Luxury Stays Await: Pittsburgh's North Shore Paradise at Residence Inn!
Luxury Stays Await: Pittsburgh's North Shore Paradise at Residence Inn! - A Review (That’s Actually Honest)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't your glossy travel brochure review. This is the real deal, unfiltered and likely riddled with typos (sorry, I’m still caffeinating). We just got back from a stay at the Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore, and, well, let's dissect this experience, shall we?
First Impressions & the "Yay, Accessibility!" Factor:
Right off the bat, accessibility is something that actually, thankfully, seemed to be a priority. And that gets a HUGE thumbs up from me. They’ve got the wheelchair accessible ramps and entrances down pat—no awkward curb hops here. They also list facilities for disabled guests which is a good sign, though I’m not sure what exactly that means because… well, I didn't fall myself. The elevator was easy to find, navigating the exterior corridor was a breeze, and the front desk staff was pretty friendly (more on that later). This is a crucial starting point for a solid review.
Internet Access: My Digital Lifeblood (and the Free Wi-Fi Hustle)
Let’s be real, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a must-have these days. The Internet connection was reasonably solid. I mean, good enough to stream a few episodes of Schitt’s Creek on my laptop in in-room internet access-wireless mode. And for those of you that are still clinging to the past there is even Internet access – LAN! Old school, huh? Sadly, my attempts to Internet [LAN] setup were less sucessful, so I stuck with WIFI. No complaints there. They did also offer Internet services – but I didn't investigate that, nor did I explore Wi-Fi in public areas, I was too busy avoiding the Fitness center.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic Tango:
Alright, this is where things get interesting. They’re definitely taking Cleanliness and safety seriously, which is reassuring. You can see they are using Anti-viral cleaning products and following Hygiene certification. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed pretty on point with Staff trained in safety protocol. Room sanitization opt-out available? That’s a new one to me. I kind of liked the idea, that I could opt OUT of the cleaning crew. But I did, and the room looked better for it. I got a good dose of Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and they even had Individually-wrapped food options available. They also had Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I mostly just stood the required distance, so I didn't have to explain my personal space expectations on a day-by-day basis.
The safety features were noticeable. CCTV in common areas is always a plus, and there was CCTV outside property as well. Smoke alarms were definitely present. The rooms were Non-smoking, blessedly, and they offer a non-smoking rooms.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and a Few Quirks)
Now, let's get to the Available in all rooms aspects. I booked a non-smoking room, obviously. And it was… well, it was a hotel room. Let’s just say it wasn’t overflowing with personality, but it was Air conditioned (essential for avoiding the Pittsburgh summer humidity), with an Alarm clock (which I, predictably, slept through). There was a Desk, which I mostly used to pile up takeout containers. The Extra long bed was comfy, the Blackout curtains worked their magic, carpeting was in great shape. The Mirror was, well, a mirror. The Refrigerator was stocked with Free bottled water, which was appreciated.
And the bathroom, with its Separate shower/bathtub, was functional. The toiletries were standard hotel issue, and the Hair dryer did its job. A Bathrobes provided an oasis of cozy comfort on a late night pizza run. My only real complaint was the Satellite/cable channels. The only real thing missing was the reading light, for when you want the light OFF! But hey, it's a hotel room; it served its purpose.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, here's where the Residence Inn really didn’t knock my socks off, but I did manage Dining, drinking, and snacking at the hotel. They offer Breakfast [buffet]. I, however, skipped the buffet and went straight to room service [24-hour]. I wasn't keen on the Breakfast takeaway service as I had a full morning planned. They also have a Poolside bar which was a nice option with the Swimming pool. They even have Asian cuisine in restaurant! I didn't visit that, so I can't say how it was. Besides the complimentary coffee in the room (bless you, coffee maker), the choices for an alternative meal arrangement if you are fussy about the food.
Ways to Relax (or Pretend To):
Okay, so they have a Fitness center. I walked past it… rapidly. They do offer Spa facilities, which had a Sauna, but I did not venture inside for some steam due to time constraints.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
So, the Residence Inn offers services and conveniences. The Daily housekeeping was efficient, and the staff were nice. They have a Laundry service, that I didn't use as I barely had anything packed. Concierge! I didn't talk to them. Cash withdrawal available, and a Convenience store is a plus. Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service are appreciated. They’re also Facilities for disabled guests. Daily housekeeping was on point.
