Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on August 29, 2024.
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As avid travelers, we’ve done our fair share of overnight stays in hostels and boutique hotels- from $3 hole-in-the-walls in central China to high-end lodge-esque accommodations dedicated to hikers in Patagonia. Whenever we need to travel economically, we look toward shared dorms and private rooms in order to meet our travel goals.
One thing that always bothered me about the Pittsburgh hotel scene is that our budget and boutique hotel offerings are much more limited compared to higher-priced chains.
Traveler’s Rest is one boutique hotel that opened up in South Side near Station Square and it certainly fills a need!
I was invited to the hotel for an overnight stay and wanted to share a bit more about this hidden gem in the South Side.
Note: I was a guest of Traveler’s Rest Hotel for this review and have since returned for a tour after the property was upgraded to take updated photos and see the changes first-hand. As always, all opinions are my own.
Traveler’s Rest is a Comfortable Boutique Hotel
At its core, Traveler’s Rest ticks a lot of boxes for us.
First, there is the location. This section of South Side is undergoing rapid changes with the industrial businesses moving out and commercial spots moving in, such as the restaurant and brewery complex, The Highline, just a few blocks away featuring one of the best views of the city you’ll find outside of Mount Washington.
Couple that with an easy walk to downtown on foot (25-30 minutes to Market Square), the nearby Monongahela Incline, bike access on the Great Allegheny Passage, and a short drive to the nearby universities, and you have the makings of an interesting spot for a hotel.
Second, there are the rooms. Traveler’s Rest has an array of private room options ranging from a two-bedroom with ensuite bathroom that sleeps six, to private rooms with queen beds, options with two full beds, and even a room with four twin beds to name a few- giving options for all traveler types from couples to families or even a group of friends biking on the GAP!
Apart from the two-bedroom suite, most of the hotel rooms here have private, albeit detached, bathrooms which are accessed via pin-pad locks with unique codes tied to your room- ensuring privacy along with your comfort. As such, during my stay I had a quiet and enjoyable night with wonderful amenities, and it wasn’t until about 7 am that I started to hear only a little bit of noise from the nearby industrial businesses.
Going beyond the comforts of Traveler’s Rest, each room of the property has fun art showing off Pittsburgh and the building’s heritage almost everywhere you look. This expands to the common areas as well, with historic photos of the neighborhood and the building’s original business being present. Be sure to talk to the owners to get more on the history of the building and area!
- Looking for a more hostel-like experience for a reduced price? Traveler’s Rest also has one room, called The Bunker, which features a bunk bed and an optional rolling bed (accommodating up to three) and is priced per person. While this room is also private, the main difference is that the bathroom facilities are shared with the common area as opposed to having your own private detached bath. A great option to save a bit of money if you’re flexible!
Then there are the amenities. Traveler’s Rest has a decently sized kitchen on-site, ample coffee from local roaster La Prima, a rather large common area nearby to relax and meet fellow guests, plus many amenities unique to bikers including storage and repair kits that are perfect for those hitting the trails. If you are biking the GAP, there really is no place more bike-friendly than Traveler’s Rest!
But above all else, what really sets Traveler’s Rest apart from the rest are the owners– Pittsburgh natives turned travelers who stayed in many uniquely designed around the world and saw a need for a similar spot in their own city (with all the best aspects of their favorite places).
I spent most of my visit hanging out with them in the common area, talking Pittsburgh, sharing stories from the road, and it felt like I was back in a fun hostel in a city halfway around the world talking to travelers I had just met about our likes, dislikes, and cool things to do in the area.
It just so happened I was only a few blocks away from the heart of Pittsburgh the entire time.
When it comes down to it, Pittsburgh sorely needs more boutique hotels, and Traveler’s Rest is filling that niche nicely. The rooms here make for quite cost-effective accommodations for small-group travelers and gives many Pittsburgh Airbnbs a run for their money for ambiance, location, and overall experience.
So if you are looking for something just a bit different from chain hotels while still being located in the heart of the city, check out Traveler’s Rest!
Traveler’s Rest is located at 27 S 6th Street in South Side. The hotel does not have on-site parking, but street parking was available for free. For those visiting with a car, we recommend reconfirming prior to your visit to avoid potentially having to pay at The Highline or Station Square. We were hosted by Traveler’s Rest and, as always, all opinions are my own.
Looking for things to do in Pittsburgh once you get here? Click the previous link to get some ideas!
