<p>Shadyside has a Marriott property too. I can’t remember if it is a Residence Inn or Springhill Suites. I have tried all of them. The Shadyside property is a bit noisy.</p>
<p>There is a Courtyard by Marriott in Shadyside. I didn’t notice noise when I stayed there but it is at a busy intersection. The rooms are nice (and there’s a laundry room if you need to get last minute laundry done). The downside was that parking is valet only.</p>
<p>There are certain times that hotels near Pitt get pricy. For the same price or less if you don’t mind the drive from downtown, you could stay at the 5-star Fairmont (highly recommend; self-parking in the building parking garage is reasonable and the garage elevator takes you to the hotel lobby).</p>
<p>Here’s an interesting article about Pittsburgh in the UK Independent:</p>
<p>[Rupert</a> Cornwell: ‘Steel Town’ shows US the art of survival - Rupert Cornwell, Commentators - The Independent](<a href=“Rupert Cornwell: 'Steel Town' shows US the art of survival | The Independent | The Independent”>Rupert Cornwell: 'Steel Town' shows US the art of survival | The Independent | The Independent)</p>
<p>Hi,
The Residence Inn is nice but farther away then some other hotels. The Holiday Inn is closer but may be more expensive. We stayed at the Hampton Inn University Center and got a great discount if you say you are coming in for the University of Pittsburgh. They have cheaper parking then the others and also have a free breakfast buffet & free shuttle to take you to the University. The hotel was just renovated and is really nice. I do not recommend the Quality Inn. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>This link on a sports message board has things to do and places to eat just in the vicinity around campus: [Pitt</a> campus and area](<a href=“http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=141&f=2455&t=5547158]Pitt”>http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=141&f=2455&t=5547158)</p>
<p>I would definitely hit up Pamela’s for breakfast (in Oakland). Primanti’s is a must do as it is Pittsburgh’s signature sandwich. Also, Dave & Andy’s ice cream on campus is pretty awesome homemade ice cream. And you absolutely should check out the Cathedral of Learning (and Nationality Rooms) if you otherwise don’t see them, and perhaps Heinz Chapel on campus. The primary museums of the city are just across the street, and Phipps Conservatory is just inside Schenley Park. Also, make sure you get up to Mount Washington at night. The Warhol Museum on the North Side is also a typical tourist stop. Interesting shopping areas might be along Walnut St in Shadyside (adjacent to Oakland) or the SouthSide Works or Station Square on the Southside.</p>
<p>Since you are in Friday night, [Friday</a> Nite Improves](<a href=“http://www.fnipgh.com/]Friday”>http://www.fnipgh.com/) in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning as something to check out.</p>
<p>You may also want to check out [VisitPittsburgh.com[/url</a>] and [url=<a href=“http://www.coolpgh.pitt.edu/]Cool”>http://www.coolpgh.pitt.edu/]Cool</a> Pittsburgh (specificly for students)](<a href=“http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/]VisitPittsburgh.com[/url”>http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/)</p>
<p>Bumping this up for anyone attending Honors/Accepted student days next weekend.</p>
<p>Has anyone eaten at Grand Concourse? It’s supposed to be a beautiful space where the food doesn’t quite measure up to the surroundings.</p>
<p>Grand Concourse has good food if you like seafood. I would not say it is great food but it’s not bad.<br>
Here is a recent article in the Ny Times about new restaurants in the city. Salt of the Earth is one that everyone is talking about:
[In</a> Pittsburgh, Trading Pirogi for Farm-to-Table Fare - NYTimes.com](<a href=“In Pittsburgh, Trading Pirogi for Farm-to-Table Fare - The New York Times”>In Pittsburgh, Trading Pirogi for Farm-to-Table Fare - The New York Times)</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! I had missed that article.</p>
<p>It’s been years for me but Grand Concourse has (had) a really nice Sunday brunch. </p>
<p>Check out Monterey Bay Fish Company on Mt. Washington for really good seafood with a view.</p>
<p>Hotel-- we stayed at the Springhill Suites this weekend and really liked it. Their rooms have a split bath set up toilet/sink and separate shower/sink which really helps when 3 people are trying to get ready. Free parking and breakfast. Shuttle took us right to Alumni hall and later in the day picked us up at Sutherland. We just had to call them and tell them where we were. Be sure to request an even numbered room so you are on the more quiet side of the building. (There’s a bus depot on the other side). The rooms have iPod docks, two queen beds with sofa, nice desk and closet.
Nice small bar area and breakfast area. It’s farther away than some of the hotels, but with the shuttle it worked out well.
We ate at Pamela’s and waited about 15-20 minutes for a table around 1:30 today. It was awesome!</p>
<p>We ate at Pamela’s in the Strip District this morning - got in and was seated within 5 minutes (around 8:30am). Ten minutes after we were seated, there was a HUGE line snaking out the door! The blueberry and sour cream hotcakes were heaven! Managed in our two and a half days there to make it to Lulu’s Noodles, Primanti’s, Fuel & Fuddle, Pamela’s Diner, and sushi at a restaurant in Shadyside. Flew back home tonight and am afraid to step on the scale!</p>
<p>Wow, Southmom, you hit all the hot spots!</p>