For the Kids (Because, Well, Sometimes You Gotta Know):
Family/child friendly? Seems like it. I didn't notice any little ones running amok, so that’s a good sign. They also have Babysitting service for, you know, when you need a break from the little gremlins.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge] – HUGE win! Finding parking in Pittsburgh can be a nightmare, so this was a game changer. They offer a taxi service if you need it.
The Emotional Verdict:
So, would I stay here again? Probably. Honestly, the Residence Inn North Shore is a solid choice if you’re looking for convenience, cleanliness, and a decent starting point for exploring Pittsburgh. It's not going to blow your mind with luxurious amenities, but it offers reliable comfort at a fair price. The accessibility efforts were fantastic, which is a HUGE plus in my book. While the dining options could be improved, the overall experience was positive. And hey, that’s more than you can say for some hotels, right? Just don't expect a life-altering experience, and you'll be just fine.
Oceanfront Paradise Found! Fort Lauderdale's BEST Kept Secret (Residence Inn Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore adventure, a glorious, slightly chaotic, and hopefully hilarious dive into the Steel City. And trust me, Pittsburgh's got more grit than a rusty wrench, and more heart than a well-fed pierogie.
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Disorganized
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Hotel Hustle (or, My Luggage vs. the Parking Garage)
- Okay, so picture this: I was supposed to be zen, right? Fresh off the plane, ready to embrace the Pittsburgh vibe. HA! Reality hit me like a rogue golf ball in the Residence Inn parking garage. First, the garage itself is a labyrinth. I swear, I circled for a solid twenty minutes, muttering about parallel parking and the sheer audacity of gravity. Finally found a spot, and the trunk of my car, after a 4 hours drive, was about to be a disaster zone of luggage and random items.
- Check-in was smooth, thankfully. The front desk lady was sweet, bless her heart, probably used to the frantic, "I'm-late-for-everything" types like me. She gave me the keys and a map of the hotel, which I promptly crumpled in my hand while trying (and failing) to navigate to my room.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Instant Regret (or, Why I Should Have Packed a Power Strip)
- The room's… fine. Clean enough, comfy enough. Basic, but functional. Except… there's one outlet, and it's behind the bed. Seriously? My phone died last night, and my camera's on its last breath. And the hotel staff have told me to go and buy one. I really need a power strip. I'm tempted to start a rebellion.
- Quick unpacking, trying to remember where I put my favorite travel chapstick. This is followed by an frantic search to the mini-fridge. And the ice machine. And praying the wifi is good. Oh, the little things.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wanderlust & Wandering (or, I Got Lost. Shocking, I Know)
- My original plan was to calmly stroll along the North Shore Riverwalk. But first, a quick "look around". This quickly devolved into a full-blown quest. I'm terrible with directions. Ended up wandering (and getting hilariously turned around) in a maze. But I saw some really cool street art, and a few good restaurants.
- Quirky Observation: Pittsburghers are serious about their bridges. They're everywhere, and they're stunning. It's like the city's jewelry.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner & Deep Thoughts (or, pierogies and how they relate to life)
- Primanti Bros. – a Pittsburgh pilgrimage. I ordered the classic: fries, coleslaw, and (of course) the sandwich. This is an institution. I had to. The bread was bigger than my head, and I couldn't finish it. I didn't even try. But the flavor was… wow.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed. By the sheer amount of food. And the sense of history that permeated the place. This city has seen stuff. And it's still standing.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Stroll (or, Staring at the River and Contemplating Existential Angst)
- Back to the riverwalk, to "walk it off" - the food, the jet lag, the overall feeling of “What am I doing with my life?”. The lights on the bridges are breathtaking at night. Found myself lost in thought, staring at the water and letting the city's energy wash over me.
- Messier Structure/Rambles: I got caught up in the idea that I had to see and do everything in like, 3 days. Then I remembered: I’m on vacation. Take a break. Take a breath. Maybe that's the Pittsburgh lesson. Slow down, eat a pierogi, appreciate the bridges.
