Ben B.
Yelp
I really enjoy the Omni in San Francisco, so while visiting Pittsburgh I booked this Omni Hotel. When I walked in, it was quite grand. High ceilings, beautiful lighting fixtures. The front desk staff was very friendly, or at least the gentleman that checked me in.
I was upgraded to a suite, which was very nice. The rooms are a bit dated, but you expect that with an Omni. They were very clean, cozy and comfortable bed. I like the old world feel, so I don't mind its lack of modernes.
Unfortunately, that's where the positives end. After dinner, I returned to the lobby bar - it's called the Terrace Room I believe. There was one bartender. I don't want to exaggerate, but there were roughly 50 people hanging out, some drinking, some not. I quickly noticed the bartender was simply overwhelmed.
I saw a manager walking around, so I asked her why there was only one bartender. Her response was very odd, and I quote, "We know, but we are a union hotel so we can't offer him help unless he asks for it". Now I am realizing everyone is walking on eggshells around this bartender. Customers are not happy, staff isn't happy and apparently there is nothing they can do. He controls it. His pride, the desire to make all the money, trumps the customer. 45 minutes later, I received a drink. Yes, I know both their names, but left them out.
After one drink, I went down to the Speakeasy. It's pretty cool, but good grief, the bartenders there were not friendly at all. I get the feeling the employee morale at this hotel is very low. Very odd vibe.