slippahs
Mar 12, 06, 2:19 pm
Just got back on a whirlwind tour of the state of PA, visiting the Doubletrees in Philly and Pittsburgh.
Doubletree Philadelphia
Pros: Free HSIA
Given room on the 26th floor--great views of the surrounding area
Easy access to subway system
Sweet Dreams Bed ^ (helps--especially with a nasty cold while traveling)
Fast elevators
Room I was in was a Deluxe Towers Room, so it was slightly larger than the others. I paid a higher rate for it, probably not worth the extra $.
Early check-in of 1:00 p.m. (posted check-in time is 4 p.m.)Cons: Obvious wear and tear of hotel--cracks seen in the ceiling
Somewhat indifferent staff
No lounge
No upgrade
Small bathroom
Of course, pictures are always provided. Please do not reproduce these pictures by any means:
http://slippahs.smugmug.com/gallery/1264298 (password: flyertalk)
Doubletree Pittsburgh City Center
Pros: Free HSIA--though you must pay first through Wayport ($9.95), then they credit your bill for $10. Something to note here. Since you're charging internet to your CC and since the hotel offers "free" HSIA, you could theoretially not use the HSIA, then ask the front desk to comp you the $10 off your bill. Of course, this is rather unethical.
Very nice plush rooms
Upgraded to suite (albeit a queen suite) ahead of time (noted via OLCI)
Flat screen TVs (in sitting room for me--regular TV in bedroom)
Late check-out (1:00 p.m.) granted
Shuttle service takes you everywhere within the Pittsburgh Downtown area (though not to Oakland)
Very small, but plush bathrooms with upgraded amentities
Fast, easy and friendly check-in (front desk reps were rather friendly)
Cons Parking is ridiculously expensive--don't quite remember the rate
Walls are thin--could hear the "party" going on above (reminants of a St. Patrick's Day parade within town)
Seems like it includes residential units as well (?)
No lounge
Strage thing about this hotel also is that once must place their key in a wall socket to activate the lights. It took me about 15 minutes to figure out why the bathroom lights weren't going on... :o
And, of course, pictures of the Doubletree Pittsburgh City Center can be found here:
http://slippahs.smugmug.com/gallery/1266899 (password: flyertalk)
Again, please do not reproduce.
Overall, two good stays at these PA Doubletree hotels. Those who keep track of my posts (I sure hope there aren't any of you out there), might have noted that I had originally planned on staying at the Doubletree out near PIT airport. Changed my mind after noting the distance of the airport from Downtown Pittsburgh.
Doubletree Philadelphia
Pros: Free HSIA
Given room on the 26th floor--great views of the surrounding area
Easy access to subway system
Sweet Dreams Bed ^ (helps--especially with a nasty cold while traveling)
Fast elevators
Room I was in was a Deluxe Towers Room, so it was slightly larger than the others. I paid a higher rate for it, probably not worth the extra $.
Early check-in of 1:00 p.m. (posted check-in time is 4 p.m.)Cons: Obvious wear and tear of hotel--cracks seen in the ceiling
Somewhat indifferent staff
No lounge
No upgrade
Small bathroom
Of course, pictures are always provided. Please do not reproduce these pictures by any means:
http://slippahs.smugmug.com/gallery/1264298 (password: flyertalk)
Doubletree Pittsburgh City Center
Pros: Free HSIA--though you must pay first through Wayport ($9.95), then they credit your bill for $10. Something to note here. Since you're charging internet to your CC and since the hotel offers "free" HSIA, you could theoretially not use the HSIA, then ask the front desk to comp you the $10 off your bill. Of course, this is rather unethical.
Very nice plush rooms
Upgraded to suite (albeit a queen suite) ahead of time (noted via OLCI)
Flat screen TVs (in sitting room for me--regular TV in bedroom)
Late check-out (1:00 p.m.) granted
Shuttle service takes you everywhere within the Pittsburgh Downtown area (though not to Oakland)
Very small, but plush bathrooms with upgraded amentities
Fast, easy and friendly check-in (front desk reps were rather friendly)
Cons Parking is ridiculously expensive--don't quite remember the rate
Walls are thin--could hear the "party" going on above (reminants of a St. Patrick's Day parade within town)
Seems like it includes residential units as well (?)
No lounge
Strage thing about this hotel also is that once must place their key in a wall socket to activate the lights. It took me about 15 minutes to figure out why the bathroom lights weren't going on... :o
And, of course, pictures of the Doubletree Pittsburgh City Center can be found here:
http://slippahs.smugmug.com/gallery/1266899 (password: flyertalk)
Again, please do not reproduce.
Overall, two good stays at these PA Doubletree hotels. Those who keep track of my posts (I sure hope there aren't any of you out there), might have noted that I had originally planned on staying at the Doubletree out near PIT airport. Changed my mind after noting the distance of the airport from Downtown Pittsburgh.