Hotel discounts for conventioneers (Pittsburgh) - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Hotel discounts for conventioneers (Pittsburgh)," is a great example of a common crossword construction: a straightforward definition paired with a potentially misleading piece of extra information. Let's break down how to see past the distraction and arrive at the answer.

Clue Analysis

The core of this clue is "Hotel discounts for conventioneers." This part is quite literal. A "conventioneer" is someone attending a convention, which implies they are part of a large gathering. The clue is asking for the special pricing offered to such gatherings.

The parenthetical "(Pittsburgh)" is the interesting part. In crosswords, geographical tags like this can function in a few ways:

1. Essential Information: The answer is a term specific to that place (e.g., "Chicago-style pizza").
2. Illustrative Example: The location is just an example of a place where the answer might be found. This is the most likely case here.
3. Wordplay: The location's name is part of a pun or anagram.

Given the straightforward nature of the main phrase, the Pittsburgh tag is almost certainly an illustrative example, meant to ground the clue in a real-world context and perhaps make the solver overthink it.

Thinking Approaches

A seasoned solver might approach this clue in a few steps:

1. Isolate the Definition: First, focus on the main part: "Hotel discounts for conventioneers." What is the common term for this? You'd think of bulk pricing, special deals, or pricing for a... group.

2. Address the Parenthetical: Now, consider "(Pittsburgh)." Does a specific term for hotel discounts exist in Pittsburgh? Probably not. Is Pittsburgh a major convention city where such discounts would be common? Yes. This confirms that Pittsburgh is likely just an example. The clue could have easily said "(Las Vegas)" or "(Orlando)" and meant the same thing.

3. Synthesize the Answer: Combine the idea of a "group" with the concept of pricing or "rates." This leads directly to the two-word phrase that fits the clue.

4. Use Crossings: If the Pittsburgh part throws you off, wait for a few crossing letters. If you get a G at the beginning and an S at the end, the common phrase will likely click into place, confirming the misdirection.

Background Context

Pittsburgh is indeed a significant destination for conventions and conferences, home to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The clue's creator likely chose Pittsburgh to provide a plausible, concrete setting for the scenario described. This technique adds a layer of flavor and can cleverly increase the difficulty without resorting to obscure wordplay. The answer itself is a standard term in the hospitality and travel industries.

Conclusion

This clue is a fantastic lesson in not getting bogged down by superfluous details. By identifying the core definition and treating the parenthetical as a likely example rather than a strict requirement, solvers can avoid going down a rabbit hole searching for a Pittsburgh-specific term. Always start with the most direct interpretation, and let the crossing letters be your guide.

Hints

1. Hint 1: What kind of pricing might a large number of people get?
2. Hint 2: This term applies to more than just hotels; think about tickets for attractions or travel.
3. Hint 3: It's a two-word phrase, often combined into one for crosswords. The first word relates to a collection of people.
4. Hint 4: The second word is another term for prices or fees.

The answer is GROUPRATES.