OMNI WILLIAM PENN HOTEL FINALIZES MULTI-YEAR RENOVATION

Upscale Downtown Icon Updates With Modern Design, Hand-Crafted Artwork, Revived Speakeasy

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 2, 2012) – The Omni William Penn Hotel, known as the Grande Dame of Pittsburgh, has completed the final phase of a multi-million dollar renovation of guest rooms, suites and multiple floors of meeting space. 

The new look of the luxury hotel features elements like textural designs in a natural color pallet, and artwork that depicts the storied history of Pittsburgh throughout to its 596 guest rooms and 38 suites. New features in the guest rooms and suites modernize the historic property, which was built in 1916, and include motion activated L.E.D. lights that enable guests to navigate the room during the night. 

For meeting space and ballrooms, the focus was reconfiguration for an array of business services, conferences and events while maintaining decorative aspects like original millwork and ceilings. Inspiration for the William Penn Ballroom was found in the 1930s art deco such as an original Lalique glass etching from past hotel installation and a floral motif that is reminiscent of previous ceiling design. 

The highlight of the renovation is the revival of the original Speakeasy in the hotel. Once home to a true underground bar and lounge, the Speakeasy has been restored to reflect its original glory, with flocked wall coverings and tin ceiling design reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Sumptuous seating and a gilded bar that mirrors the original makes this space ideal for private events such as bridal party receptions.

“As a historic hotel, our goal was to modernize without losing what has made this hotel an icon,” said Eric DeStefano, general manager of Omni William Penn Hotel. “From the beautiful guest rooms to the alluring meeting space, we have continued to invest in elevating the guest experience.”

About Omni William Penn Hotel:

The Omni William Penn Hotel, with 596 rooms and 52,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, has served as Pittsburgh’s premier since 1916. The opulence, striking beauty and charming presence of this historic landmark have captivated guests from around the world. The hotel has long been considered the “Grande Dame” of the city, and is known for attracting famous politicians, as well as stars of Hollywood past and present. Today, the Omni William Penn retains that heritage, while providing the latest in modern amenities and conveniences.