Check-in time finally arrives for Mt. Lebanon hotel

Mt. Lebanon's first hotel opened this week after years of construction delays, to the relief of local officials and businesses looking forward to a boost in commerce.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott in the municipality's Washington Road business district began welcoming guests to its 108 suites Monday afternoon. Local merchants and officials visited for a look at the hotel, which is close to Port Authority's T station.

“I think it'll be a great asset to the community and to the business district,” Mt. Lebanon Planner Keith McGill said. “All their patrons should find their way to our business district for food, drinks and other shopping.”

The hotel won't offer food or drinks beyond coffee and a continental breakfast, but its location in Mt. Lebanon's Uptown business district means guests can choose from many local restaurants. Each studio suite has a small refrigerator and microwave.

A contingent from The Saloon, just across Washington Road from the hotel, was among pedestrians who stopped in to look at the new building Tuesday morning.

Keith Sheppard, manager at The Saloon, said he was looking forward to a “mutually beneficial” relationship between the hotel and his establishment. He noted the bar already attracts guests from the Crown Plaza hotel near South Hills Village; the SpringHill Suites will be even more convenient.

“I definitely think people will be stopping by if they're staying here,” Sheppard said. “Any time you have 100 new rooms a block away from your establishment, it's good.”

Steve Denenberg moved Create-a-Frame/Handworks Gallery into the Executive Building next to the hotel site a few weeks before the construction closed the sidewalk just feet from his business, meaning people had to cross the street before passing his storefront.

What was promised to be a closure for a few months turned into years, but the hotel's completion is bringing new business, he said.

“The sidewalk reopened a week, a week and a half ago, and I've already had at least four sets of people who walked by, looked in the window, then turned around and came in,” he said. “Galleries like ours do well in tourist areas. ... Travelers like to spend money.”

Joe Reale, co-owner of Arancini House on the lower level of The Executive Building, said he is looking forward to enticing hotel guests. Many hotel staff have stopped by to sample his Italian street-food style fare, he said.

“We know it's going to be great for Mt. Lebanon,” he said.

Harmar-based developer Kratsa Properties bought the land for the hotel from the now-defunct Mt. Lebanon Parking Authority in May 2009, and got the go-ahead to start construction in February 2011, McGill said.

Delays in the hotel's construction, first expected to be done in the fall of 2012, became a running joke for municipal staff and nearby businesses: During a local arts festival, one winning entry was a watercolor of the “Sidewalk Closed” barrier in front of the hotel, titled “Ode to Eric Milliron,” the economic development manager who frequently fielded questions about the project.

McGill said he got two to three phone calls a month from people wondering when the hotel would open. Most were coming to Mt. Lebanon to visit family or attend events and wanted to stay closer than the Crown Plaza hotel in Bethel Park or hotels in Green Tree or Banksville, he said.

Jason Fulvi, executive vice president of VisitPittsburgh, said the hotel likely will serve travelers heading to events and businesses in the South Hills, such as St. Clair Hospital, for whom the only other option is the Crown Plaza.

The adjacent Mt. Lebanon station for the T's Red Line make it an option for guests heading to games and events Downtown, though with its small size it wouldn't relieve much demand for rooms, he said.

The hotel's first level has an indoor pool, fitness center and balcony overlooking the light-rail line, Shady Avenue and the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, while its lobby looks out onto Washington Road. There is a meeting room, business center, a “market” for snacks and drinks, and a buffet area for the continental breakfast.

There is enclosed parking for 80 vehicles on the lowest level and an agreement with Mt. Lebanon to send overflow to the Academy Avenue parking lot across the street.

About 10 people stayed in the hotel its first night.

“To have that many within a few hours (of opening) says a lot” about demand, said Cindy Grubisa, the hotel's general manager.

Matthew Santoni is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5625 or msantoni@tribweb.com.