Landmark Downtown Pittsburgh Hotel Joins Wyndham Grand Collection

By: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | 5 Shares 115 Reads

November 23, 2010 // Franchising.com // PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN), today announced the addition of Pittsburgh's largest and most recognizable hotel to the brand's Wyndham Grand® Collection portfolio: the 712-room Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.

Located on Commonwealth Place at the gateway to Pittsburgh's famed Golden Triangle – the city's downtown business and cultural hub – the hotel is an ideal destination for conventions, meetings and leisure travel.

The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, previously the Hilton Pittsburgh, becomes the second Wyndham® property in the Pittsburgh area, joining the Wyndham Pittsburgh – University Place on Forbes Avenue in the city's Oakland academic and health-care district.

The 24-story luxury Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, a prominent landmark since 1959, is owned by Fla.-based cardiologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel and managed by Dallas-based Prism Hotels and Resorts, which will oversee the hotel's day-to-day operations. The property recently completed a $30 million interior renovation which updated all guest rooms and bathrooms as well as the hotel's heating, ventilating, air conditioning and plumbing systems.

A second phase of renovations, currently under way, includes a new full-service spa and indoor pool, updated conference space, expanded fitness center and redesigned building façade, which will feature a dramatic wave-like exterior that pays tribute to the city's three rivers. Renovations are expected to be complete by fall 2011.

Wyndham leadership expressed its excitement to expand in the Pittsburgh community. "We are very proud to welcome this marquee Pittsburgh hotel and its outstanding staff to the Wyndham brand and look forward to introducing the personalized services and style travelers have come to expect from the upscale Wyndham brand," said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. "We are eager to implement our plans to ensure the hotel's iconic presence and unique character not only are preserved but enhanced through a series of strategic initiatives designed to drive business and guest satisfaction," he said. "By joining one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, the hotel will benefit from a breadth of global sales, marketing, operational and training resources."

The hotel will introduce signature brand elements including the free-to-join Wyndham ByRequest® guest recognition program, which offers perks including complimentary high-speed Internet access, welcome snack and beverage, as well as Wyndham's Count On Me! service culture whereby all employees pledge to be responsive, respectful and deliver great customer experiences.

"We are delighted to align with a renowned hotel company like Wyndham and to fly its prestigious Wyndham Grand Collection flag," said Dr. Kiran Patel. "This designation will help position the hotel for future success, attract new customers and facilitate a fresh start for this valuable asset marked by an exciting new brand affiliation and new management company. By leveraging Wyndham's resources and scale, we feel strongly that the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown can realize its fullest potential as a business and leisure destination in this fantastic city."

The hotel offers more than 40,000 square feet of flexible function space including a 17,000 square-foot grand ballroom, Pittsburgh's largest hotel ballroom, and a state-of-the-art conference center. Several full-size, elegant rooms are ideal for weddings or formal galas, while more than 20 additional break-out rooms of varying sizes provide additional meeting space options.

"Wyndham Hotels and Resorts' robust groups, meetings, leisure sales and marketing channels will help retain existing business and attract new customers planning events in Pittsburgh," said Wagoner.

The property's newly renovated, stylishly appointed guest rooms provide greater comfort and conveniences for guests while offering breathtaking city or river views. Each of the hotel's 712 guest rooms – including 43 suites – features flat-screen televisions, spacious work spaces, coffee makers, in-room dining and high-speed Internet access.

Three Rivers Restaurant, the hotel's on-site dining attraction named for its prominent location at the famed confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, boasts tantalizing menus for each meal of the day. The restaurant's executive chef prepares a wide array of menu selections including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and complete entrées. The elegant and casual dining atmosphere is afforded by modern appointments and a view of nearby green space at Gateway Center. A selection of wines by the glass and bottle and a specialty cocktail menu are available to compliment each meal. Health-conscious selections are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Three Rivers Bar, the renovated cocktail lounge adjacent to the restaurant, serves a specially tailored food menu, a fine selection of wines by the glass and bottle, imported and domestic beers, martinis and signature cocktail creations.

Additional amenities and services include high-speed Internet access in common areas, a 24-hour business center, health center, free airport transportation and an on-site gift shop.

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, just 17 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport, provides guests with immediate access to some of the city's best attractions. Situated near the convergence of Pittsburgh's three rivers, the hotel is adjacent to Point State Park and convenient to Heinz Field, PNC Park, the Cultural District, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown becomes the 28th property to join the Wyndham Grand Collection portfolio, an ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand that represent one-of-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodations, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. For more information, visit www.thewyndhamgrandcollection.com.

All Wyndham Hotels and Resorts guests can take advantage of Wyndham ByRequest®, the brand's guest recognition program offering complimentary benefits including high-speed Internet access, personal choice of welcome snack and beverage, preferred pillow type, express check-in, guaranteed late check-out, local and long-distance calls, best available room upon arrival, photocopies, faxes and online receipts.

Wyndham ByRequest members also earn Wyndham Rewards® points, which can be redeemed for complimentary hotel stays, airline tickets, name-brand merchandise and dining and shopping gift cards, among other options. In lieu of points, members may elect to earn airline or rail miles with a variety of carriers. More information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., one of its affiliates or through a joint-venture partner. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by calling (800) WYNDHAM – (800) 996-3426 – or visiting www.wyndham.com.

Prism Hotels & Resorts is one of the nation's fastest growing full service hotel management companies. A respected leader in managing full-service assets, the company currently manages more than 9,000 rooms in 22 states. Additional information about Prism Hotel and Resorts may be found at www.prismhotels.com.