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 this Nittany Lion legend 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 sofa perfect for laptop lounging.

I also think The Penn Stater Hotel deserves at least one more mention for having its own 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 centre. 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 guest rooms 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 centre and roomy suites with separate living quarters make it easy to keep up your daily routine while travelling. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast or head for a walk outside and see what Beaver Avenue has to offer.

I can’t resist a bookshop café, 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 best-loved bars, restaurants and venues.