The William Penn: Pittsburgh's Presidential Showplace

Pittsburgh is so close to Washington by Air Force One that presidents rarely stay the night. When they do, one hotel has long been the choice.

Omni William Penn Hotel

The William Penn opened on March 11, 1916, and over the decades also operated as the Penn-Sheraton and the Westin William Penn before becoming an Omni in 2001. It was the last building venture of the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, who intended it to rival the great hotels of Europe. Theodore Roosevelt spoke here in 1917, the first of many presidents to address audiences in its ballrooms.

President John F. Kennedy spent a night at the hotel while in office, staying in its presidential suite. In September 2009, when President Barack Obama hosted the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, he made the William Penn his base, returning to the hotel between summit sessions for meetings.

Today the hotel is a AAA Four Diamond landmark. Its grand lobby glitters with crystal chandeliers, archways, and marble floors; the Palm Court serves afternoon tea; and a hidden speakeasy waits below the lobby.

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About this guide: Presidential connections are drawn from public sources, including official White House schedules, presidential and historical archives, and reputable news outlets, as well as the hotels' own published histories. Hotel names, ownership, and amenities may have changed since publication. This information is provided for general interest, is not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. Hotelaholic is not affiliated with or endorsed by any U.S. president or government agency.