Hotel Review: Renaissance Pittsburgh

I'm finally refreshed and relaxed after my trip to Pittsburgh last week.  I was so mentally and physically exhausted, I can't really explain it.. Much of it was due to a change in schedule for me, and much of it was due to the drive home.

Let me try and explain.. I came back home Wednesday night, just as the "severe thunderstorms" were progressing through Western Pennsylvania.  It was sort of a "take me now Jesus" type of moment for me, and while you probably think I'm exaggerating, I'm really not.  Every 5 minutes or so, an emergency message would come across on the radio alerting that a severe thunderstorm was in effect, with 60 mph winds, damaging hail and lightening.  There was also a tornado warning tagged onto the end of the message alerting to "take shelter if you are outside, or in a mobile home, etc.." well considering I was in a vehicle on the turnpike with no exits, I didn't know what to do.  Regardless, I'm getting off the point of this post, and I'm dragging on, so I'll end this topic with this - I made it home in one piece, and I'm thankful for that!

Back to what I was originally trying to write about.  I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh this past week, and it was quite enjoyable.  While not everyone appreciates the regal/over-the-top feel of the hotel, I liked it.  One reason might be that Brian and I were married in a Renaissance Hotel, and the other is probably because I like things that are old school (the adornments, the marble, the moldings, etc.) 

Here's a few pictures of the place since blogger isn't letting me add photos right now (side note, if anyone has any ideas why this is happening, please help!!)



Here's a short rundown of my thoughts.

Pros:

- Excellent Service.  I was greeted with a smile, and while this might be expected, that's not always the case.

- Amenities.  Aveda products were the staple, and I love me some rosemary mint shampoo :-)

- Good Iron.  I've stayed at a lot of places where the iron simply does not get out wrinkles.  This one did.

- Plenty of oranges.  Baskets of oranges in the lobby.  fresh and juicy.

- Comfortable comforter.  Enough said.

Cons:

While many will think these are all a nit, you have to realize that I'll be staying at a hotel, more than at my own home for the year, so of course I'm going to notice the small things.

- Small Pillow.  They only had two options: huge pillow, and teeny pillow.  It made my neck hurt.

- No trash can in the lobby.  I enjoyed my juicy orange, but then I had no place to throw it away, unless I went upstairs, outside, or asked someone.  Once again, probably a nit, but it's my blog ;)

- No fan in the bathroom.  While the mirror did defog quickly, I like to have a fan so that it doesn't get so steamy that I sweat while getting ready. 

All in all it was an awesome hotel, and I would definitely stay there again.  This week, I'm on to the Westin.  Will be back with a review in a few days! 

Images via NY Times and the examiner