Day 2: Diving Deep (and Maybe Almost Drowning in History)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza (or, the free breakfast buffet: a love story)
- Residence Inn breakfast: the savior of all weary travelers. Waffles? Yes. Bacon? Heck yes. Coffee? Bring it. Survived a bit of a scramble for the last waffle, then stuffed my face. Fueling up for the day's adventures.
- Opinionated Language: Hotel breakfasts are either amazing, or soul-crushingly mediocre. This one was… surprisingly solid.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Carnegie Museum of Natural History & Art (or, Dinosaurs and Renaissance Art - A Whimsical Clash)
- I'm not going to lie, I love a good museum. And the Carnegie? Holy moly. The natural history section almost had me weeping with joy. The dinosaurs! The gems! The feeling of tiny-ness in the face of ancient history. Then, I wandered into the art museum and had to sit down on a bench for a bit. Van Gogh's "Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear"? Yeah, that hits you.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: Specifically, the Hall of Architecture. Holy moly. The sheer scale of the casts! The detail! I spent an hour just wandering around, staring up at the giant columns and imagining the people who built these things. It's a feast for the eyes, a testament to humanity's obsession with beauty and grandeur. I could have spent the entire day there.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break (or, Finding the Perfect Slice of Pizza)
- Quick search, and found some pizza joint near the museum. It's like a local. I'll admit, I went in with low expectations. But the pizza was AMAZING. Crunchy crust, perfect balance of sauce and cheese.
- Emotional Reaction: The pure, unadulterated joy of a perfect slice of pizza. Sometimes, it's the little things, folks.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the Strip District (or, Sensory Overload in the Best Way Possible)
- The Strip District is a… vibe. It's a cacophony of sights, smells, and sounds. Spice shops, Italian delis, produce stands overflowing with colorful fruits. It's a sensory overload, but in the best way possible. I got some spices I don't know what to do with, and the aroma of fresh bread practically dragged me down the street.
- Quirky Observation: People in Pittsburgh are very friendly. Genuinely friendly. Almost to a fault (in a good way).
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Ride on the Duquesne Incline (or, Spectacular Views and Slightly Terrifying Heights)
- Alright, so I'm not great with heights. But the Duquesne Incline is a must-do, right? The views from the top are incredible. The city sprawls out before you, a tapestry of bridges and buildings and rivers. The incline itself is… well, it's a little rickety. I gripped the handrail for dear life, but the view was worth it.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions (good or bad): Seriously, the view… it's almost enough to make you want to cry. Almost. (Don't tell anyone I said that).
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner & Drinks (or, the Quest for the Perfect Craft Beer)
- Pittsburgh is a craft beer haven. I tried a brewery down the street. I don't remember which brewery. Lots of beers, lots of samples, and a burger that disappeared rapidly.
- Messier Structure/Rambles: I’m probably going to sleep very well tonight.
Day 3: Departure & Lingering Longing (or, Saying Goodbye to the Steel City)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last Breakfast & Hotel Check-out (or, the Sad Part of Saying "Goodbye")
- Another hotel breakfast. Bittersweet. I'm already missing the waffles (and the free coffee). Check-out was smooth, and the front desk lady was again, super nice.
- Opinionated Language: Leaving a hotel room is always weird. It’s a fleeting space you inhabited, and then you're gone, leaving behind just a messy bed and empty coffee cups.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final Scavenger Hunt (or, Finding that Last-Minute Souvenir)
- Decided to hunt for a souvenir near to the hotel. Walk
North Shore Paradise: You NEED to Know This Before You Go! (Seriously)
Okay, so "Luxury Stays Await" - Is it REALLY luxurious? Like, does it come with a butler named Jeeves?
Alright, let's be real. No Jeeves. No. *sob*. Luxury at the Residence Inn North Shore is... well, it's Residence Inn luxury. Think comfy, spacious rooms, a decent kitchen (which, trust me, is a LIFESAVER if you're traveling with hangry kids), and a free breakfast that's better than your average continental chaos. I mean, the waffles *were* pretty darn good. But "luxury" is relative, right? Let's say "Upscale Practical" bordering on "Pretty Darn Nice." Don't waltz in expecting a gold-plated toilet seat, though. Unless *someone* has managed to sneak one in... wouldn't put it past my sister-in-law, Brenda… she's got *taste*.
