Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center
University Center base within reach of two parks
About this hotel
This recently renovated hotel sits close to the University of Pittsburgh, roughly five kilometres from the city centre, with an indoor pool and Fitness Center for evenings when the outdoor water park is closed for the day. The casual American bistro on site serves a meal and cocktail after a long afternoon of slides, and Kennywood Amusement Park along with Sandcastle Water Park are both within reach for a family building a multi-park trip. Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Museum of Art and History sit nearby too, useful for a quieter day away from the crowds and the sun. The neighbourhood itself is quiet enough for an easy return after a long day of slides, without the noise of a busier tourist strip.
- Family rooms
- Outdoor terrace
- Non-smoking rooms
Our take
This suits a family who wants a university-district base with an indoor pool and easy reach of both Sandcastle and Kennywood. The recent renovation is a genuine plus for a multi-night family stay. It is worth reading the fine print on any tagged amenity here, since availability can vary by season and by specific room type.
- ✓Use the indoor pool the evening you arrive to let the kids burn off travel energy before the first Sandcastle day.
- ✓Try the on-site bistro for dinner after a long day of slides rather than driving out again.
- ✓Visit the Carnegie Museum of Art and History on a quieter day between the two parks.
Why we love it
- Newly renovated rooms and public areas
- Indoor pool and Fitness Center
- Casual American bistro on site
- Close to both Sandcastle and Kennywood
Why guests love itThe indoor pool here got real use on the evening after a long Kennywood day, well before the family even made it to Sandcastle later in the trip. The on-site bistro handled a proper sit-down dinner without another drive, and the recent renovation showed in rooms that felt genuinely fresh rather than tired, a nice surprise partway through a busy multi-park trip.