The former Hilton Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa. — the city's largest and most recognizable hotel — is now the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts announced last week.
The hotel, which is currently in bankruptcy, has been without a brand affiliation since September, when Hilton terminated its franchise agreement with the ailing property.
Opened in 1959, the hotel recently completed a $30 million interior renovation encompassing its guest rooms, bathrooms and utilities. A second-phase renovation — which includes the addition of a new full-service spa and indoor pool, updated conference space, an expanded fitness center and a redesigned exterior — is currently underway and, thanks to a $1 million loan from Wyndham that will allow work to continue, scheduled for completion by fall 2011.
"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 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts President Jeff Wagoner. "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. 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."
As a Wyndham property, the hotel — which has 712 guest rooms and over 40,000 square feet of meeting space — will now offer signature brand elements, including Wyndham's guest recognition program, which provides perks such as complimentary high-speed Internet access and welcome amenities.
"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, the hotel's owner. "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 ... 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."