Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh - Downtown

The room worked well for us, and the staff were very friendly. The confusing part was parking. We paid $50 for the garage attached to the hotel and PPG Paints Arena while attending a Penguins game, then learned there was another $32 charge to park on the hotel level of that same garage, through a separate gate. We hadn’t known about the extra cost. We’d have appreciated clearer information, or earlier access to the hotel parking area. We asked about checking in early, but were told it couldn’t be guaranteed.

The front desk staff were lovely and polite. The room itself was roomy and quiet, with a comfortable bed and pillows, though the bed creaked whenever I shifted or got in and out. It could’ve been cleaner and could use some updating. The mini fridge was difficult to keep shut, but it did close. One curtain layer was broken, though the other two could be moved to block the light. The closet door looked like it might come off its track, so we left it alone and didn’t use the closet.

You’re right by the stadium, about a two-minute walk, and that’s the main thing this place has going for it. If you’re after a pleasant vacation, I’d look elsewhere. Everything costs extra, from parking to breakfast and snacks. Our room was clean enough, but old and neglected: the wallpaper was peeling, the ceilings were stained and cracked, and metal surfaces had rust and dust on them. The walls are thin enough that normal conversations next door carry into your room. The tub wouldn’t drain. When we told the front desk, they said, “they are all different, you just have to figure it out.” We tried all the usual ways and then some; short of using a hammer and chisel, nothing worked. Housekeeping also tried to come in at 10 a.m., even though checkout was at 11. Pittsburgh felt tired and grumpy to us, and the hotel had that same feel.

After the concert, the lobby was a nice place to hang out, with lots of room and attractive decor. Our two-queen suite was spacious, clean, and well kept, with room for three adults to lounge besides the beds. The front desk staff were very friendly. Check-in took a while because all the concertgoers arrived at once, but I’d happily stay here again after another concert. Maybe we got a recently refurbished room, since our experience didn’t match the other reviews.