I'm giving the Waterfront 4 stars because I believe the questionable is balanced by the favorable. The bottom line is: if you have friends or family coming to Pittsburgh who aren't so city-savvy, the Waterfront can be relaxing territory for them. It has a suburban feel that, while not so flavorful as Lawrenceville or Downtown, can still be entertaining. Expect chain shops and not-quite-chain restaurants (Burgatory, Agave, etc.) There are also hotels with large parking lots, another thing visiting family might appreciate.