Pittsburgh Marriott City Center

“Anthrocon 2026 “Critters, Cryptids & Curses” - RETURN TO MY “FURRY HOME” / Rm. 1704”

It’s hard to put into words about this particular hotel - ‘Pittsburgh Marriott City Center’ alongside 21 nearby hotels that made up the core of Anthrocon’s Hotel Bloc. I tried twice to get a room at Westin during their room lottery (2024 and 2026) and failed. Westin was ideal as it’s Anthrocon’s ma… more

It’s hard to put into words about this particular hotel - ‘Pittsburgh Marriott City Center’ alongside 21 nearby hotels that made up the core of Anthrocon’s Hotel Bloc. I tried twice to get a room at Westin during their room lottery (2024 and 2026) and failed. Westin was ideal as it’s Anthrocon’s main hotel and adjacent to The David L Lawrence Convention Center where the main events are held. Failure in getting a room at the coveted Westin led to getting a room HERE. I LOVED my stay here two years ago, despite NO Anthrocon Shuttle Bus to DLCC. During Anthrocon 2024, my late roommate Bob “Anthrocoon” Nelson and yours truly had to cross a busy road to catch the shuttle down the hill at Doubletree Hotel. How times have changed… This year, for my second time staying here at Marriott City Center for my second ever Anthrocon - SHUTTLE BUS WAS PROVIDED FROM THIS HOTEL. AMEN!! This cemented my total devotion for this hotel - this year and future Anthrocon Conventions! With the shuttle service provided, I could suit up in my Room 1704 with no issues and come down to see my favorite desk person “Kimi” - I told her about Bob’s passing a year and half ago and was surprised (as we were when he passed quickly in Jan 2025.) Bob LOVED this con with a passion, hence his namesake of the con and his Raccoon Fursona. Bob’s sister Barbara drove from Boston to meet me here and to scatter half of Bob’s half ashes in a private ceremony overlooking the city on Wednesday after check-in. Barbara stayed at Marriott CC on her own res for just one night. We did the scattering of ashes and spent the evening together at this hotel. I stayed a total of five nights this year, from Wednesday, July 1st to Monday, July 6th. It was an easy check-in and I received a double bedded room one floor above the room that Bob and I had in 2024. Room 1704 was just as nice as Room 1615 two years earlier, with impressive skyline views of USS Steel Tower and The GULF Building with the nightly weather cube listing the outrageous hot and humid temps we had (All of the nights it was flashing it was bright RED, except the 4th of July - it was red white and blue!) My roomies from Birmingham, AL Tony Bear and Kyle Wolf came in Thursday night to Sunday morning. Just three nights. It was Tony’s first ever Anthrocon, and he enjoyed the Fursuit River Cruise (I did the River Cruise two years ago!!) This being my second ever visit to Pittsburgh and Anthrocon, I truly felt right at home at Marriott CC. I felt more familiar with the general vicinity and where to go. The shuttle bus service was a big part of feeling that all was good. Not having a car and depending on the shuttle (and a couple of local friends shuttling me in their car) made things much easier than in 2024, as I could leave my Joe Bear fursuit in my room than having it stay in someone else’s room at Westin. I felt comfortable one night to walk back from the convention back to the hotel after dead dog dance on Sunday, but halfway up I got a lift from Grey Hare Express from the street, which helped me catch my breath. Grey Hare also provided go-kart service to Marriott CC as well as the main shuttle bus. “Kimi” the manager was only around for Thursday as she was off for the weekend. I’m glad I got to see her. The staff overall was friendly and supportive. I forgot most of their names, but you know who you are… Thank You! I got a late checkout on Monday as my flight was later in the evening. My local furry friends Ash and Van helped me with luggage cart location and we were able to leave after 1pm. Nice to have the late checkout per Bonvoy Platinum! Thanks for the breakfast on the 20th floor lounge and snacks throughout the day in the Executive Lounge. Very Nice! At AC Closing Ceremonies - After they announced the largest attended Anthrocon in its almost 30 year history (20 years in Pittsburgh) of 20,618 Attendees, I hollered as loud as I could to honor what Bob “Anthrocoon” would say after each closing ceremonies - “ANTHROCON, STILL THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST!!!” Bob was with us this year! He would’ve been proud. He loved staying at Marriott CC (Which was his last Anthrocon Hotel stay two years ago) I will be returning every two years - 2028 and 2030. I will be staying here - and ONLY HERE AT MARRIOTT CITY CENTER. This is my “Furry Home” from now on when I visit Pittsburgh. Spread The Word!! Thank You for the service, housekeeping, room service and security. A job well done! See you for Anthrocon 2028. Joe G. Bear - Inglewood, CA

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