Renowned Charm

The Priory Hotel has been host to many of the world's most respected hospitality columnists, critics, and publications.

We are proud to share with you a few of the reports we have received and we're happy that our Inn is so well regarded. It allows us to continue enlightening visitors the world over about the many charms of Pittsburgh and this historic Inn.

"Monastic charm, modern elegance." – Zagat

"A Major League Road Trip," by Daniel Lee, Cincinnati Enquirer (March 30, 2008)

All the World's a Road Game, New York Times, April 1, 2007 Focusing on great ballparks as tourist destinations, author Fred Bierman points out The Priory's "Pirateball" package as a great way to experience PNC Park and the City of Pittsburgh without leaving the North Shore.
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Pittsburgh:  From high culture to pro sports (go Steelers!), there's plenty to enjoy in this comback city, Diversions Magazine, October 2006
Discussing places to stay in Pittsburgh, author Louise Colazzo notes that The Priory is a boutique property with antiques and a "lovely garden courtyard."
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"The Priory: An Elegant Oasis on the North Side," by William Loeffler -Cover Story, Focus Magazine, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 17, 2006
Author William Loeffler states: "The Priory achieves the deft trick of gathering visitors within its embrace without the smothering gentility of some bed and breakfasts. While the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, you don't feel as though you have to worry about wiping your feet."
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"Go From Street to Summit in Pittsburgh, PA"
National Geographic Adventure Magazine, September 2006
Describing Pittsburgh as a great "adventure" city for outdoorspeople, this article listed The Priory as the only recommended lodging.
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"Cityscape: Pittsburgh," by Mary Mihaly
Midwest Airlines Magazine, May-June 2006
Recommending lodging in Pittsburgh, the author describes The Priory as "an elegant, 24-room European-style boutique hotel with a certain monastic charm."

"Prelude: Boutique Hotel -- The Priory," by Tony Ware
Go Magazine, February 2006
Travel writer Tony Ware profiled The Priory for the in-flight magazine of AirTran Airways. Referencing The Priory's earlier use as a monastery, Mr. Ware states that "The Priory's modern incarnation is one of attentive personal service, which the family run and lovingly restored Italianate boutique hotel has been offering since 1986. The Priory offers the charm of Victorian period and reproduction furnishings, including intimate yet airy rooms of hardwoods and lace trimmings, with the convenience of a USA Today at your door, a fitness room and Wi-Fi coursing through the air (hardwired Ethernet is also available for business travelers)."
AirTran Airways Article

"Beer Reverent," by Saimi Rote Bergmann
Feast Magazine, Summer 2005
In this Cleveland magazine for food and beverage connoisseurs, the author looks at two Pittsburgh nightspots which have been transformed from churches into popular restaurants, and suggests The Priory as a place to stay for out of town visitors to those spots. The author, noting the breakfast served in the "stunning" dining room, suggests the Priory's "Discover the Strip" package as a good way to become acquainted with Pittsburgh. "The [Priory] is so comfortably furnished with American and British antiques that you have to search a bit for evidence of its austere origins."
www.feastmagazine.net

"Shaking Off Its Dust and Dirt: Pittsburgh Drops Its Old-Town Image With Hip Districts, Classy Restorations" by Necee Regis
Boston Globe, June 26, 2002
Reviewing the plethora of sights on Pittsburgh's North Shore/North Side, the author states that "[The Priory] has the feel of a European hotel, with meandering corridors, high ceilings, polished wood, and unique Vicotrian furniture in each room. In the courtyard garden, under the trees, you can almost hear the monks singing next door in St. Mary's German Catholic Church, now an ornate function hall; you might find it hard to imagine being only a half mile from downtown." This article can be found here.

“Pittsburgh, Columbus turn historic buildings into upscale hotels,” by Susan Glaser
Cleveland Plain Dealer (May 29, 2005)
The Priory was featured in this article appearing on the front page of the Travel section of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper. Assistant Travel Editor Susan Glaser raved: “The high tech additions notwithstanding, the look and feel of the Priory is distinctly historic. Rooms are filled with 19th and 20th century antiques and period reproductions. Fourteen foot high ceilings and natural woodwork are elegant features missing from more contemporary architecture.”
www.cleveland.com

"Home Delivery" Television Program, Universal Vivendi Television
October 11, 2004
Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at The Priory and The Priory Hotel were featured in an episode of the nationally syndicated television program "Home Delivery." In this episode, the Grand Hall and The Priory played host to a long-delayed wedding and an emotional reunion of an estranged mother and daughter.
www.homedeliverytv.com

