Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown is a historic renovation of the city's former Federal Reserve Bank building at 745 Grant Street, and it combines a dignified old banking hall setting with the generous inclusions that Drury is known for. It has 207 rooms, and the value comes from what is included in the rate: a free hot breakfast every morning and the 5:30 Kickback, a daily early-evening spread of free hot food and cold drinks, with a complimentary alcoholic drink, from 5:30pm to 7pm. For families and budget-minded travellers, those two meals can save a real amount of money over a few nights. There is also an indoor pool and whirlpool, open from 9am to 10pm, which is a rarity downtown and a hit with children after a day of sightseeing. Dogs and cats are accepted for a daily fee. The location is central: the hotel's own figures put the convention center and the Senator John Heinz History Center about a quarter of a mile away, the arena half a mile, PNC Park and the Warhol about a mile, and Point State Park a little over a mile.

Location and getting around: Grant Street is downtown's government and office spine, so the immediate area is busy on weekdays and quiet in the evenings. The Strip District is a walk of about ten minutes, which makes the Drury the handiest hotel for the Strip District food tour, and Market Square, the Cultural District and the T light rail are all within a few minutes. The North Shore and its museums are a pleasant walk across the river, and Oakland is a short bus or taxi ride east.

Rooms and who it suits: rooms are comfortable and practical, with the space and consistency of a modern chain hotel inside the historic shell. The Drury suits families who will make good use of the pool and the included meals, budget-minded couples, sports fans heading to the arena, and anyone who would rather spend money on tours and dinners than on the room.

Good to know: parking is valet only, at about forty dollars a night, and oversized vehicles may face extra charges or may not be accepted, so consider arriving by airport bus or taxi. Breakfast runs from 6am to 9:30am on weekdays and from 7am to 10am at weekends. The pet fee is charged per room per day, with a limit of two pets. Rates are among the best value downtown, but book early for convention weeks and big game weekends.