State College hotels

The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center has earned its reputation as one of the best hotels in State College. Countless people spend the night in these Nittany Lion confines for myriad reasons. The award-winning Sunday brunch is just one.

As a remote worker, I love that you can be productive at The Penn Stater Hotel without having to set up your gear in a conference room. The large suites have dedicated workspaces – or, if you’re like me, a couch perfect for laptop lounging.

I also think The Penn Stater Hotel deserves at least one more mention for having a gift shop. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Hampton Inn is one of the best hotels in State College to relax near the city center. It’s still close enough to campus that you can stroll to a football or basketball game, but its location adjacent to Walnut Springs Park makes it pleasantly peaceful compared to other hotels.

I love the outdoor pool, while the hotel’s tree-lined surroundings hammer home those “off-campus” vibes. The free hot breakfast is another great perk, as is the complimentary parking. Queen and king-only beds also mean you won’t have to cramp into twin or double beds, like the co-eds on campus.

Scholar State College, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is top of the class for a historic stay. It’s located inside The Glennland Building, which was built in 1933 and added to the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find dozens of restaurants a short walk away, but the lobby’s Social Food + Drink bistro is even closer. Light bites, crisp, cold drinks, and fantastic views of downtown are all on the menu.

The guestrooms and suites are just as inviting. I love how the decor – think plaid pillows and framed photographs – pairs with the galley-style kitchen to create the vibes you’d find in an on-campus apartment.

And if the design has you feeling nostalgic for college days, like it had me, you’ll be happy to hear that tasty (and cheap) street eats like tacos, fried chicken, and pizza can be found right around the corner.

Hyatt Place is one of the best hotels in State College for exploring the city. Its location just two blocks away from campus is a huge benefit, but you don’t need to cross College Avenue to enjoy your stay here.

The hotel’s fitness center and roomy suites with separate living quarters make it easy to keep up your daily routine while traveling. Enjoy the free breakfast or head for a walk outside and see what Beaver Avenue has to offer.

I can’t resist a bookstore cafe, so I always grab my morning coffee at nearby Webster’s. And imagine my surprise when I found Primanti Bros. (a proud Pittsburgh restaurant) only a few blocks further out. With the Penn State Downtown Theatre also nearby, Hyatt Place is a prime spot for exploring downtown’s top bars, restaurants, and venues.

Holiday Inn Express is one of the best hotels in State College for experiencing nature. Don’t let the shops and restaurants fool you; within a short drive of this hotel sits the Arboretum at Penn State, Tom Tudek Memorial Park, and Snetsinger Butterfly Garden – all great places to spend time in the great outdoors.

Whether you’re grabbing grub to go from the breakfast bar or snagging free coffee and stocking up on snacks from the lobby shop, you’ll have all the fuel you need for your outdoor adventure. What’s more, I can personally attest to the fact that a night or two spent on the hotel’s plush, triple-sheet beds works wonders for soothing tired travelers.

Let’s be honest: fancy hotels in State College are great for longer stays, but the best hotels in State College for day-trippers are those like Country Inn & Suites.

I think it’s hard to beat this hotel’s location, based two miles or less from the campus, downtown, and Beaver Stadium. Plus, the airport is just a 10-minute drive.

One of my favorite perks is the complimentary shuttle service that whisks you to campus and downtown. Country Inn & Suites also has another underrated perk too: instant access to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and the Happy Valley Brewing Company. Walking the boardwalk trails before sipping some craft beer makes for a great visit in State College.

Football fans, rejoice: Graduate State College gets high marks as one of the best hotels in State College for cheering on the Nittany Lions.

I love Graduate hotels – they go all-in on the college pride and make an out-of-towner feel like part of the campus community. The decor is always on-point: you’ll find navy and white aesthetics from floor to ceiling, the Nittany Lion insignia, and playful nods to State College history like Berkey Creamery-themed wallpaper.

Connecting rooms, a lively lobby area, and the casual Trophy Room restaurant bring home those campus vibes. Whether you’re starting with a burrito or a cocktail, you’ll feel like you’re amongst old classmates here. Sit for breakfast, lunch, or a pregame drink and you’ll see why this Graduate is one of the top-rated hotels in State College.

As a Pittsburgh native, anything with the name “Carnegie” gets my vote, but that’s not why Carnegie House is one of the best boutique hotels in State College. I love that this 21-room inn tries to make you feel warm and welcome. The fire pit in the garden is exactly where I’d spend a chilly autumn afternoon.

Inside is just as cozy: think coffee and wine by the roaring fire, pints and handcrafted bites in the Stonehouse Pub, and an amazing Scottish salmon in the Grace restaurant.

Regal rooms await upstairs and I think touches like the navy-blue velvet beds and curtains instantly fill you with school spirit, even if it’s your first time visiting Penn State.

The Nittany Lion Inn is an absolute gem and easily one of the best hotels to stay in State College for Penn State fans. Located across from the Nittany Lion Shrine and the Kern Building, I love how The Nittany Lion Inn lets you experience life on campus.

Not many hotels are located on the far ends of campus, making this one of the most unique hotels in State College. I think it’s super cool that you can step inside this near-century-old building and stay in the same confines as Danny Devito, Robert Frost, and former presidents.

The Nittany Lion Inn doesn’t skimp on space, either. The King Suites all come with separate living quarters, offering you and your crew plenty of room to relax.

If you’re searching for a stay that keeps the revelry of game day at a comfortable distance, Residence Inn by Marriott is one of the best places to book. This hotel is located just far enough from the edge of campus so you can get there in minutes, while avoiding staying right in the heart of the city.

This extended-stay hotel is ideal for college alumni or business travelers, especially considering its suites have separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens, as well as a 24-hour fitness center.

Another reason I love this hotel is because it's so comfortable. With a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, there’s plenty of room for solo travelers and families alike.