Priory Hospitality Group : The Priory Hotel Pittsburgh's Grand Hall Priory Fine Pastries

Shout Out from the Wall Street Journal!

2013-06-17T13:37:00.000-04:00

In a Wall Street Journal article from June 1, 2013 entitled "Journal Concierge: An Insider's Guide to Pittsburgh," which reviews the hep and happening in the city, he author interviewed four prominent Pittsburghers regarding their favorite places in the region. The Priory Hotel was singled out by Andy Warhol Museum Executive Director Eric Shiner as his favorite place for a "sound sleep." Said Mr. Shiner: "It's a unique property, a renovated monastery, with events held in a former church." We are delighted with the shout out and pleased that the Journal's picture diary includes some shots of our property. You can find a link to the article here.

Return of the Fountain!!

2013-06-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

The fountain at Point State Park, a Pittsburgh landmark since the mid-1970's, has finally completed its makeover. After three years of work, the fountain, which sprays water 40 feet in the air, has been re-started. The fountain was refurbished as part of an overall makeover of Point State Park. It's great to have this welcome symbol of Pittsburgh's renaissance back in operation.

Here is a link to a Post-Gazette story about the re-opening of the fountain.

A Taste of Summer! Our June Wine Tasting in the Courtyard

2013-06-11T12:38:00.000-04:00

Our June courtyard wine tasting features wine host Joe Barsotti of Barsotti Wines. He's presenting some wines that are excellent for drinking in the summer, wines that emphasize lightness of body and color as well as more fruit. These are wines which are great for pairing with food from your grill or just drinking by themselves on your deck as you watch the sunset. We'll be tasting:

* Thomas Goss Riesling - Australia

* Domaine La Pive Rose Gris - France

* Seraphim Pinot Noir -- Argentina

* Asunto Carmenere - Chile

As always, we offer entertainment, this time with guitarist and troubadour Ross Jennings. Our chefs Mike Henney and Pete Phillipy are also cooking up some creative and hearty hors d'oeuvres to pair with the wines.

Tickets are $55 per person. Please contact Gene Lucente at (412) 224-6302 or at gene@thepriory.com if you'd like to make a reservation.

Phenom Gerrit Cole to Pitch Tuesday

2013-06-09T09:49:00.003-04:00

The Pirates first round draft pick in 2011, Gerrit Cole, will make his major league debut for the Pirates on Tuesday, June 11. Cole pitched well in Spring Training, and has a sub-3.00 ERA in AAA ball this year. The Pirates starting rotation is a little thin due to injuries. Cole, in a nice bit of dramatic flair, will be squaring off against former Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants. If you're coming to town for any reason, Tuesday's game would be a good bet for a memorable experience.

Here's a Post-Gazette story on the much anticipated call up.

Art in Abundance

2013-06-07T15:09:00.000-04:00

The annual Three Rivers Arts Festival launches today and continues until next week. The festival features a wide variety of visual arts, film, music and food. Centered in Point State Park, the Arts Festival's musical line-up kicks off this evening with neo folk rockers Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. It's well worth a visit if you're in Pittsburgh through next Sunday!

Domodimonti Winery Wine Tasting - May 16

2013-04-24T08:44:00.000-04:00

A successful businessman and PhD in Organic Chemistry,
Dr. Francesco Bellini returned to his native Marches region of Italy, on the Adriatic coast, to found Domodimonti Natural Wines.

Dr. Bellini is committed to making wines in as natural a fashion as possible, through sustainable agriculture, natural treatment of the vines, and a physical space designed to have as little impact as possible on the surrounding countryside.

Wines featured at this event include Domodimonti Winery's: Passerina 2011, Pecorino 2011, Sangiovese 2010 and Picens 2008

Chefs Mike Henney and Pete Phillipy have put together a special menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres to complement these fantastic wines. Entertainment will be provided by guitarist and troubadour
Vince Lucente. And weather permitting, we'll be outside in the Priory's garden courtyard. Make your reservation now, as space is limited! Tickets are $55.

To purchase, email Gene Lucente or call 412.224.6302.

