Special Program / The Best of Creative Nonfiction Conference (2013 Archived Landing Page)

Hotel & Transportation Information

Official Conference Hotel

Stay just a few blocks from the Trust Arts Eduacation Center and take advantage of the special conference room rate ($159/night) available at the Best of Creative Nonfiction Conference's official hotel, the Renaissance.

This offer is available only until May 3. 

Reserve your room.

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
$159/night ($239/night if reserved after April 26)
0.21 miles to conference
107 6th Street
412-562-1200

Conference Area Hotels

Rates below do not include 14% hotel tax.  As always, you may find lower rates on sites such as hotels.com, Room Key, Priceline, Expedia, or Kayak, or for non-refundable reservations.

Downtown Pittsburgh Hotels

Courtyard Marriot Downtown Pittsburgh
$199/night
0.13 miles to conference
945 Penn Avenue, 15222
1-855-239-9399‎
Website

Omni William Penn Hotel
$249/night
0.17 miles to conference
530 William Penn Pl, 15219
1-866-678-6350

Westin Convention Center Hotel
$195/night
0.21 miles to conference
1000 Penn Avenue, 15222
412-281-3700
Website

The Priory Hotel
$189/night
0.9 mile to conference, free shuttle to conference venue
614 Pressley St, 15212
412-231-3338
Website

Economy Options

Quality Inn University Center
$119/night
2.5 miles to conference; located near University of Pittsburgh (Oakland area)
public transportation to conference and airport; please see transportation sheet
3401 Blvd of the Allies, 15213
412-683-6100
Website

Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh Airport
$119/night
18 miles to conference; connected to airport
public transportation to conference and downtown; please see transportation sheet
1111 Airport Boulevard, 15231
724-899-1234
Website

Additional economy hotels are located near the Pittsburgh airport but do not have access to public transportation.

 

Transportation

There are four ways to get from Pittsburgh International Airport to the conference venue and/or downtown hotels.  Information is also provided for transportation to/from the Oakland/University of Pittsburgh area for those interested in an economy hotel or staying in the university area, which is also home to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, and the Phipps Conservatory botanical gardens.

The Greyhound, Amtrak, and MegaBus stations are all located in downtown Pittsburgh, within walking distance of the conference venue and downtown hotels.

Cab – Cabs can be found at the airport.  The cost to reach downtown Pittsburgh is approximately $40/one way.  The cost to reach Oakland/University of Pittsburgh is approximately $50/one way.  There are no tolls or additional fees except for tips. 

SuperShuttle – SuperShuttle can be scheduled in advance for faster service or booked at the baggage claim area of the Pittsburgh International Airport, in the rental car area, behind the elevators by Door 4.  Service to downtown Pittsburgh is $24/one way.  Service to Oakland/University of Pittsburgh is $27/one way.
(800) BLUE-VAN (800-258-3826)
Website
Email

Bus – Pittsburgh Port Authority Transportation (PAT) provides bus service to and from the airport on the 28X bus.  Busses leave the airport every 30 minutes and take about 55 minutes to reach downtown Pittsburgh and 66 minutes to reach Oakland. Busses leave from outside the baggage claim area and cost $3.75 one way.  This must be paid in cash and no change is available on the busses or at the bus stop.  The link below will take you to a pdf version of the 28x schedule.  The closest stop to the conference venue is Liberty Ave. at Tito Way.
Website

There are several busses that go from Oakland to downtown Pittsburgh, including the 61A, 61C, 61B, and 61D.  The best way to find bus route and schedule information from Oakland to Downtown is to use Google Maps—the conference address is 805 Liberty Ave.  This trip takes about 25 minutes and the fare is $2.50 each way.  This must be paid in cash and no change is available on the busses or at the bus stop.  Schedules are not posted at the bus stops.

Car Rental – The Pittsburgh airport has several car rental counters.  The link below provides phone numbers for available providers.
Website

General transportation within the city

Busses and cabs are the only public transportation options in Pittsburgh.  There is a limited light rail system that goes throughout downtown and to select locations in the city, but it does not serve most major destinations.  More information can be found at http://www.portauthority.org/paac/default.aspx. The best option for finding bus schedules is Google Maps.  Bus fare is $2.50 each way.  This must be paid in cash and no change is available on the busses or at the bus stop.  Schedules are not posted at the bus stops. Attendees should note that unless you are leaving from the airport or a hotel, cabs in Pittsburgh must be scheduled in advance and cannot be hailed on the street.  Cab service is provided by Yellow Cab: 412-321-8100.

Parking

Parking is available at many lots throughout downtown Pittsburgh.  The most affordable are the Pittsburgh Parking Authority lots.  The two lots closest to the conference venue are at 9th St. at Penn Ave. and Liberty Ave. at Smithfield St.  Prices are $10-$14 for 24 hours on weekdays and $5 for 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday, Memorial Day, and after 4 pm on Friday.