Graduate by Hilton State College immerses you in local history and Nittany Lion traditions. Just a block from Penn State University, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring Happy Valley, featuring blue and white decor, a Nittany Lion floor lamp, and ice cream wallpaper celebrating Berkey Creamery.
Daily Mandatory Destination Charge includes: Premium guest internet access; daily $10 food and beverage credit for use in hotel restaurant; bicycle rentals.
Many reviews highlighted friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning individuals like Chris and Gage for their exceptional service.
Location
The hotel is praised for its prime location near Penn State University, making it convenient for visitors.
Room Condition
While some guests appreciated the unique decor and comfort, others noted issues with cleanliness, outdated facilities, and maintenance problems.
Parking Issues
Several customers expressed dissatisfaction with the parking situation, describing it as tight, dingy, and not worth the fee.
Service Consistency
There were mixed reviews regarding service quality, with some guests experiencing poor customer service and mismanagement during their stay.
KK
Kari Kailamaki
Dec 19, 2025
5.0
Very cozy Hilton property in State College. Friendly staff (smarter too than average hotel staff), good and flexible service. Best hotel in this town. Been staying the here 8 weeks this year so far. If you have Hilton HHonors status they offer 15 bucks F&B credit up to two guests per room.
EW
E W
Dec 15, 2025
1.0
Update: 2 weeks in to it the treadmill in the Gym is still out of order. Really unacceptable for a Hilton branded hotel. Mr Hilton would not be proud.
So far, my experience has been positive. The primary downside I have noticed is the confusing state of the parking garage and arrival process. There is little to no clear signage or visual indication at street level to confirm that you have arrived at the correct location, nor are there clear instructions regarding parking, check-in, or where to obtain a parking spot. This made the initial arrival unnecessarily uncertain.
That said, the property itself is quite interesting. It has a strong historic character and a distinctive atmosphere, and overall it feels more engaging than other Hilton properties in the area where I have previously stayed.
One additional drawback is the in-room beverage setup. There are no coffee makers—only electric kettles for hot water—yet the rooms are stocked with instant coffee and, oddly, no tea at all. This is disappointing, and something I will plan around by bringing my own tea in the future.
I also found it unusual that turndown service is available by request only. For a stay of a week or longer, I would generally expect this to be provided on a regular basis, or at least not require a specific request. The assumption that a guest would not want any turndown service during an extended stay feels somewhat impractical.
Overall, however, the hotel gives the impression of being somewhat unique—almost a hybrid between a traditional hotel and a residential or dormitory-style property—which may explain some of these differences. I will update this review if there are any changes, responses, or additional insights as my stay continues.
Edit: the treadmill in the gym has been out for over a week so that's minus at least a star.
PH
Peter Hance
Dec 9, 2025
5.0
Classy rooms and decor. Parking is tight. Don’t bring a wide vehicle.
JD
Julie Demaree
Nov 27, 2025
4.0
Great location, onsite parking and bar. Comfortable room, bed and linens. Shower had great pressure and nice shampoo/conditioner/soap products. Nostalgic collegiate decor is fun.
VR
Vanessa Reisig
Nov 24, 2025
5.0
Love the character of this hotel! It's a perfect change from cookie-cutter hotels. As with all Graduate hotels, this one is focused on Penn State University with PSU touches throughout the hotel lobby, halls, wall decor and sleeping rooms. Super fun! Close to all things downtown with parking below. I would not recommend large SUVs in the parking garage during a busy time in State College. Gage and Jacob were on point making sure guests were accommodated and satisfied. See you next time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate by Hilton State College
What are the check-in and check-out times at Graduate by Hilton State College?
Check-in time is at 4:00 PM and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.
Does the hotel allow pets, and are there any fees?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly and charges $75 per pet per stay, with a maximum of 2 pets allowed.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Graduate by Hilton State College?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and there are public internet terminals as well.
Are bicycles available for rent at the hotel?
Yes, complimentary bicycle rentals are offered to guests.
Does the hotel offer any facilities for business travelers?
Yes, there is a business center and three meeting rooms available.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, self-parking is available for $8 per night, and accessible parking is also provided.
Are the hotel facilities accessible for mobility-impaired guests?
Yes, the hotel is mobility accessible and has an elevator.
What dining options are available at Graduate by Hilton State College?
The hotel has one on-site restaurant and offers a daily $10 food and beverage credit to guests.
What nearby restaurants can guests visit around Graduate by Hilton State College?
Nearby restaurants include Tarragon Restaurant, Trophy Room, Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar, Hawaiian Poke Bowl & Pho Cafe, Tadashi Japanese Restaurant, Lupita's Authentic Mexican Food, and John’s Shanghai.
What nearby places can help guests find their way or enjoy activities after staying at the hotel?
Guests can explore The Atherton Hotel, Rumors Lounge, The Pennsylvania State University, Vibe Coffee Co., and CrossFit LionHeart gym, which are all close by for dining, entertainment, education, coffee, and fitness.