The Most Famous Hotel In Pittsburgh Is Also One Of The Most Historic Places You'll Ever Sleep
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 01, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
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History whispers from just about every corner of Pittsburgh. No matter where we walk downtown, we’re sure to pass by a piece of history, whether we know it or not. Earning props as the most famous hotel in Pittsburgh, the Omni William Penn Hotel has been a favorite of Pittsburghers and visitors for generations. Spend the night as a guest, or drop by for a meal at one of its restaurants.
Nestled along William Penn Place downtown, the Omni William Penn Hotel is perhaps the most famous and historic hotel in the city, dating back to World War I.
The hotel was originally called The William Penn Hotel. It has gone through several name changes during its time.
Predominately funded with Henry Clay Frick's $6 million, the regal hotel debuted with a star-studded affair on March 9, 1916. That evening signaled the beginning of a long and storied history.
Prominent guests at the opening night celebration included then-Mayor Joseph Armstrong and actress Lillian Russell.
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Politicians and other prominent figures, in fact, would help cement Omni William Penn as the premier Pittsburgh hotel. President Theodore Roosevelt, in 1917, was the first of several presidents to give a speech at the hotel.
A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Omni William Penn has also hosted Hollywood several times. The opulent hotel has appeared in several films, including Foxcatcher in 2014.
If you're not staying overnight, you'll still want to plan a visit to The Speakeasy, hidden below the hotel lobby. The 1920s-era speakeasy will whisk you back in time.
Have you ever stayed or dined at the most famous hotel in Pittsburgh? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that the Omni William Penn Hotel is also known for something else? It’s said to be perhaps the most haunted hotel in Pittsburgh, too.
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