Pittsburgh is a city of bridges, hills, and very specific neighborhoods. If you’ve ever tried to navigate the "Golden Triangle" during a rainstorm or a Steelers home game, you know that where you park your suitcase matters more than almost anything else. DoubleTree Hotel and Suites Downtown Pittsburgh sits right in the thick of it. It isn't the flashiest skyscraper on the skyline, and it doesn't have the avant-garde pretension of some of the newer boutique spots popping up in Lawrenceville. But honestly? It works. It’s located at one Bigelow Square, which puts you within spitting distance of the UPMC Steel Tower and a short walk from the PPG Paints Arena. For people coming in for a Pens game or a corporate meeting at BNY Mellon, this is basically the logistical sweet spot of the city.
The thing about this specific DoubleTree is the "Suites" part of the name. Most downtown hotels are notoriously cramped. You’re lucky if you can open your suitcase on the floor without tripping over the desk chair. Here, the layout is leftover from when the building served a different purpose, meaning the floor plans are genuinely massive. You’ve got actual living areas. You’ve got wet bars. If you're traveling with kids or a pile of camera gear, that extra breathing room is a godsend.
What Actually Happens When You Check In
Everyone talks about the cookie. Yes, you get the warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at the front desk. It’s a gimmick, but it’s a good one. It’s usually warm. It usually has a decent amount of walnuts. But moving past the snacks, the lobby experience at the DoubleTree Hotel and Suites Downtown Pittsburgh reflects the city itself—unpretentious and functional.
The elevators can be a bit of a wait during peak checkout times. That’s just the reality of an older high-rise building. Once you get to your room, though, the vibe is consistent. It’s clean. It’s Hilton-standard. You aren't going to find hand-painted murals or artisanal soap from a local farm, but you will find a bed that doesn't ruin your back and a shower with actual water pressure.
One thing people often overlook is the tunnel access. Pittsburgh weather is famously moody. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s a gray slushy mess. This hotel is connected to the city's underground "T" (the light rail) and the tunnel system. You can basically get to various parts of the downtown core without ever letting a snowflake touch your head. That’s a huge win for business travelers who don't want to show up to a presentation looking like a drowned rat.
💡 You might also like: Redondo Beach California Directions: How to Actually Get There Without Losing Your Mind
Location: The Good, The Bad, and The Steel Tower
Let’s talk about the neighborhood. You are in the Central Business District. On a Tuesday at 10:00 AM, it is buzzing. On a Sunday at 8:00 PM, it can feel a little quiet. If you’re looking for a wild nightlife scene right outside your front door, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll need to Uber over to the South Side or the North Shore for that.
However, for sports fans, the DoubleTree Hotel and Suites Downtown Pittsburgh is gold.
- PPG Paints Arena: It’s a five-minute walk. Maybe seven if you’re a slow walker. You save $40 on event parking just by staying here.
- PNC Park & Acrisure Stadium: You can hop on the "T" at the Steel Plaza station right next to the hotel. The ride to the North Shore is free within the downtown zone. It’s effortless.
- Duquesne University: If you’re visiting a student, the campus is literally right up the hill.
The hotel’s restaurant, Bigelow Grille, is surprisingly decent. Usually, hotel restaurants are overpriced traps for tired people who don't want to leave the building. While it’s not exactly a "destination" eatery for locals, their breakfast spread is solid and the burger is better than it has any right to be. If you want something more "Pittsburgh," you’re a ten-minute walk from the original Primanti Bros. in the Market Square area, or you can head over to the Strip District for some real local flavor.
The Suite Life vs. The Standard Room
If you're booking here, try to snag the one-bedroom suite. It’s the hotel's strongest selling point. Most of these units feature a separate living area with a sofa bed. It’s perfect if you’re staying for more than two nights. Having a fridge and a microwave in the room isn't just a luxury; it’s a budget-saver. Pittsburgh has great food, but sometimes you just want to heat up leftover pizza from Fiori’s and watch the news.
📖 Related: Red Hook Hudson Valley: Why People Are Actually Moving Here (And What They Miss)
The decor is "corporate contemporary." Think browns, beiges, and clean lines. It won't win any design awards, but it feels stable. That’s a word I’d use a lot for this place: stable. You know exactly what you’re getting. In an era where travel can be chaotic and unpredictable, there is a lot of value in a hotel that just does its job.
Hidden Perks and Quirks
- The Gym: It’s actually decent. Most hotel gyms are a treadmill and a broken dumbbell. This one has enough equipment to actually get a sweat on.
- The Views: If you get a room on a higher floor facing towards the Monongahela River or the UPMC tower, the city lights are actually pretty stunning.
- Parking: It’s expensive. Valet is the primary option, and like any downtown area, it’ll bite into your budget. Pro tip: Check the nearby public garages if you’re looking to save a few bucks, but be prepared to haul your luggage a block or two.
Is It Worth the Price?
Pricing fluctuates wildly in Pittsburgh. If there’s a massive convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center or a Taylor Swift-level concert, rates at the DoubleTree Hotel and Suites Downtown Pittsburgh will spike. On a random weeknight in November? It’s often one of the best values in the city.
You have to weigh the "cool factor" against the "utility factor." If you want a rooftop bar with craft cocktails and a DJ, go to the Kimpton Monaco nearby. If you want a massive room, a reliable bed, a warm cookie, and the ability to walk to a Penguins game in your jersey without freezing, stay here.
Some guests have noted that the property shows its age in certain corners—maybe a scuff on a baseboard or an older HVAC unit that hums a bit loud. It’s an older building. That’s part of the trade-off for the square footage. You get the space of a 1980s apartment with the service of a modern Hilton brand. To me, that’s a fair trade.
👉 See also: Physical Features of the Middle East Map: Why They Define Everything
Staying at the DoubleTree: A Practical Checklist
If you've decided to book, keep these specific tips in mind to make the trip smoother. First, join the Hilton Honors program if you aren't already in it. Even the lowest tier usually gets you free Wi-Fi, which otherwise can be a pesky daily charge. Second, ask for a room away from the elevators. Because the suites are large, the hallways are long, and the noise near the lift can get a bit echoey on busy weekends.
Regarding transportation, don't rent a car if you’re just staying downtown. The DoubleTree Hotel and Suites Downtown Pittsburgh is so well-connected to the "T" and walkable to so many offices that a car is often more of a liability than an asset. Use the 28X Airport Flyer bus if you're coming from PIT; it drops you off quite close for a fraction of the cost of an Uber.
When you're ready to head out, make sure to:
- Validate your parking immediately if you use the hotel's services to avoid confusion at checkout.
- Check the arena schedule. If there is a game starting at 7:00 PM, the lobby will be a madhouse around 5:30 PM. Plan your check-in or dinner around that window.
- Walk to the Steel Plaza station. It’s right there. It’s the easiest way to see the rest of the city without dealing with Pittsburgh’s confusing "no left turn" traffic rules.
This hotel isn't trying to be the trendiest spot in Pennsylvania. It’s trying to be a reliable home base for people who have stuff to do in the city. It succeeds because it leans into its strengths: space, location, and a lack of pretense. You get your cookie, you get your sleep, and you’re right where you need to be.