Also, keep in mind our elegant Wine Tastings Overnight Package - includes two tickets to the Wine Tasting and a stay in one of our fabulous guest rooms!

Queen Room: $209 per night (plus tax)

King Room: $229 per night (plus tax)

On the Adriatic Coast for our May Al Fresco Wine Tasting!

2013-04-23T10:02:00.002-04:00

Join us for the latest in our Al Fresco Wine Tasting Series in our Priory Hotel courtyard. Our May event features the wines of the Domodimonti Winery of the Marches region of Italy, on the Adriatic coast. Our wine hosts are Marco Scapagnini of Domodimonti Winery and Nick Biondi of Majestic Wines & Spirits.

The story of the Domodimonti Winery is a fascinating one. A successful businessman and Ph.D in organic chemistry, Dr. Francisco Bellini returned from Canada to his native Marches region of Italy in the 1990's to found Domodimonti Natural Wines. Dr. Bellini is committed to making wines in as natural a fashion as possible, through sustainable agriculture, natural treatment of the vines, and a physical space which is designed to have as little impact as possible on the surrounding countryside.

We'll be tasting the Domodimonti Passerina (2011), Pecorino (2011), Sangiovese (2010), and Picens (2008).

As always, our Executive Chefs Pete Phillipy and Mike Henney will provide heavy hors d'oeuvres paired with each wine. Entertainment is by the incomparable Vince Lucente.

The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $55.00. Please contact the Priory's Gene Lucente if you would like to make a reservation at gene@thepriory.com.

PNC Park's No. 1!

2013-04-19T16:01:00.002-04:00

PNC Park, located just a 7 minute walk from the Priory, was named America's best ballpark by the contributors to Tripadvisor.com. Kudos to PNC Park, the Pirates and their staffs for creating a great baseball experience here on the North Side of Pittsburgh! PNC Park finished ahead of such classic venues as Fenway Park in Boston an d Wrigley Field in Chicago, as well as newcomers like AT & T Park in San Francisco. See TripAdvisor's Top Ten here.

"Journey to the Balkans" Wine Tasting - April 18

2013-03-26T11:26:00.000-04:00

Please join us for our April 18th Wine Tasting as we take a "Journey to the Balkans!" The Balkans -- nations on the Balkan Peninsula, which is bounded by the Aegean and Adriatic Seas, are a land of proud peoples and profound historical significance in world history. It's also a land of temperate climates and some unbelievable wines.

Our wine host is Milko Mladinov of Winebow, a native of Bulgaria, the nation to the easternmost side of the peninsula. The wines he is featuring are from nations born of the former Yugoslavia - two from the Republic of Macedonia and two from the Republic of Serbia.

The featured varietals are native to these lands - for instance, we'll be tasking a Vranec instead of a Macedonian Chardonnay. Milko will weave his native's knowledge of the region with a discussion of each of these wines and how they compare to the wines and varietals you're familiar with.

Stobi Winery Zhilavka
100% Zhilavka -- an indigenous Macedonian varietal. It's usually used as a blending varietal to add aromatics, but Stobi decided to create a pure expression of this native grape. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged 12 months before bottling. Lemon yellow in color, a fresh and complex aromatic profile shows lively notes of citrus fruits and wildflowers, the palate the wine is soft and crisp with a pleasant minerality.

Stobi Winery Vranec
Dark ruby in color, with accentuated aroma of grapes which later is intertwined with discreet aroma of cherry and sour cherry. This Vranec, another native Macedonian grape, creates a red wine which is robust, full, and concentrated, and which is rich with soft and pleasant tannins. And a bonus: according to Stobi, its Vranec helps reduce fat, triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood!

Budimir Winery Tamjanika Zupska
Tamjanika is an indigenous Serbian white grape varietal. "Zupska" means "belonging to Zupa region," considered to be the home of the Tamijanika grape, which produces a wine with modern and exotic style. Tamijanika is the Serbian version of a grape the Muscat family. It's straw in color, and the nose has subtle hints of white peach and tropical fruit. It's crisp, fresh, smooth, light and easy to drink.

