Hotels near Penn State University, University Park

If you are planning a visit to the Penn State University area, the Scholar State College, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is one of the most convenient and stylish lodging options available. Situated right on East Beaver Avenue in downtown State College, this boutique hotel effortlessly blends modern luxury with collegiate charm.

Location & Proximity to Campus

The hotel's biggest selling point is its prime location. It is situated just blocks away from the southern edge of the Penn State University campus ( easily accessible via College Avenue).

• Walkability: You can easily walk to key campus landmarks, such as Old Main, the HUB-Robeson Center, and various academic buildings, in about 5 to 15 minutes.
• Downtown Vibe: Stepping outside the hotel puts you immediately into the vibrant energy of downtown State College, surrounded by coffee shops, lively bars, student bookstores, and diverse restaurants.

Rooms & Design

Housed in the historic Glennland Building, the hotel features a "scholarly" aesthetic with subtle nods to the university's heritage—think plaid accents, rich leather furniture, and curated library-style decor.

• Comfort: Rooms are modern, clean, and well-appointed with comfortable Hilton-standard bedding, large flat-screen TVs, and spacious workspaces.
• Noise Note: Because it is in a bustling downtown area, light sleepers might want to request a room on a higher floor to minimize street noise during busy weekends.

Amenities & Dining

• The Glennland Bistro & Bar: The on-site lounge offers a great atmosphere for grabbing breakfast before a campus tour or enjoying craft cocktails and local beers in the evening.
• Fitness Center: A modern, well-equipped gym is available for guests looking to keep up with their workout routines.
• Hilton Honors: Being part of the Tapestry Collection, guests can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points and enjoy member perks like digital check-in.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Parking: Like most downtown hotels in university towns, parking is located in a nearby public garage rather than an on-site lot, and it comes with a daily fee.
• Event Pricing: Rates and availability fluctuate significantly during major university events, such as Penn State football weekends, graduation, and Move-In days. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.

Verdict

The Scholar State College is an ideal choice for prospective students and their families, visiting alumni, or business travelers who want a boutique, upscale experience within easy walking distance of Penn State University.

For travelers planning a visit to the Penn State campus, the Hampton Inn State College is an exceptionally convenient and reliable choice. Located directly on East College Avenue, this hotel puts you right on the main thoroughfare leading into downtown State College and the university grounds.

Location & Proximity to Campus

The hotel's biggest selling point is its location. Situated just under a mile from the heart of the campus, it offers effortless access to university events, tours, and athletic facilities:

• Drive Time: It is less than a 5-minute drive to the main campus and approximately 3 to 5 minutes to the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium.
• Walkability: Depending on where you need to go on the sprawling campus, it is a flat, 15-to-20-minute walk to the eastern edge of the university.
• Public Transit: There are CATA bus stops nearby on East College Avenue, making it easy to hop on a bus directly into the campus center or downtown without worrying about parking.

Rooms & Amenities

As expected from the Hampton Inn brand, the rooms are clean, comfortable, and geared toward both leisure and business travelers.

• Complimentary Breakfast: A major perk is the free hot breakfast served daily, featuring their signature waffle makers, eggs, oatmeal, and coffee—perfect for fueling up before a long day of campus tours or tailgating.
• Parking & Wi-Fi: The hotel offers free on-site parking and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, adding great value compared to downtown properties that often charge hefty daily parking fees.
• Facilities: Guests have access to a seasonal outdoor pool and a standard fitness center. Rooms come equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Prime location on East College Ave with quick access to Route 322 and I-99.
• Free parking and free hot breakfast save you money.
• Restaurants and fast-casual dining options are within immediate walking distance.

Cons:

• Because it is on a main road, rooms facing East College Avenue may experience some traffic noise.
• As with all local accommodations, rates skyrocket and availability drops drastically during Penn State football weekends and graduation, requiring bookings months in advance.

Verdict

The Hampton Inn State College strikes the perfect balance between proximity and value. It is close enough to the university to be in the middle of the action, yet just far enough away from the downtown core to offer easy driving access and free parking. It is an ideal home base for prospective students, visiting parents, alumni, and sports fans.

If you are planning a visit to Penn State University, Hyatt Place State College at 219 W Beaver Ave is one of the most convenient and reliable lodging options available. Situated right in the heart of downtown State College, it bridges the gap between campus accessibility and downtown entertainment.

Location & Proximity to Campus

The hotel's biggest selling point is its prime location.

