test as a hard-to-please hotel guest.
Being someone who is on the picky side when it comes to hotels (I’ll admit I can be a tough critic) I felt my shoulders immediately relax, and my anxiety subside when I walked into the Fairmont Pittsburgh lobby. I was impressed. I would describe the Fairmont Pittsburgh as approachable luxury. Fancy without feeling stuffy or pretentious. As with any Fairmont property, sophistication and luxury are at the forefront of the guest experience, and this location is no different.
The lobby is grand and modern, with extremely high ceilings and a cozy fireplace/waiting area off to your left, where you can relax. At the same time, you wait for the valet to grab your vehicle—a stunning, grand staircase leading up to the property’s bar and restaurant, Floor 2. The Fairmont Pittsburgh feels like you’re transported immediately to an elevated experience. The decor is intentional and maintains that same modern vibe; you can tell there is a clear effort to make you feel like you’ve just arrived somewhere elegant. The staff is helpful, friendly, and you can tell they care about making you feel like you’re on a sophisticated hotel vacation, but also like you’re right at home.
The Fairmont Pittsburgh is located right in the center of downtown Pittsburgh near all of the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and close to PNC Park. The room we had was a king city view, with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a stunning view of the city. We were greeted with a piece of chocolate shaped like the Pittsburgh skyline, which was such a sweet touch.
The room is large with an equally sprawling bathroom, very important to someone like me who takes their time getting ready. The decor feels warm and inviting, avoiding that typical sterile hotel room feel. The bed has to be my favorite part of the room, and everyone who frequents hotels knows the bed is really what makes or breaks your stay. As someone who has slept on hundreds of hotel beds, this one was like falling asleep on a plush cotton cloud.
The Fairmont hotels are not only known for their stunning properties and rooms but also for their spa and wellness amenities. The Fairmont Pittsburgh is no different. During my stay, their fitness center is undergoing renovation, but their sauna and spa are open to all hotel guests from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. As soon as I checked in, I was excited to block off some time to unwind and have a sweat. I loved that the spa was open so early in the morning, making it an option to start every day of my stay there. In addition to the sauna and steam room, full spa services are also available, including manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and body treatments.
The two months my boyfriend was working in Pittsburgh gave me plenty of time to hunt down the most ‘Grace’ cocktail bar in the city. On my hunt, I stumbled upon Floor 2, the cocktail bar and restaurant inside the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Floor 2 was actually what convinced me I had to book a stay here. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a stunning circular, Instagram-story-worthy bar where I had my favorite martini of the entire trip. The bar staff was chatty and friendly, talking up the menu and craft cocktails, not to mention a complimentary bowl of stellar seasoned popcorn that I may have had refilled once or twice.
As you walk further back, you reach the dining room of the restaurant. The menu consists of classic American cuisine and craft cocktails. During my stay, my boyfriend and I met up with friends for a double date at Floor 2, and we were not only impressed with everything we ate, but also with the service. We felt so taken care of from our first round of appetizers to our final nightcap. The vibe is elevated, the bar feels cozy, yet there are tons of seating, the type of place you can stop into for a chic nightcap without a reservation. I have to say, I loved it.
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