Budimir Winery Triada Red
The Triada Red features Prokupac, is a red wine grape variety indigenous to Serbia. Though it's most commonly used to produce rosé wines and in blends, an increasing number of producers, like Budimir, are experimenting with single-varietal red wines.

Chefs Mike Henney and Pete Phillipy have put together a special menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres to complement these fantastic wines, and the event will feature authentic music of the Balkans. And, weather permitting, we'll be outside in the Priory's garden courtyard. Make your reservation now, as space is limited! Tickets are $55. To purchase, email Gene Lucente or call 412.224.6302.

Also, keep in mind our elegant Wine Tastings Overnight Package - includes two tickets to the Wine Tasting and a stay in one of our fabulous guest rooms! We hope to see you here!

Queen Room: $209 per night (plus tax)
King Room: $229 per night (plus tax)

2013-02-19T09:35:00.002-05:00

Get rid of winter blah's with the Hip Strip Tour, coming this Sunday February 25. This trolley tour starts and ends at our Priory Hotel, and takes you through Pittsburgh's eclectic Strip District, with stops at, among other places, the R Wine Cellar, an urban winery making wines from Pennsylvania grapes. The tour starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Priory, with a tour of our facility and a taste of some of our Priory Fine Pastries baked goods. It returns to the Priory at 3:00 p.m. with a visit to our cozy Monks' Bar.

The fantastic folks at Neighbors in the Strip and at Collage boutique are the organizers of this fantastic tour. Tickets are $35, and may be purchased by calling Collage at 412 201-4291.

For more information, click here.

2013 Hotel Trends

2013-02-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

As listed as one of the trends in the article "Travel Players Predict 2013 Trends, Concerns" featured on HotelNewsNow.com is consumers looking for an experience. They want an experience that is different than the typical hotel stay. Consumers are looking for an experience that will differentiate their trip from all the others they have taken and all the trips they hear about-something that will make that stay stand out.

With this being said, that's why we find it so important to offer a unique experience here at the Priory. We truly listen to our customers and their wants and needs. Just like they don't want their stay to be like the typical hotel stay we don't want their time here to be just like it would be at any other hotel. Stay with us one time and we can assure you that your trip will earn the title of an experience rather than just "another overnight stay".

The Book of Mormon

2013-01-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

What's being applauded as one of the best musicals of the last 25 years is making its way to Pittsburgh at the Benedum Center in March. The Book of Mormon is known for its hysterical humor, some of it not being family friendly, but what else can you expect from the creators of South Park? This show has won 9 Tony Awards, one of which was Best Musical! This show is sure to be a sellout so make sure to get your tickets. We know we won't be letting this go through Pittsburgh without us seeing it!

The Sun and The Sand and A Drink In My Hand

2013-01-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, so we can't help with the sun or the sand but we can help you find a place to get a drink in your hand. Just because you aren't in the Islands vacationing doesn't mean you can't take a mini vacation to them, even if it is just for dinner. January is typically the time our minds start daydreaming about the sun, sand, and surf. Unfortunately, we can't always take a vacation but there is somewhere in Pittsburgh that will give you that little taste of the Islands without the airfare, Kaya in the Strip. Kaya is known for their Island cuisine inspired by the Caribbean Islands, South America, and the Pacific. The food and atmosphere is so exotic and fun that you'll forget you're in Pittsburgh in January. Take a break this week from the chilly weather and get a little taste of the Island spirit!

Ohio River Cruise on the American Queen

2013-01-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

We were thrilled to have been included in this trip along the Ohio River! We enjoyed having you!

"We checked out the riverfront with a Just Ducky amphibious tour, then had lunch at the Habitat Restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel. As part of the Green City movement, the restaurant grows their own herbs, buys foods from local farms, and mostly organic. We stayed at the Priory Hotel, a unique 24-room hotel built in 1888 as a monastery for Benedictine Priests and Brothers. Next door is the Grand Hall, built in 1852 as a church for German and Swiss settlers in the area. Scheduled for demolition to make way for a highway, a community group forced relocation of the highway and saved them."-Shirley Linde

To read the rest of the story click here.