• Walkability: It is located just a couple of blocks from the edge of the Penn State campus. You can easily walk to the Old Main lawn, the HUB-Robeson Center, and various academic buildings in about 5 to 15 minutes.
• Downtown Access: Stepping out of the hotel puts you right into the vibrant downtown area, surrounded by local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and Penn State gear outlets.
• Beaver Stadium: While you can take a longer walk to the stadium on game days, there are also convenient local bus routes (CATA) nearby that shuttle fans directly to the athletic complexes.

Rooms & Comfort

Following the standard Hyatt Place layout, the rooms are notably spacious and modern, making them great for families visiting students or alumni in town for a weekend.

• Layout: Rooms feature a separated living area with a "Cozy Corner" sleeper sofa, making it easy to accommodate extra guests or simply spread out.
• Work-Friendly: If you are visiting the university for academic or business purposes, the large desk area and reliable free Wi-Fi are major pluses.

Amenities & Dining

• Breakfast: The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffer for guests (check your booking details, as policies occasionally vary for non-World of Hyatt members), which is a great time-saver before heading out for a busy day of campus tours or tailgating.
• On-Site Dining: There is a 24/7 market for grab-and-go snacks, as well as a lobby bar serving coffee and evening cocktails. Additionally, the hotel is connected to the Federal Taphouse, offering great food and a massive selection of craft beers right next door.
• Fitness: A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests who want to keep up with their workout routines.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Parking: Because the hotel is located in a dense downtown area, there is no free on-site parking lot. Guests typically use the adjacent Fraser Street Parking Garage for a daily fee.
• Weekend Noise & Pricing: Being on Beaver Avenue means the area gets very lively on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights when students are out. Furthermore, expect room rates to surge significantly—and sell out months in advance—during Penn State football weekends, Arts Fest, and graduation.

Verdict

Hyatt Place State College is a top-tier choice if you want to ditch your car and experience both the Penn State campus and downtown State College on foot. Its modern, spacious rooms and central location make it ideal for prospective students, parents, and visiting alumni.

For travelers visiting University Park, Graduate by Hilton State College (located at 125 S. Atherton Street) is one of the most convenient and spirited lodging options available. As part of the Graduate Hotels collection, this property is specifically designed to celebrate the heritage, traditions, and nostalgia of Pennsylvania State University, making it an ideal basecamp for prospective students, alumni, visiting parents, and Nittany Lions fans.

Location & Proximity to Campus

• Walkability: The hotel is situated just two blocks from the edge of the Penn State campus. You can easily walk to the Old Main lawn, classrooms, and administrative buildings within 5 to 10 minutes.
• Downtown Access: Located right at the edge of downtown State College, guests have immediate access to College Avenue and Beaver Avenue, which are packed with local coffee shops, bookstores, bars, and restaurants.
• Athletics & Events: If you are in town for a football game at Beaver Stadium or a concert at the Bryce Jordan Center, the hotel is a short drive or bus ride away via the local CATA bus system, which has stops nearby.

Vibe & Decor

The hotel leans heavily into the "Happy Valley" aesthetic without feeling overly kitschy. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are greeted with blue-and-white plaid patterns, vintage Penn State memorabilia, and nods to local legends. Even the room keycards are styled to look like vintage student IDs of famous alumni.

Rooms & Comfort

• Design: The guest rooms feature custom Nittany Lion toile wallpaper, wooden furnishings, and collegiate tartan bedding.
• Space: A major advantage of this property—likely due to its past life as an apartment-style hotel—is that the rooms and suites are notably spacious. Many configurations include separate living areas, making it comfortable for families or longer stays.
• Amenities: Rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, minifridges, coffee makers, and Malin+Goetz bath products.

Dining & Amenities

• Trophy Room: The on-site restaurant and bar serves up classic tavern fare, local craft beers, and cocktails in a lively, sports-centric setting. It is also a convenient spot to grab breakfast or coffee before heading onto campus.
• Fitness & Transport: The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bike rentals, which is a fantastic perk for cruising around the massive university campus during warmer months.
• Pet-Friendly: If you are traveling with a four-legged friend, the hotel welcomes pets (for an additional fee).
• Hilton Perks: Since joining the Hilton portfolio, guests can now earn and redeem Hilton Honors points during their stay.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Parking: Because of its prime downtown location, on-site covered parking comes with a daily fee, and the garage can be a bit tight for oversized vehicles.
• Event Pricing: Like all hotels in the immediate area, rates surge significantly and rooms book out months in advance during Penn State home football weekends, Arts Fest, and graduation.

