Being a Southern California boy, I was not particularly looking forward to a conference in Pittsburgh in November. Granted, November is still usually a little early for snow, but looking at the weather forecast a week before the conference and seeing at least 3 days of snow did not exactly make my day!
Booking my stay at the Westin Convention Center however, made things SO much easier. They've got a covered sky-bridge directly connecting to the convention center from the 2nd floor. No need to even put on a heavy jacket to go to your conference. Everyone else is coming from around the city and bundled up and then has to carry their coats around all day (or check them if the conference is well staffed enough to offer this). But being connected to the Convention Center I could just stroll across the bridge and right into my sessions.
Rooms were well appointed. Beds were comfortable and the double showerheads were fantastic! Toiletries were a little sparse. ABSOLUTELY loved the free wi-fi. So many full service hotels are charging for this these days and it is a HUGE pet peeve of mine to pay for a more expensive hotel and then to pay for Internet access on top of that.
My issue with my hotel room (don't know if it is true for all) was noise. I was close to the elevator, but the door seemed particularly thin as I often heard people walking back and forth down the hall and talking. I was also able to hear various building noises like running water, etc. The walls between rooms seemed to be thick enough because I didn't hear other people talking or their TVs (or maybe there just weren't people staying in the rooms to either side).
I enjoyed their room service breakfast menu. They had a nice offering of healthy alternatives including granola, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. Delivery times were pretty spot on and the attendants were friendly and efficient.
Another big plus for the hotel is that it is connected to the Original Fish Market. Good sushi, GREAT clam chowder and some other delicious fare. There's access into the restaurant from the hotel's lobby and it is open until 1am for those late arriving West Coast travelers.