Let the Madness Begin

2013-01-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh received some very exciting news back in November...the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee selected Pittsburgh to host the Second and Third Round of the 2015 Men's Basketball Championship. The Consol Energy Center will be the venue where the event is hosted. It seems like only a natural fit that Pittsburgh would be chosen for this because anyone who is from Pittsburgh or has visited Pittsburgh can vouch that Pittsburgh loves its sports! This event draws a huge crowd from a variety of places which we are very excited to host. We all known Pittsburgh isn't the most pleasant place to be in March but this will definitely make it a lot better! With that being said, let the Madness begin!

Valentine's Day

2013-01-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

So this is the year you really want to knock you significant other's socks off, right? Maybe a little more planning instead of the day of "Oh shoot, today's Valentine's Day? I hope the drugstore still has some roses and chocolates." We know Valentine's Day is over a month away but maybe if we put the bug in your ear now the last minute panic will be avoided. We wouldn't just tell you to up your Valentine's Day game without any suggestions of how to do that would we? No, no we wouldn't--that's why we have just the thing. Our Romance, Romance, Romance package will definitely help you make this Valentine's Day one for the books. All you have to do is book the reservation and let us handle the rest. In your room upon check in you'll have thought Cupid was there. There will be a bottle of chilled champagne, a snack plate with chocolates, fresh fruit, divine pastries from The Priory's Fine Pastries, and a dozen roses. Enjoy breakfast brought to your room the next morning. Sounds like a pretty romantic evening if we do say so ourselves.

2012-12-20T10:31:00.000-05:00

Anyone who is a Pittsburgh native or has visited Pittsburgh knows that winters here can be rough! Pittsburgh's never been known for its stellar weather and that reputation holds true especially in the winter. Just because it may be chilly outside doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up in your house. If you have kids we can sympathize that staying inside all cooped up is one of the best ways to get a headache-just kidding...well kind of, ha-ha!. We forget when the weather is nice how many great museums Pittsburgh has to offer but there is no better time to rediscover them than on a cold winter day when you just need to get out of the house. Take the kids to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh! There is always cool exhibits bound to keep the kids entertained for hours. During the whole month of December they are having "Let it Glow!" events and activities are celebrating everything that glitters and glows. Hey, it's not just a fun day for the kids though. The Children's Museum can be really fun for adults too! Check out their website to see what neat events they are having and plan you visit today. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to stay in-get out there and explore what Pittsburgh has to offer!

Delilah at the Grand Hall!

2012-12-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

If you have ever listened to FM radio chances are you have probably heard the voice of the Delilah coming through your speakers at least once. We got the chance to host an event for Renda Broadcasting which brought Delilah to Pittsburgh's Northside back in November. Delilah appears locally on WLTJ Radio, 92.9FM. It was great to meet Delilah and host this event for Renda Broadcasting!

Featured above is now-retired Grand Hall at the Priory General Manager,Walter Czapliewicz ,with Delilah.

Watch Out Santa There's a New Gift Giver In Town

2012-12-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

There's been a trend in gift giving that is going away from the typical material gift towards experience gifts. We know that not all trends are good (remember acid washed jeans anyone?) but we have a good feeling about this one! We know what it's like to not be able to find the perfect gift so you settle for something. Why not up your gift giving game this year and give an experience? We have a multitude of packages that will fit anyone's tastes and give them a memory to last a lifetime. Treat your wife or mom to the "Take Yourself Away Spa Package" at the Renaissance Spa. Who wouldn't want that? For that person who likes to try their luck we have a Rivers Casino package and that's just to name a few of the packages we offer. Maybe a theme package isn't for you and you just want a night to get away and relax and we can help with that too. Check us out or give us a call and see how we can help you have a gift giving game that even Santa would be envious of.

