DoubleTree by Hilton hotel next to Monroeville Convention Center to close

The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel next to the Monroeville Convention Center will close Wednesday, a staff member and an agent for the hotel’s owner confirmed.

The hotel regularly hosted guests attending events at the Monroeville Convention Center, which is set to be shuttered June 1 to make way for a Hobby Lobby store.

Yaacov Amar, who identified himself as an agent handling asset management for the owner of the hotel, said the DoubleTree is being sold. He said it has been on the market since October and there are two offers on the multistory hotel.

Amar declined to share the name of the owner; Allegheny County real estate records indicate the property at 101 Mall Blvd. is owned by a limited liability corporation, 101 Monroeville Boulevard Owner LLC.

The owner made the decision to close the hotel because it is losing money, because renovations requested by Hilton are too expensive and because businesses in Monroeville are slowing down, Amar said.

In 2023, the hotel lost $1.4 million, and, with the convention center closing, more losses were looming, Amar noted. The shutdown of the convention center caused the value of the hotel to drop 30%, he said.

The expected sale price of the hotel is about $6.4 million, which Amar said would be a loss for the owner.

Weddings and events scheduled for this summer at the hotel will be refunded, he said.

Unexpected announcement

Staff at the hotel found out about the closure Tuesday, according to Jessica Kinter, front desk attendant.

“We had a feeling that something was going on, but we were all just kind of hanging in there. It’s official — doors are closing (Wednesday.) I’m sorry to have to say it,” she said. “It’s a surprise to us as well.”

Kinter said only one person was staying at the hotel Tuesday, and they would be checking out Wednesday.

Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock said in an email that he was upset about the news. He reiterated his commitment to keep the convention center open and find an alternative location for a Hobby Lobby crafts store.

“Real families depend on tourism activity the (convention center) brings to our community, and we will continue to fight for our community, workers and businesses,” he said. “We are talking with all parties and considering all options to save the Monroeville Convention Center. We urge Oxford Development and Hobby Lobby to work with us on this critically important matter.”