"The Priory, Pittsburgh" by Stephen Beaumont
(Toronto, Canada) Globe and Mail, September 25, 2004
Noted travel and food writer Stephen Beaumont was impressed with The Priory's "home away from home" style and historic ambiance. As Beaumont noted in his article in the Globe and Mail of Toronto, Canada, "Despite being located a bridge away from downtown Pittsburgh, the Priory presents a non-urban image, reminiscent more of a British country home than a hotel on the edge of a city in the midst of resuscitation." Beaumont also writes: "Although it fronts rather modestly on an unassuming street, the Priory is unexpectedly large inside, and since it offers just 24 rooms, including three suites, each one is spacious and airy."
www.theglobeandmail.com

"Steel Yourself for Excitement: Pittsburgh Sheds Its Blast-Furnace Image, and Acquires a Reputation for Fun" by Amy S. Eckert
Long Weekends magazine, Fall/Winter 2004
The Priory is one of two hotels cited by this article emphasizing family getaways. The author cited The Priory as providing "elegant . . . accommodations in East Allegheny," having been "restored to 19th century charm and updated with 21st century amenities."
www.long-weekends.com

"What's Doing in Pittsburgh" by Annasue McCleave Wilson
New York Times, May 30, 2004
The Priory was one of five hotels recommended in this article by New York Times travel writer Annasue McCleave Wilson. Wilson , noting The Priory's history as a monastery, was impressed with the hotel's "quiet, leafy courtyard."
www.nytimes.com

"Pittsburgh: North Shore Offers Wealth of Weekend Fun" by Saimi Rote Bergmann, Canton (OH) Repository, October 12, 2003
"If you're weary of sterile, cookie-cutter hotel rooms, you'll enjoy the accommodations at The Priory. . . ." The only hotel mentioned in this exploration of the North Shore's many sights and attractions, The Priory was described as a "maze of corridors, decorated with Victorian-era antiques and reproductions."

“Around the World in 88 Neighborhoods” by Randy Garbin
Roadside Magazine #31
In his editorial for Roadside Magazine, Randy Garbin describes the welcome he received while staying at The Priory: “Historic, well-located, and excellently appointed…its gentility and comfort compared well against hotels at twice the price.” He was extremely pleased with his visit, preferring the hotel’s unique charm to larger chains: “Each room at the Priory offers a respite from the cookie-cutter quarters of major hotels, sporting most of the amenities of a good business-class hotel plus the Victorian appointments desired for a romantic weekend.” www.roadage.com

“The 12 Stays of Christmas: Urbanites Don’t Have Far to Go to Get Away From it All” by Cristina Rouvalis
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 7, 2003
The holiday spirit at The Priory appealed to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Cristina Rouvalis, who depicted the “monastic charm [that] permeates the 24 guest rooms and main parlors” in this article highlighting local inns surrounding Pittsburgh. “Even if you don’t meditate inside this 1888 North Side building as its former inhabitants once did,” she writes, “it’s a good place to slow down and peer at the skyline from the sitting room with pressed tin ceilings and huge windows.”
www.post-gazette.com

“Priory’s Priority” by Hilary Bernstein
The Medina, Ohio Gazette, September 6, 2003
“The Priory was unlike any hotel I had stayed in before,” Hilary Bernstein professes in this article from Medina, Ohio’s Gazette. In an attempt to get away from the stresses of work and everyday life, Ms. Bernstein found The Priory and “discovered you don’t have to sightsee and make a million plans to have a wonderful time.” She praises the hotel’s continental breakfast and evening wine reception, and enjoyed the escape: “Once you closed the front door, the 24-room hotel was a welcome retreat from the city surroundings.” The Gazette can be accessed at:
www.medina-gazette.com.

“Pittsburgh: The Three Rivers City” by Martin Hollander
Newsday, June 22, 2003
The Priory was included in an article highlighting Pittsburgh in the June 22, 2003 edition of Long Island, New York’s Newsday. Staff writer Martin Hollander describes the elegant atmosphere of his stay: “Except for the necessary concessions to the 20th century, it could still be 1888 in The Priory. A skeleton key opened our door, the curtains were lace and the lampshades fringed.” Full text of this article can be found at: www.newsday.com.

“For a Smog-free, Culture-filled Holiday, Pittsburgh’s a Steal” by Audra D.S. Burch
Miami Herald, April 20, 2003
The Priory is mentioned in this article highlighting Pittsburgh: “Charming bed-and-breakfast where Benedictine monks used to stay.” Articles in The Herald can be found at: www.herald.com.

