The Vibe: Americana.

The Area: Located in the heart of downtown State College, within walking distance from Penn State University.

The DNA: Created for travelers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels is a thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored cities across the country. Each property celebrates and commemorates the optimistic energy of its community, while offering an extended retreat to places that often play host to the best days of our lives. Design throughout the Graduate State College includes playful nods to Happy Valley contrasted with collegiate-inspired decorative elements such as varying, vibrant shades of blue, rich textural plaids and reclaimed wood architectural details. Upon entering the lobby on the hotel’s second floor, guests will experience three different inviting lounge areas – each establishing a unique sense of place. Built-in bookshelves are complemented with reading nooks and large communal tables fully powered for a day of studying, working or getting lost in the stacks. The hotel offers Poindexter, Graduate Hotels’ signature all-day café serving coffee roasted from acclaimed Coffee Manufactory.

Suite-Me-Up: Guest room decor takes on a similar warmth to the lobby joined with a residential cozy vibe. Hues range from light to deep blue and standout design elements encourage guests to reminisce. Life-size mountain lion floor lamps honor Penn State’s mascot, while blue pinstripe walls in university colors are balanced with dark pink and black bed throws, paying homage to Penn State’s school colors until 1890. Custom bathroom wallpaper features hand-drawn ice cream cones as a nod to beloved campus dessert destination, Berkey Creamery.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 150 rooms & suites (28-42m2) (301-452 sq ft) • hotel opened: September 2019 • bathroom amenities: Malin + Goetz • parking possible on-site (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible