Business Travel Guide Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once an industrial powerhouse of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, today Pittsburgh has reinvented itself as a center for finance, information technology, robotics, healthcare and education. Located at the confluence of three great rivers—the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela—this breathtaking city is sure to excite even the most blasé of business travelers. The Steelers' Heinz Field and Pirates' PNC Park (widely considered the most attractive ballpark in the country) enliven the North Shore, and construction of a gambling casino is in progress next door.

The downtown "Golden Triangle," once home to numerous Fortune 500 industrial companies, now houses major financial institutions such as PNC and BNY Mellon (headquartered in New York, but with major operations here). Heinz still makes its home downtown as well, but the major industrial companies—Bayer USA and Westinghouse—are in suburbs to the west and east respectively. The busiest part of town is Oakland, a neighborhood about three miles east of the city center, the location of major healthcare and higher-education institutions and Pittsburgh's largest employers. Here, doctors and nurses, students and faculty mingle in the busy streets in such numbers that savvy local motorists and taxi drivers know to avoid Forbes and Fifth avenues during peak hours.

Oakland is also home to The Carnegie Institute's first-rate Art Museum, and the Natural History Museum, where exhibits include a newly created dinosaur collection. The Carnegie also runs an excellent Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum with its incomparable collection of work by the Pop-Art icon, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh.

Business travelers will find a down to earth but hospitable business community, and the opportunity for wonderfully enriching "time-out" opportunities.

Facts to Know Before You Go

Transportation:

Pittsburgh International Airport, rated one of the world's best, is located fifteen miles northwest of the city center. Taxis are readily available, as are scheduled bus services and airport limousines. Private planes can arrive and depart here or at the Allegheny County airport 15 miles southeast. Downtown hotels do not provide shuttle service from the airport, but those adjacent to the airport do.

Taxis are mostly yellow (www.pghyellowcab.com). The fare from the airport to Downtown runs approximately $38. Within the city, taxis are found only at hotels and cab stands or by telephoning the company dispatcher.

Newspapers:

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review publish daily, the Pittsburgh Business Times and City Paper weekly. For events, restaurant listings, art and gallery listings and lifestyle features, Pittsburgh Magazine publishes monthly and also offers an annual City Guide. The city has five television stations, including WQED, the first Public Broadcasting station in the country and home to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. The first commercial radio station in the country, KDKA, resides here still.

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Where to Stay

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
107 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-562-1200
www.marriott.com
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

The soaring marble and glass-domed lobby welcomes you to this stylish hotel, an affiliate of Historic Hotels of America. The spectacular renovation of a 1906 landmark building melds its Gilded Age charm with amenities required by the contemporary business traveler—complimentary Internet access in the guest rooms, a club level and lounge, a business center, meeting facilities, smart phone service and a fitness center. The hotel is conveniently located for walks along the Allegheny River and the North Side, which includes PNC Park, Heinz Field, The Warhol Museum, and the theaters and galleries in the Cultural District. Also within walking distance are the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and most major downtown businesses. Rooms, many with a fine river view, are furnished in the style and quality of this upscale Marriott brand. In the lobby, an urbane martini bar offers a prelude to that important dinner when the big deal hangs in the balance.

The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh
1000 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-3700
www.starwoodhotels.com

The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh

Conveniently located at one edge of the downtown area, The Westin Convention Center offers easy access to the Cultural District and sports venues. Nearby you'll also find the entrance to the Strip District, a section of food markets, warehouses, restaurants and nightlife. A skyway connects the hotel to the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center, nationally lauded for its "green" design and construction. Extensive meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, a full business center, complimentary high-speed Internet service and an expansive fitness center comfortably accommodate business travelers. Large, pristine rooms lure with the Heavenly Bed.

Omni William Penn Hotel
530 William Penn Pl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-281-7100
www.omnihotels.com

Omni William Penn Hotel

A reflection of the city's wealth at the height of the Industrial Revolution, the William Penn was built by industrialist Henry Clay Frick in 1916. Today, this Grand Dame of Pittsburgh hotels blends historic grandeur with modern conveniences and business amenities. Fronting Grant Street and bordering charming Mellon Square Park, the monumental structure occupies the very heart of the city. Stunning public spaces include a soaring lobby created from elegant marble, crystal and gilt. The Palm Court is ideal for discussing the finer points of business over cocktails, while the dramatic Art Deco Urban room is designed for special events. While there remains an undercurrent of fading dazzle, restoration of this lavish lady is ongoing.

Marriott Pittsburgh City Center
112 Washington Pl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-471-4000
marriott.com

Marriott Pittsburgh City Center

Built in the 1960s, this downtown hotel—which is non-smoking—is typical of the Marriott chain. Select rooms have been tailored specifically for the business traveler with high-speed Internet access and a work desk. Fourteen meeting rooms with wireless Internet, and three foyers add up to 24,000 square feet of meeting space. There's also a business center and two concierge levels. All guest rooms boast complimentary broadband Internet access. The hotel's location is ideal for attending events at Mellon Arena. Another plus is The Steelhead Brasserie and Wine Bar.

Hilton Pittsburgh & Towers
600 Commonwealth Place
Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-391-4600
www.hilton.com

Hilton Pittsburgh & Towers

One of the city's largest hotels, built during Pittsburgh's "First Renaissance" in the 1950s and '60s, the Hilton was once favored by visiting professional sports teams and other celebrities. The hotel is also grandly positioned at the "Point," where the city's three rivers converge. Its luster is returning under the new ownership and a $30 million remodeling project. All rooms and corridors have been renovated. The comfortable feather beds garner raves. The Towers level boasts an upgraded executive lounge and a business center. Meeting facilities have been expanded, including a brand new fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. All rooms and public spaces enjoy complimentary high-speed Internet access. Shopping, cultural events and sports venues are nearby, but the Convention Center, government offices and some business addresses require a hike, despite the claims on the Web page. Shuttle service is offered between the hotel and destinations in downtown.


Where to Dine

The Capital Grille
301 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-338-9100
www.thecapitalgrille.com

Steakhouse
14/20
$$$$$
 
The Capital Grille

Look out Morton's and Ruth's Chris: Capital Grille steakhouse is rocking Pittsburgh's fine dining market. Both the food and the ambience are impressive. A chef-driven kitchen and well-trained front of house staff create an exceptional dining experience for business entertaining. Private dining accommodations include a fully-equipped conference room. The sophisticated and lively bar makes a great meet, chat and relax venue. Though part of a national chain, each city's restaurant fine-tunes the comfortable "clubby" environment. Here art extols such local notables as Mister Rogers and Steelers' founder Art Rooney. Premium steaks are meticulously dry-aged on-site, and top quality seafood arrives daily. Best bets: Steaks, of course, but also genuine Japanese Kobe beef carpaccio, pristine Blue Point oysters on the half-shell, a wonderful cold shellfish platter, lamb chops and the lobster "mac & cheese." For dessert—all are made in-house—splurge on the sinful flourless chocolate-espresso cake.

Casbah
229 S. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-661-5656
www.bigburrito.com/casbah
Mediterranean/North African/Contemporary
 15/20
$$$$$

Casbah

Also in Shadyside, Casbah, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar, offers sophisticated flavors and an upscale yet casual dining experience. The décor taps into local artists and artisans working in glass, ceramic, wood and metal. The menu sails around all ports of call on the Mediterranean—Spain, France, Italy, the Middle East and North Africa. Connected to local farmers, the kitchen's hallmark is ultra-fresh, often organic ingredients. Casbah is a popular lunch and weekend brunch spot, and young professionals gather at the end of the work day for discounted martinis, an extensive list of wines by the glass and a thoughtful cheese tasting.


Eleven Contemporary Kitchen
1150 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-201-5656
www.bigburrito.com
Contemporary
15/20
$$$$$

Eleven Contemporary Kitchen

At the Downtown edge of the Strip District, Eleven delivers executive-class American fare with a wine cellar to match. The setting, a dramatic contemporary space, draws on premium materials, warm earth tones and subtle lighting to create a comfortable ambience. For small gatherings, there's a Chef's Table next to the open kitchen and an inviting lounge, featuring a large green onyx-topped bar and tables with cushy chairs. Upstairs, private dining rooms accommodate parties, meetings and conferences. Amenities include A/V and videoconferencing equipment. The inventive menu changes frequently. Expect warm, rich flavors and seasonally fresh ingredients.

