The Priory is a lovely boutique hotel with the many extra “old style” touches eliminated by the cookie cutter hotel chains. Nicely Renovated in 2023. Priory is in North Side (Deutschtown), an historic, gentrifying, urban, multi-cultural, transitional neighborhood with residents of all income levels. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe, especially within the hotel property, and walking around in the daylight. Take pre-cautions, just like in any big city (see last paragraph). My room was Standard Queen #306 by the elevator, facing Pressley. As a Stash Rewards member, I received a free upgrade from a Twin, due to availability. What a treat! I stayed on a Thursday and Friday night in June.

IMPECCABLE HOUSEKEEPING, crisp cotton sheets, white fluffy towels and robe, clean room and bathroom. Consistent and comfortable air conditioning. Gilchrist & Soames bath products, glass drinking glasses and porcelain mugs for in-room coffee or tea. Extra electric socket strip on the bedside table. The room was not huge, but not cramped. The bathroom shower was small, maybe tight for a large person. Good water pressure. The windows are original, some single-paned, you may hear street noise. Attentive staff. Elevator.

Queen Room #306 – I could hear the freight trains that pass thru in the distance every several hours (1 AM, 6 AM). This can be loud, also some highway noise. I played a “white noise’’ app, slept well. If you are a light sleeper, Room #306 is not for you, the one window facing the highway does not have the double pane window protector.

DELIGHTFUL COURTYARD, especially in the summer. The adorable MONK BAR on the first floor has soup, snacks and drinks. The Grab & Go breakfast choices were a hot delicious ham and cheese croissant, muffin, yogurt, orange or apple juice, a piece of fresh fruit (apple), coffee and tea.

STAFF is PHENOMONAL, and helpful, with lots of advice, and knowledgeable about the neighborhood. Kudos to Nicole and Logan. They handled my many pre-arrival questions over the phone, and upon my arrival, and my free room upgrade. Connor and the two Michaels were helpful, too. Housekeeper Judy was lovely, and enjoyable to chat with about her many years at the hotel. The basement Gym smelled musty to me, and is small. The Business Center has a couple computers, a copy machine and a few printers. A microwave is by the meeting rooms and vending machines.

FREE PARKING - -Two lots. The smaller lot is kitty corner/across the street with about 15-20 spots. The Gated Lot is around the corner, runs parallel with Nash St. and across from the Event Center side entrance. Your hotel key card raises the gate to the parking lot. There is two-hour street parking.

FREE WEEKEND SHUTTLE VAN -- Friday and Saturday evenings from 4 P.M. to Midnight within a two-mile radius (i.e. Downtown Center, PNC Stadium, The Strip). Arrange with the front desk.

TAXI – From the Downtown William Penn Hotel cost, with tip, was $12. I took the 28X Airport Flyer city bus from the airport to Downtown ($2.75) during the day, and got a taxi at the William Penn taxi stand. (Z-trip is the city taxi app).

RESTAURANTS - Subba Asian (Nepali, Bhutan, Indian and Chinese) on East Ohio Street. Excellent, reasonable prices. Bistro To Go for weekday lunch. Max’s Allegheny Tavern open all day. Federal Galley Food Hall, near The Children’s Museum, is open all day. A handful of upscale, modern restaurants open only for dinner. All within a 5-15 minute walk. Lovely Gift Shop - Sweet Time on East Ohio – owner Barbara very knowledgeable about North Side. Farmers Market in the park on Friday 3 PM to 7 PM.-

WARHOL Museum -- 10-15 minute walk. You will walk on the Sandusky or Anderson Underpasses, pay attention, there is car traffic, and some “locals”.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD -- The Priory is an oasis in a gentrifying, urban neighborhood. Yes, you will encounter some people who are “down-on-their-luck”, especially around the bus stops, and Giant Eagle. I live in New York City, and very familiar with the current daily urban vibe. This is not a bustling area. It is quiet, few people on the street. NOT TOURISTY. I felt more like I was visiting, not just passing through.

During the daylight hours, I walked alone around the historic streets near The Priory, (Lockhart, Avery, East Ohio (the main retail area), with no issues. Just like in any city, I was alert, and securely carried my purse. I visited in the summer, longest days of the year, I could walk to East Ohio Street for an early dinner. I did not venture out after dark. Avoid the other end of Pressley Street, by the Giant Eagle and the Sunoco gas station. Instead, walk around the corner to Nash, turn on beautiful Lockhart Street with old rowhouses, to Cedar, then turn right to East Ohio - you will find several restaurants and delis. You can exit thru The Priory courtyard’s back exit to Lockhart Street. However, you must always enter the hotel thru the main hotel entrance. Across the street is a senior citizens hi-rise apartment building. Glass half full, or half empty? – All a matter of opinion. ----- The neighborhood made my trip more interesting with local flavor.