Peoples Gas Holiday Market 2012

2012-12-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

We know Christmas shopping can be stressful at times so why not do some Christmas shopping you'll actually enjoy? Sounds too good to be true right? A place where you don't have to mess with any of those crazy crowds at the mall. So where is this wonderful place you're probably wondering? It's right Downtown! Currently Peoples Gas is running their Holiday Market through December 23rd. You will be able to find unique gifts that will totally beat the tie you get dad every year. (Hey, we can relate. We've been at fault for giving the annual tie too.) Market Square is decorated for Christmas so well you'll wonder if you missed your turn and ended up at the North Pole and not Downtown. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a night of actually bearable Christmas shopping. There are regional, national, and international vendors so you'll be sure to find a something to please even the choosiest of people. There are also performers from the cultural showcase to give you a little entertainment during your shopping and your credit card a little break. Admission is free so why not avoid the mall this year and give a gift that is sure to be remembered.

Play Ball for Kids Appreciation Dinner

2012-12-07T13:16:00.000-05:00

On November 29th we hosted the Play Ball for Kids fundraiser for the Urban Impact Foundation at the Grand Hall. The Urban Impact Foundation is an exceptional nonprofit dedicated to helping the inner city youth of Pittsburgh's Northside reach their full potential. The night was a huge success with former Pittsburgh Steeler, Jeff Hartings ,and current Pittsburgh Steelers Larry Foote, Ramon Foster, Ryan Mundy, and Maurkice Pouncey in attendance. We were thrilled we were able to take part in a night supporting such a worthy cause!

It's Hard to Believe that It's Been 25 Years!

2012-12-03T09:37:00.000-05:00

Last Monday, November 26th, we had a party to remember to celebrate our Silver Anniversary! They say time flies when you're having fun which must be true because we can't believe it's already been 25 years! The Priory Hotel and Grand Hall at the Priory has been the venue for countless parties so it was time to have one of our own. Since 1987 over 215,000 people have chosen The Priory Hotel as the place to rest their heads. We've had the privilege of being part of over 650 weddings receptions and countless other memories. The party was a great night celebrating our history and transition into our next chapter! We are thrilled to have been part of Pittsburgh's Northside for the past 25 years and hope to be a part for many years to come! Just because the party is over doesn't mean we are done celebrating. Stop in sometime to check us out and celebrate with us!

Experience a Little Christmas Cheer Without Breaking the Bank

2012-11-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

We love Pittsburgh during the holiday season and we want everyone to experience some Pittsburgh holiday cheer. The best part of what we want to share is these events and activities are either free or inexpensive so you still will have money for all that Christmas shopping. Make sure to check out the Pittsburgh Creche on the US Steel Plaza. Aside from just looking at its wonderful display there are free concerts and performances select days and times so make sure to check it out. Another awesome free event is the Spirits of Giving from Around the World at the PPG Wintergarden. Bring the kids to see a display of life-size Santas and paintings. If you're looking for something a little more active there is always the skating at The Rink at PPG Place. This event is inexpensive and they also run family specials on Tuesday nights and student specials on Wednesday nights. Get out there and experience Pittsburgh during this magical season and still have some money left in your wallet!

Walking In a Winter Wonderland...Pittsburgh!

2012-11-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

Take a break from life to really stop and enjoy the holiday season and we have a suggestion of how you can do just that, our Winter Wonderland package! First grab some dinner at the delicious Six Penn Kitchen. After dinner partake in some ice skating at the Rink at PPG Place. If ice skating isn't really your forte (hey, we don't blame you it isn't ours either) just enjoy the holiday atmosphere and check out the beautiful lights. When you can't take any more of the cold come back and we'll warm you up with some hot cocoa and cookies waiting for you in your room from Priory Fine Pasties. Sounds like a great holiday plan, right?

The Age Old Combination of Football & Thanksgiving

2012-11-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

This is the season we are reminded how thankful we are for all we have and one thing we here in Pittsburgh are always thankful for is our Pittsburgh Steelers! It's rare to find an NFL team so committed to their city with such a winning record. The Heinz History Center is running an exhibit from November 23rd-November 29th, 2012 where you can show your Steeler pride and get your picture alongside all six Steelers' Super Bowl trophies. The Steelers have the most Super Bowl titles of any NFL team and have won more AFC Championship Games than another other professional football team. If that's not something Steeler Nation isn't proud of we don't know what is! Make sure to check out this cool exhibit while it's here.