Mio Kitchen & Wine Bar
225 Commercial Ave.
Aspinwall, PA 15215
412-781-3141
www.mio-pgh.com
American/French
 14/20
$$$$$

Mio Kitchen and Wine Bar

For a sophisticated business lunch or dinner, take a short taxi ride to Mio Kitchen and Wine Bar in Aspinwall. Here casual fine dining moves to upscale and urbane—a reflection of chef/owner Matt Porco's experience as sous chef at Veritas, in Manhattan. The small, smart eatery incorporates attention to quality details: wrought-iron accents, warm neutral colors, comfortable seating; and a prominent temperature-controlled wine room supporting Porco's philosophy of balance between food and wine. The ambience speaks to discernment and success, as does the seasonal menu of contemporary American and French fare. For lunch, try a salmon burger on a Kaiser roll with remoulade sauce or a short rib melt, with provolone and honey thyme caramelized onions. For dinner, the most impressive meal is the Chef's Tasting knowledgeably matched to wines. Desserts are delicious. A private dining room accommodates elegant dinner meetings.


Off the Clock

Bossa Nova
123 7th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-232-3030
www.bossanovapgh.com

Bossa Nova

Owner Robin Fernandez calls his ultra-sophisticated Spanish-themed establishment a "comfort lounge." It's a bar, a gathering space and a special events venue. Sleekly modern, it's loaded with original art, including Picasso prints. Martinis, exotic cocktails, Red Bull populate the drink list. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, expect standing room only, a high voltage "scene" and a high decibel sound track. On other nights this is a great place to relax and enjoy cocktails and authentic Spanish tapas—with the added bonus of a five-minute walk to PNC Park, where you can take in a baseball game with colleagues and guests.


Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Rd.
Mill Run , PA 15464
724-329-8501
www.fallingwater.org

Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece country house, Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece country house, built around a natural waterfall, can be rented for special events—including private tours and receptions for business groups. Recently reopened after reconstruction of the massive concrete slab that anchors the house, Fallingwater cannot fail to impress. It is widely considered the region's foremost attraction. Recent visitors have included Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. There's an onsite café, which provides comprehensive catering services from simple fare to Champagne and caviar. For those wanting more of the master's work, the historic House on Kentuck Knob (www.kentuckknob.com) is nearby.


Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
1001 LaFayette Dr.
Farmington, PA 15437
800-422-2736
www.nemacolin.com

Infinity pool at Nemacolin

In Farmington, PA, approximately one hour and 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, this luxury resort and spa has several golf courses that include PGA-class Mystic Rock, award-winning restaurants and a vast array of activities from an equestrian center to a Hummer driving range. Nemacolin is just the place for a getaway business retreat or team-building exercise. Limousine service to Pittsburgh International Airport can be arranged, and there's an airstrip and helipad.


PNC Baseball Park
115 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
877-893-2827
pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com

PNC Baseball Park

Opened in 2001, the PNC Baseball Park is widely considered the most attractive baseball park in the country. The Pittsburgh Pirates play here, and you can definitely bond with the boss at any of the home games held from April through September—especially if you score access to one of the luxury hospitality suites. The stadium's seven World Series suites, which accommodate 30 to 40 guests and include VIP parking, feature amazing views of Pittsburgh's skyline—not to mention a sense of exclusivity while you sit back and watch America's favorite pastime. You can even plan special events on non-game days, with several different spaces available and an on-site caterer.


The Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-8300
www.warhol.org

Entrance to The Warhol Museum
One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, The Warhol contains the definitive collection of art and memorabilia by pop-art icon and native son, Andy Warhol. You'll discover fascinating tidbits, like how the artist got his name. (It was really Warhola, but he decided to keep the new version—the result of a typo on an early exhibition poster.) In the museum's permanent collection you'll find more than 12,000 works of Warhol art, and there are always current shows by other modern artists. The museum regularly features films, receptions, workshops and wine tastings. From the gift shop, pick up a set of souvenir tomato soup can refrigerator magnets for your secretary!

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* Image of Entrance to The Andy Warhol Museum with Self-Portrait © AWF. The Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

P121206
(Updated: 06/18/09 KR)


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