Speakeasy at Omni William Penn Hotel
530 William Penn Place
* * * * * * * *
SAT: 10:00am - 1:00pm
SUN: 10:00am - 1:00pm
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Experience the Speakeasy, a popular social lounge during Prohibition from 1920 until December of 1933 when the Act was abolished. Discreetly tucked under the main stairwell of the hotel, it has been refurbished for a new generation, yet takes us back to a time gone by when patrons secretly gathered to enjoy their favorite libations and share stories of their daily toils in life. Enjoy viewing signature-label whiskey from the early 1900s as well as “Prohibition Prescriptions” and learn more about this clandestine space.
Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: YES
Wheelchair-Accessible Restrooms: YES
Public Restrooms: YES
Photography Allowed: YES
Wheelchair-accessible entrance is located at the Oliver Avenue entrance to the William Penn Hotel.
ABOUT THIS BUILDING
The Omni William Penn is Pittsburgh’s premier historic hotel. The hotel opened on March 9, 1916, and has played a significant role in the history and growth of our city. The Omni William Penn has served as host over the years to numerous icons of business and industry. It was, and remains today, a favorite of movie stars, entertainers and politicians. Every seated President since Theodore Roosevelt has been to the hotel.
Built by Industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the hotel was fashioned after some of the finest hotels in Europe that Frick visited during his extensive travels. The hotel at one point contained 1,600 guest rooms and was the largest hotel in the eastern half of the United States. It was one of the very first hotels to boast private bathrooms in each guest room as well as electric certified lighting.
Upon opening, the hotel offered every service imaginable and was essentially a self-contained city in miniature. Private quarters for staff, a private sitting room and library, and a complete printing facility to produce advertising and menus were all within these walls. A baker to produce fresh bread, a butcher, a candlestick maker, a silversmith and a locksmith were all employed by the hotel. There was also a barbershop featured on the lower level, a manicure parlor, a drug store, and a billiards room.
By opening night, 800 staff members had been hired to welcome guests and be at their service. A guest room on opening night was $2.50, and the most expensive suite was $50, a staggering amount at the time.
Recently celebrating her Centennial Anniversary, this Grande Dame, as the Omni William Penn is affectionately known, is poised to serve its guests for the next 100 years and beyond.