Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh

The Cambria Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh is a mixed bag of positives and quirks, offering spacious accommodations and a central location. For people who are in town to take in a Penguins game, Monster Jam, or a concert, you can’t beat its location.

The entrance to Cambria Hotel in Pittsburgh.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cambria Hotel offers spacious rooms and a prime location in downtown Pittsburgh, ideal for events at PPG Paints Arena.
  • Rooms have amenities like mini fridges and microwaves, but comfort issues exist with some beds and cleanliness in spots.
  • Dining at the on-site Social Circle Bistro & Bar includes a mix of breakfast options and American dinner fare.
  • Accessibility features work well, making it suitable for guests with mobility issues, and parking costs $20 per night.
  • Local attractions are nearby, including museums and parks, enhancing the overall stay experience.

Across from the check-in desk, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby offer amazing views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Paired with comfortable seating and warm lighting, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the city’s energy right as you arrive.

Lobby with tall ceilings and views of Pittsburgh.

Hotel Guest Rooms and Amenities

In addition to its convenient location, Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh offers a range of standard hotel amenities. The hotel has a variety of suites from which to choose, with options of 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. We stayed in room 214, a handicapped-accessible room with 2 queen beds.

Our room was extremely spacious with a living area with a sleeper sofa, chair, desk, and television on one side and a sleeping area with 2 queen beds on the other. The room also had a mini fridge, coffee maker, and a microwave. (Microwaves may not be available in all rooms.)

While the room blew us away with the amount of space, it failed in terms of comfort with one of the beds. We had been told that it had newer beds, but one creaked whenever we turned and felt as though it was broken.

Hotel Bathrooms

The spacious bathroom in our room was designed with easy access to the shower and is ideal for those who use a wheelchair or walker and need extra space to move around. 

Dining At the Hotel

Social Circle Bistro & Bar is the on-site restaurant at the hotel. Its inviting dining area is open and there are plenty of places to sit to enjoy breakfast or dinner. Breakfast is not included with a stay, but hot options are available on the breakfast menu for those who like to eat before heading out. The dinner menu features a selection of American fare like cheeseburgers. Additionally, local craft beers, cocktails, and complimentary coffee are offered at the bistro.

Amenities

The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, free wifi, and a business center. 

Handicapped Accessibility

While traveling with a senior with mobility issues can be a challenge, we did not experience any difficulties at Cambria. We were able to secure a handicapped parking spot which was located steps away from the back door. The elevator is near the door which made it easy to get to the accessible room on the 2nd floor.

Check-in and Check-Out Times

Check-in at the Cambria Hotel is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m.

Hotel lobby with night view of Pittsburgh.

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed at the hotel.

Parking

Parking is located behind the hotel and the rate is $20 per night.

Location

The Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh is located at 1320 Centre Avenue, right in the heart of the city. Its prime location is next to the PPG Paints Arena and just a couple of blocks from Duquesne University.

The hotel’s central location also makes it easily accessible from major transportation hubs, such as the airport and train station. If you’re flying into Pittsburgh (PIT), it’s a short 25-minute cab ride to the hotel which will set you back $40-55. Additionally, for those arriving by Amtrak, the hotel is just a short cab or ride-share trip away (about 5 minutes) from Union Station.

Local Attractions

Nearby attractions include:

  • Senator John Heinz History Center – 0.8 miles
  • Point State Park – 1.1 miles
  • The Andy Warhol Museum – 1.1 miles
  • The Strip District – 1.3 miles
  • Carnegie Science Center – 2.1 miles
  • Mt. Washington – 2.2 miles
  • Rivers Casino – 2.7 miles
  • Carnegie Mellon University – 3.6 miles
  • Sandcastle Water Park – 7.7 miles

Choice Hotels Member

Cambria Hotels is a Choice Hotels property. The rewards program is called Choice Privileges and members earn points for staying at this property. Loyalty program points can be earned through booking accommodations, renting cars, referring friends, or participating in promotional offers. Choice Privileges members can then redeem these points for a range of benefits, including complimentary nights, room upgrades, and more. It’s free to join the reward program.

Overall impression

While the Cambria Hotel has potential, most notably because of its location and spacious accessible rooms, there were a few areas where it fell short. The toiletries in the shower stall were empty when we arrived, but were quickly filled when we pointed it out to staff. Our room had stained carpet and one of the beds was creaky. For the price we paid, it was a decent option for 3 people staying in one hotel room.

If you’re planning a trip to Pittsburgh, the Cambria Hotel is worth considering if being close to PPG Paints Arena or the downtown sports venues is your top priority. While it wasn’t my favorite hotel we’ve stayed in, the location made it convenient for exploring the city without spending all day in the car. To help you make the most of your visit, take a look at my guide to Pittsburgh’s Past, Present, and Future, where I share some of the city’s history along with places that are worth your time. You can also browse my list of Things to Do in Pittsburgh, discover Eight Places to Eat in Pittsburgh, and don’t miss the Andy Warhol Museum, one of the city’s most iconic attractions.

Final Call

What caught your eye most about Cambria – was it the views, the location, comfy rooms, or something you discovered nearby? Drop your experience or what you’re most looking forward to in the comments, and if this post helped you plan your stay (or is planning one for someone else), share it with friends who’d love staying right in the heart of the Burgh.

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