“Pittsburgh – A City for All Seasons” by Joanne Michaels
Times Herald-Record, March 23, 2003
During a visit to Pittsburgh, author Joanne Michaels experienced all of the sights and culture that Pittsburgh has to offer, capping her stay at The Priory, her “favorite place to stay in Pittsburgh.” She enjoyed the “old-fashioned charm with all the modern amenities,” as well as the uniqueness of each guest room. She goes on to describe her peaceful morning: “On a beautiful summer morning, my friend and I enjoyed a superb continental breakfast in the garden courtyard, flocks of birds flying overhead, surrounded by beautiful paintings, a far cry from the sterile dining areas of many city hotels.” The Heral-Record article can be found at: www.recordonline.com

“The Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast” by Maria Guzzo
Pittsburgh Business Times, January 10, 2003
After taking over the operations from his parents, The Priory owner John Graf was chosen as one of the “People to Watch” in the Pittsburgh Business Times. Running a hotel is quite a departure from his previous career as a lawyer, but in Mr. Graf’s words, “This was just a lot more fun.” The article focuses on Mr. Graf’s transition from law to hospitality, as well as his plans to increase the draw of the hotel for business travelers.

“The Priory in Pittsburgh Thrives as Inn” by Wendy Williams
Boston Herald, October 8, 2000
“Saving great buildings is essential to the vitality of any metropolis.” The Priory and Grand Hall are fine examples of this, as Wendy Williams shows in this article from the Boston Herald. After describing how the Grafs saved these buildings from destruction, Ms. Williams praises a stay at The Priory, its “quiet respite from the big-city life of downtown Pittsburgh,” and convenient location. To access this entire article, go to www.bostonherald.com.

“Hi-tech Renewal for America’s Steel City” by Jeff Mills
Sunday Business, U.K., March 19, 2000
The U.K.’s Sunday Business suggests trying The Priory “for somewhere a bit different.” During a visit to Pittsburgh, travel editor Jeff Mills writes that the Priory has “loads of charm – even though you may wake up one morning and think you have strayed by accident into a smart bed-and-breakfast guest house in an English seaside resort.” He also praises the hotel’s location, “within easy walking distance of the main commercial areas.”

“Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern PA: Where to Stay” - The Discerning Traveler, July/August 1999
“The hallways are decorated with the original framed architectural drawings… The rooms have the original tin ceilings and brass hinges on many of the doors. Some have antique period armoires and bureaus.” The Priory’s history and style stands out in this guide to staying in Pittsburgh, making it attractive to business travelers and tourists alike: “After a day of touring or business it is pleasant to relax in the courtyard or in the sitting room which has a wood-burning fireplace and is furnished with Victorian pieces with a complimentary glass of wine.” For more information, visit www.discerningtraveler.com.

“Pittsburgh, Long Smokeless, Brightly Beckons Visitors” by Bill Dedman - The New York Times, May 2, 1999
The New York Times chooses The Priory as one of the best places to stay in Pittsburgh, declaring it “an inviting stopover on the North Side,” and commends the rooms’ “butterscotch walls, antique and reproduction beds, vintage lamps and armoires and fireplace mantels.” This article is available at The New York Times website, www.nytimes.com.

“Victorian Elegance in Pittsburgh” by Adele U. Koehnen
Dayton Daily News, April 11, 1999
The Priory is described as “a bed and breakfast with a difference,” offering visitors “comfort amid elegant furnishings.” Writer Adele U. Koehnen enjoyed the breakfast buffet “served in a dining room punctuated with dark mahogany woodwork,” and “set with crystal pitchers of juice, cut-glass bowls of cereals, baskets of Danish pastries and warm fresh breads, and endless urns of coffees and teas.” She also reminds readers that the dining room and courtyard are perfect for business meetings and private parties. This entire article is available at www.daytondailynews.com.

“Pop Heart” by Christine H. O’Toole
The Washington Post, March 17, 1999
The Priory is mentioned in this article from the Washington Post highlighting Pittsburgh’s sights: “a former monastery that is a spacious, quiet and properly eclectic refuge for many visitors to the Warhol (which is five blocks away).” The Washington Post can be accessed at www.washingtonpost.com.

Our History

Read more about the history of The Priory Hotel.

Photo Gallery

View our gallery to see each of the rooms in the Hotel.