Pittsburgh Plaza Hotel

The Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh West-Green Tree was a Holiday Inn and then a Ramada Inn before it was reborn as a Crowne Plaza with a total renovation, completed in late 2014. While the exterior, with a flat white facade and brown porte cochere, doesn't exactly inspire, the interior looks fresh and contemporary with  modern furniture and sleek accents like an illuminated front desk. The lobby is spacious and well-lit with a central tiled walkway, a plethora of carpeted sitting areas, and a restaurant and bar. The color palette is subdued, mostly beige and green, though bold-blue accents and patterned textiles add some flair. With several large companies nearby, the hotel attracts many business travelers, while Pittsburgh's stadiums and concert venues draw many in town to attend events.

This Crowne Plaza sits atop a quiet hill in the Green Tree neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Right off a major freeway, the hotel isn't difficult to find or get to, but the surrounding area is somewhat remote and residential, with no shops or restaurants within walking distance. Downtown Pittsburgh is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, with the Consol Energy Center, PNC Park, Heinz Field (football stadium), the convention center, and the Carnegie Science Center all a 10- to 15-minute drive from the property. Nearby businesses include Comcast, Accenture, and Bayer. The hotel offers free parking and a free shuttle that operates within a four-mile radius of the hotel. The shuttle transports guests to major events such as Pittsburgh Penguins home games and concerts, but not to Pittsburgh International Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 199 rooms at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh West-Green Tree are large and clean, with neutral, contemporary decor that's tasteful, if generic. Brown-patterned wall-to-wall carpeting meets cream-colored walls, while white bedding and coordinated quilted headboards pair well with the rich-brown wood furniture and brown dust ruffles. Framed floral artwork adorns the walls, while modern sun-shaped mirrors and silver cutout desk lamps add a touch of style and flair. Rooms have individually controlled AC, and include large flat-screen TVs with premium channels, Keurig coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can feel a bit dated with a beige and brown backdrop and granite countertops. But they include shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some guests complain about thin walls, and pool-facing rooms may pick up outside noise.

This Crowne Plaza has a seasonal outdoor pool with tables and lounge chairs. The small fitness center is outfitted with cardio equipment, including several treadmills, a weight machine, an exercise ball, and free weights. The hotel's Bistro 401 and accompanying bar are stylish and modern, and guests rate the food as better than typical hotel fare, though some find it pricey. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but breakfast is not included in the room rate. The bar offers local beers on tap and a daily happy hour. Room service is available during limited hours. Free cucumber and lemon water is available in the lobby all day, while a small grab-and-go spot offers drinks and snacks.

The hotel also has a concierge, free parking, and free shuttle service to major sporting events and concerts in the area. A small 24-hour business center has two desktop computers and a copy/scanner/fax machine. The hotel also has conference and meeting spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.