The Verdict

If your primary goal is to be within walking distance of Penn State while soaking in the local college-town atmosphere, Graduate by Hilton State College is a top-tier choice that blends boutique charm with the reliability of the Hilton brand.

If your main priority is proximity to Penn State University, you cannot beat the Nittany Lion Inn. Located at 200 West Park Avenue, this historic hotel is situated directly on the University Park campus, making it the ultimate base for visiting parents, alumni, prospective students, and university guests.

Location & Accessibility

• On-Campus Convenience: Unlike other hotels in the State College area that require a drive or a shuttle ride, the Nittany Lion Inn puts you right in the middle of the western side of campus.
• Walkability: You are just steps away from Rec Hall, the Nittany Lion Shrine, and the Golf Courses. A pleasant stroll through the campus paths will take you to the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, Old Main, and vibrant downtown State College.
• Transit: For destinations further across campus, like the Bryce Jordan Center or Beaver Stadium, the campus bus system (CATA) has stops right near the inn, making getting around effortless.

Atmosphere & Rooms

Built in 1931, the inn exudes traditional Georgian-colonial charm blended with deep Penn State pride. Having recently undergone extensive renovations, the property successfully marries its historic roots with modern luxury.

• Guest Rooms: The rooms feature upscale, classic decor with subtle blue-and-white nods to the university. Expect modern amenities, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and spacious workspaces.
• Vibe: The lobby and common areas feel like a grand, welcoming living room for the Penn State community, complete with fireplaces and comfortable seating areas.

Dining & Amenities

• On-Site Dining: The inn boasts excellent dining options, ranging from upscale tavern fare to casual lounge settings—ideal for grabbing a celebratory drink after a game or enjoying a hearty breakfast before a campus tour.
• Facilities: Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness center, massive ballroom and conference spaces, and convenient on-site parking (a major plus on a busy campus).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Unbeatable location directly on the Penn State campus.
• Rich history with newly renovated, modernized interiors.
• Walkable to both university buildings and downtown State College.

Cons:

• High demand means rooms book up months (sometimes a year) in advance for football weekends, graduation, and Move-In Day.
• Nightly rates are generally higher than off-campus chain hotels due to the prime location.

Bottom Line: The Nittany Lion Inn is the gold standard for lodging at University Park. If you want the full Penn State experience with maximum convenience, this is the best place to stay.

If you are planning a visit to the University Park campus, the Hilton Garden Inn State College on East College Avenue is one of the most convenient and reliable lodging options in the area. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect during your stay.

Location & Campus Accessibility

• Proximity to Campus: Situated just off the eastern edge of the university, this hotel is approximately a 5-minute drive (or about 1.5 miles) from the heart of the campus.
• Event Convenience: It is exceptionally well-located for sports fans and concert-goers, as it sits on the preferred side of town for quick access to Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center. In fact, sturdy walkers can reach the stadium in about 20–25 minutes on foot, helping you bypass heavy game-day traffic.
• Surrounding Area: Being right on East College Avenue gives you instant access to the main thoroughfare leading directly into Downtown State College, while keeping you just far enough away from the late-night undergraduate noise.

Rooms & Comfort

• Spacious Layouts: The guest rooms are clean, modern, and practical, offering plenty of space for families helping their students move in or alumni returning for a weekend.
• In-Room Amenities: Every room comes equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffee maker, which is a huge plus for storing leftovers from downtown eateries.
• Work-Friendly: For visiting faculty or business travelers, the rooms feature large desks with ergonomic chairs and reliable complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hotel Amenities

• On-Site Dining: The Garden Grille & Bar serves a solid made-to-order breakfast (note: typically an additional charge unless included in your rate or Hilton Honors status) and offers dinner and evening room service. There is also a 24-hour market in the lobby for quick snacks and beverages.
• Recreation: The hotel features a well-maintained indoor heated pool and a fitness center, great for unwinding after a long day of campus tours.
• Free Parking: Unlike several hotels located directly in the downtown area that charge hefty nightly parking fees, the Hilton Garden Inn offers complimentary on-site parking.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Very close to university athletic facilities and the main campus.
• Free on-site parking.
• Quiet atmosphere compared to downtown properties.

Cons:

• Breakfast is not complimentary for standard bookings.
• Rates increase significantly and rooms book up months in advance for football weekends and graduation.

Overall: The Hilton Garden Inn State College strikes the perfect balance between proximity to the university and quiet, suburban convenience. It is a top-tier choice for parents, visiting scholars, and Nittany Lion fans alike.