PITTSBURGH, A SURPRISING BOUTIQUE HOTEL HOTSPOT
Steel City, The City of Bridges… Boutique Hotel City? It might not be as catchy as Pittsburgh’s traditional nicknames, but this last one’s quickly becoming just as accurate.
Boutiques Invade Pittsburgh
Three new boutique hotels will be joining Pittsburgh’s hospitality portfolio this year. Hotel Monaco, Hotel Indigo and Ace Hotel are each opening properties in 2015. Pittsburgh probably wasn’t where you’d expect these brands to be expanding into. In fact, Pittsburgh has one the oldest demographics in America, and western Pennsylvania is more frequently associated with blue collar industry than high class sophistication. So why the sudden influx of boutique hotels in Pittsburgh? Well, if you look beyond the surface, Pittsburgh actually has all the qualities a city needs to be a perfect spot for boutique hotels to thrive.
What makes a good “Boutique Hotel City?”
Boutique hotels are smaller properties that offer luxury accommodations and service. They usually have a unique theme and individual style. Boutique’s pride themselves on giving guests a specific experience rather than offering the same uniform stay that major luxury chains do. More than anything, boutique hotels rely on their personality, which in part comes from the city they’re in.
Obviously big cities like New York, Chicago and L.A. have plenty of boutique hotels, but they also pop up in smaller towns and cities, specifically locations with character. Cities that have a distinct culture, history or persona, like Boston, Washington D.C. and of course Pittsburgh work well with the boutique concept because they offer themes and ideas the hotel can build off of. In other words, Boutiques can capitalize on a city’s brand.
Why Pittsburgh is perfect for this type of Hotel
What the Steel City lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Here are some characteristics of Pittsburgh that have made it irresistible to boutique hotel brands.
Culture- the city’s culture includes the community feel of a smaller working town. The neighborhoods each have their own unique spots and communities, but the shopping, night life and entertainment options rival anything a big city has to offer. Also, the sports franchises are very successful and have fairly new venues, and incredibly loyal fans.
Size- It’s big enough to support a thriving tourism industry but not too big that it loses its identity. Pittsburgh is in the sweet spot that makes it so attractive for boutiques.
Academics- Though it’s demographically one of the older cities in the U.S. the number of colleges in it have brought a growing number of young people to the area. The influx of youth makes Pittsburgh great pool for outside the box thinkers that boutique properties are looking for.
Art- Besides being Andy Warhols’ hometown, Pittsburgh is also home to an Art Institute, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.
History- Pittsburgh’s industrial past provides the perfect canvas for creative hotel managers to take advantage of. It’s easy to shape the personality and past of pittsburgh into a unique hospitality environment.
What do you think about Pittsburgh’s newfound boutique hotel industry? Will the steel city become a hub of luxury travel? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below!