The North Shore. Is it, like, *actually* on the North Shore? Because sometimes these hotel descriptions are LYING.
Yes, my friends! You are indeed on the North Shore. The hotel is practically *on* the river. It's legit. You can practically throw a rock (don't, though, someone could get hurt!) and hit PNC Park, or Heinz Field, or the Science Center. And walking distance to... well, a lot of stuff, depending on your definition of "walking." I walked to a Terrible Towel stand, that's all I'm saying. But, if you're like me and plan on being lazy, you probably should take an Uber…
What’s the deal with the breakfast? Is it a feeding frenzy? I'm not good with crowds.
Okay, the breakfast situation. Look, it *is* free, which is a BIG win. But yes, it can get… lively. Think a buffet line akin to a slightly less intense Black Friday. If you're a morning person (I am NOT), go early. Like, REALLY early. Otherwise, prepare to navigate a sea of hungry children and bleary-eyed adults. I tried to snag a waffle once, and I swear, a kid nearly tackled me. Fair warning: the coffee is… well, it'll wake you up. Don’t expect Starbucks. Let's just say it's *functional*. Functional is the word. I saw a dad pour the coffee into his thermos and he didn't blink. Maybe I should bring my own coffee maker next time.
Parking? Always a nightmare in a city. How bad is it?
Parking… ugh. It's city parking. It's not *terrible*, but it ain't free. There's valet (expensive), or you can try your luck in a nearby garage (also expensive, but slightly less so). Be prepared to pay, and be prepared to potentially circle the block a few times. I drove around for, like, 20 minutes trying to find a spot *once*, which, let's be real, is a lot longer than I wanted to spend in a car. Lesson learned: Uber, or walk if you can. If you see a spot… and it's legal... GRAB IT. Seriously.
The room size? We're a family of... a lot. Will we be tripping over each other?
The rooms are deceptively spacious. Seriously. They're suites, so you get a separate living area with a pull-out sofa. The kitchenettes are great for late-night snacks (or early-morning coffee!). We had a two-bedroom suite for our family of five, and while it wasn't *exactly* palatial, we weren't constantly stepping on each other's toes. The extra space really saved my sanity. I wouldn't cram more than six people in one, though. Maybe seven if you *really* like each other. And remember, "location, location, location" is key to not being in the same room together! Get out and visit!
What about the pool? Any fun to be had in the water?
Okay, the pool. Here's the thing: It's a decent pool. It's indoors, which is great for Pittsburgh weather, and it's... clean. But it's not exactly a water park. My kids, bless their hearts, were expecting something with a lazy river and a slide. They were, shall we say, disappointed. I was relieved. Less chlorine on my hair. So, the pool is good if you want to swim a few laps or let the kids splash around. But don't go expecting a major aquatic adventure. It is a pool.
Is it noisy at night? I'm a light sleeper! The North Shore sounds… sporty.
Okay, the noise level. Yes, with the proximity to stadiums and all that jazz, it *can* be noisy. Especially on game nights. I brought earplugs, just in case. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. But I did hear some cheering and… chanting… coming from PNC Park one night. Not the end of the world. But if you're a super-duper light sleeper and you MUST have complete silence, maybe request a room on a higher floor, facing away from the stadium. Or, you know, bring a white noise machine. Which I *should* have done.
Anything else I should know, like, REALLY know? Any hidden gems or total disasters to avoid?
Alright, here's the lowdown, after living there for a week. First, the staff are generally pretty friendly and helpful! I had a minor issue with the AC in my room (it was blasting, which is great, but a little too much), and the maintenance guy fixed it *immediately*. The elevators are a black hole. Never use them. I'm not kidding, I saw one family trapped in an elevator for at least 30 minutes. And lastly, the hotel gym? Don't bother. Unless your idea of exercise is staring at a treadmill that's seen better days. Just take a walk around the riverfront. It's way better for your mental health. And remember to try the Primanti Bros. sandwich! It is an experience… and probably the single best thing I experienced.
Okay, tell me a story about the place. REALLY make me want to go (or not!).
Alright, you want a story? I got one. Picture this: I'm at breakfast. Early(ish) for me, but still, breakfastBoutique Inns
Post a Comment for "Luxury Stays Await: Pittsburgh's North Shore Paradise at Residence Inn!"