Tops in Tripadvisor . . . Again!

We are pleased and proud that  Tripadvisor, the noted travel and tourism website, bestowed on the Priory Hotel it's coveted "Certificate of Excellence" for 2013 in early June.  It was the Priory's third year in a row receiving the award, which is based upon unbiased ratings of travelers who have stayed at the hotel.  The Priory's 4.5 star rating out of five stars places it among the top 5% of all hotels rated by Tripadvisor nationwide. 

Here is a link to Tripadvisor's Press Release, and here is a link to the Priory Hotel's Tripadvisor page.  

We are truly pleased and gratified by this award, and we are grateful to our guests who have taken the time to fill out Tripadvisor reviews over the years.  Thank you!  

Giant Rubber Ducky Coming!

Duck!  Seriously, duck.  A huge rubber duck, that is.  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is kicking off its third International Festival of Firsts with an appearance of the massive Florentijn Hofman sculpture the Rubber Duck.  The duck will appear to kick off the festival, which draws artists and performers from around the world to debut new work.  The festival starts on September 27 and runs until October 26.

The duck, which is 35 feet long and 30 feet wide, will make its Pittsburgh appearance on September 27, when it will launch from the West End Bridge and travel up the Allegheny River.

For a Post-Gazette story on the duck's appearance, click here.

Shout Out from the Wall Street Journal!

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!!

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

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

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

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!