Omni William Penn Hotel

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, primarily due to its historic elegance and beautiful lobby, which transports guests back to a bygone era with its Gilded Age charm and opulent decor. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and those who appreciate vintage architecture and a sense of history, providing a unique backdrop for their visit. Its central location also appeals to business travelers attending conferences and couples seeking a romantic getaway or a special date night in the city. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, the hotel's overall cleanliness, and its prime downtown setting. To enhance your stay, be aware that some services like Wi-Fi and parking may incur additional costs, and it's advisable to carefully check your room type and size upon arrival, as some bathrooms are noted to be particularly compact. Consider requesting a room away from elevators for a quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's impressive lobby, describing it as beautiful, comfortable, and a large area with ample seating, though some find it can be chilly at times. The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center that is consistently noted for being clean and well-maintained, with some even mentioning a fireplace for added ambiance. The elevators are described as smooth, shiny, and clean, with the added security feature of requiring a room key for access to guest floors. A popular highlight is the hotel's speakeasy, lauded for its charming atmosphere, unique and delicious drinks, and authentic vibe, often hosting popular pop-up bars. Additionally, a convenient coffee shop is available, offering good coffee, tea, pastries, and snacks.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be very clean and spotless, with comfortable and fresh linens and towels. The beds are generally described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found them to be a bit small for two people or noted issues with pillow softness. The shower water pressure receives consistent praise for being excellent. However, many reviews indicate that the rooms, while clean, can be dated and in need of updating, with some mentioning peeling wallpaper, scuff marks, and a general worn appearance. Some bathrooms are notably small and lack shelving, and occasional issues like slow drains, non-functioning toilets, or mini-fridges not cooling are reported. Noise levels from the street, thin walls, or loud heating units can sometimes impact comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers various dining options, with the breakfast receiving mixed feedback; many guests find it good, delicious, and reasonably priced, offering a variety of choices including gluten-free options, while others consider it expensive or just average, with occasional reports of shortages. The hotel's restaurants, including the Terrace Room and Palm Court, are generally praised for good food quality, though some guests experienced limited hours or closures due to private events. Room service is primarily available for breakfast, with some guests noting slow service or incorrect orders, and it is not offered for lunch or dinner. The hotel's bar and popular speakeasy are frequently highlighted for their unique drinks and vibrant atmosphere, though a few guests reported impolite or inattentive staff at these venues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location in downtown Pittsburgh, making it highly walkable to numerous attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to PNC Park, the theater district, Market Square, and Point State Park, as well as various shopping and dining options. Both the North Shore and South Shore are also within walking distance. For transportation, an on/off bus tour stops directly at the hotel, and it's conveniently located near a light rail station. Parking is a frequent topic; while self-parking is available across the street and often noted as convenient and reasonably priced compared to valet, it can be expensive and not always available, especially during events. Valet service is offered but is costly, and some guests experienced long waits for car retrieval.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive, with many guests highlighting their professionalism and courteous demeanor from check-in to check-out. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth, though some guests reported initial issues with room readiness or system errors. Housekeeping is often commended for maintaining clean rooms, though a few reviews mentioned skipped service or minor oversights. The valet staff is frequently noted for their efficiency and helpfulness, despite some instances of rudeness or long wait times. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience, with many feeling treated like old friends.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that Wi-Fi is not complimentary and incurs an extra daily cost, though some loyalty program members can access it for free, which is a common point of contention. A significant incidental holding charge of $100 per night is placed on cards, which can impact available funds, especially for longer stays or those using currency cards, and this policy is not always clearly communicated upfront. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, but finding suitable outdoor areas for pets can be challenging. While the hotel is a popular venue for events like Candlelight concerts and weddings, some guests experienced noise from these events. The hotel also features unique pop-up bars during holidays, adding to the festive atmosphere, and provides umbrellas in rooms, a thoughtful touch.