The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Pittsburgh

They spent such a great deal of effort in the decor and pretty much all the aesthetics… but it’s not well-operated.

The check in was awful. The person that checked us in was arrogant and terse. It was almost an inconvenience for us to go up to him. Then the key card kept getting demagnetized—three times total. It was unpleasant to keep having to go back to the front desk.

Dinner the first evening was nice. But the blasting cold air in the restaurant was more than we can bear. The first order of fries became cold in less than a few minutes. We had to order another order of fries. The staffs were definitely overworked and wasn’t please to be working there. Possibly a sign of overworked and understaffed.

We called about getting room service but was greeted by an upset employee that told us dining is only available downstairs. The following morning, I called about breakfast and was told they will bring it up to the room. But only to be told differently later on.

When we got down to the first floor for brunch, there was only one person working. He was bussing tables, being the host, delivering all the food and drinks. I almost want to say it’s not his fault for being short and rushed us through the entire process. Our request for a mix beverage was barked back with “I can’t do drinks!”. That man was running the entire time. Food was good but the anxiety built on as we watch the only person working the entire restaurant dashing about and being terse with other patrons.

A screw fell from the sliding bathroom door and the bathroom won’t close. No offer of help was given. Then I was ordered by the person over the line to hold on to the screw. The door not fully closing made the experience weird. Imagine having to use the throne only to have scents distribute the entire room. Not to mention the lack of privacy.

A request for room service or at least some more towels went unfulfilled, or simply forgotten. The Keurig machine in the room looks nice but there were no mugs or paper cups. Ice machines, vending machines, or a convenience mart was not available. Guests had to either drink tap water or go out to purchase their own necessities.

The staff by the front door was not attentive and didn’t seem to care. I know a themed hotel would often have staff that are professional, a bit stiff, but tends to their guests diligently. Here, the overall staff ventured into the territory of arrogance, aloof, and even a bit judgmental if you don’t fit their expected demographics of ‘old school’ visitors of such establishment are ought to be.

The industrialist has so much potential. The architects and designers certainly did their job. But overall experience is just not worth the price to simply look at cool wallpaper and nice...

Perhaps I should have reviewed the pecking order of the Autograph series in the Marriott chain, but this hotel was in no way worth the $380 it charged for my night’s stay in Pittsburgh. First, the digital check-in was pretty much worthless because, according to the receptionist, unless I had previously stayed at the hotel, I still had to come to the front desk to be identified. Why send me a link to check-in digitally if it’s not going to work? Shame on you lazy Marriott.

Then, after I checked in in person, the digital key had to be sent to me twice before it showed up in my Bonvoy app. For safety purposes I asked for a physical key, which I received and which didn’t work.

I had requested and paid extra for a corner room for what I hoped would be lovely views of the city. I was given a corner room, nicely decorated, but hardly larger than a walk in closet. I felt like I was in Japan or Hong Kong were space is at a premium and rooms are often petite.

But this was Pittsburgh not Tokyo or even New York and dancing around my luggage to get to the bathroom struck me as something I shouldn’t have to do for $380. In August I stayed at the Warwick in New York City and requested a room with a terrace that came with a foyer, living room, expansive bedroom and the terrace for $318 for the night and it was located across the street from MOMA.

The next morning I was looking forward towards a nice cup of coffee from the in-room coffee maker only to discover the absence of any coffee cups.

Finally, upon getting ready to depart I noticed a $44 charge from the hotel come across my American Express card. Because the third party valet had told me that I would pay its charge via the text link I was sent upon arriving, I again called the front desk and was told that the charge was for parking.

Reasonable, but untrue because when I went online to request my car, I was required to pay via the Parking Management Company website. A call back to the front desk suggested that I work it out with the valet, telling me it was a third party vendor and not a Marriott service. I reminded them that since Marriott advertised the valet parking on its website and probably received part of the revenue, it had skin in the game.

In short, while the staff were all quite nice, the building handsome and the decor somewhat sexy, the hotel is immensely overpriced for a city the size of Pittsburgh. I shan’t be darkening...

During my recent trip to Pittsburgh I had the pleasure of staying at The Industrialist Hotel. I was thoroughly impressed. The warm and professional reception from the staff, particularly Sarah and Mychole at the front desk, set a wonderful tone for my entire stay.

I arrived on a Sunday shortly before the start of a home Steelers game and stayed to Wednesday. I was working remote while exploring various Pittsburgh neighborhoods and attended a ticketed event.

The hotel's fitness center was fantastic, equipped with modern machines and dumbbells up to 50lbs. Don't be turned off by the Peloton bike requiring an e-mail address. You can enter a bogus e-mail and pedal to your heart's desire! I enjoyed sprinkling some profanity into the bogus e-mail I chose.

The striking design, blending Pittsburgh's industrial history with contemporary elements, comforted me. The attention to historical preservation exuded a European-like respect for culture and the excellence of original craftsmen.

Moreover, the hotel's prime location near public transit made exploring the city effortless. I could easily access PRT bus and light rail to Lawrenceville, Strip District, South Side Flats, Mount Washington, and the Oakland neighborhoods near Pittsburgh University. From the airport take the 28X Airport Flyer bus for $2.75 per person, a ridiculously cost effective and environmentally friendly transportation option.

After exploring a few other prominent hotels in Downtown Pittsburgh I can confidently say The Industrialist is one of the best options. I would classify The Industrialist as boutique with high end finishes and elevated amenities. However, I would not classify the Industrialist as luxury based on the smaller size and scope of the hotel. A five-star rating...