Graduate State College blends collegiate charm with modern comfort in the heart of downtown State College, just steps from Penn State University. Designed with school spirit in mind, the hotel offers a lively yet welcoming atmosphere ideal for game days, campus visits, and weekend getaways. Guests enjoy thoughtfully styled spaces, convenient amenities, and easy access to local dining, shopping, and entertainment. Unique, school-inspired design and décor On-site restaurant and bar with a social atmosphere Fitness center for guests Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel Pet-friendly accommodations Flexible meeting and event spaces
Graduate State College offers Meeting rooms, Smoke-free property, Free WiFi, Self parking (surcharge), Fitness equipment, Coffeemaker, Free toiletries, Hair dryer, Iron/ironing board, Blackout drapes/curtains, Connecting/adjoining rooms available, Fitness facilities, Restaurant, Electric car charging station, Parking onsite, Pets allowed with a fee, Cribs/infant beds available, Sleep sofa/futon, Air conditioning, Separate living room, Mini refrigerators available, Wet bar, HDTV, Daily housekeeping, Wifi Available, Pets allowed.
Graduate State College is located at 125 S Atherton St, State College.
Graduate State College has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 348 guest reviews. It holds a 4-star Stars rating.
1 King Bed
Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility & Hearing)
2 Queen Beds
Suite, 2 Queen Beds
2 Twin Beds
Room, 2 Twin Beds
1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
Family Room, Multiple Beds
1 King Bed
Room, 1 King Bed
2 Queen Beds
Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Mobility & Hearing)
1 King Bed
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility & Hearing)
1 King Bed
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Roll-In Shower, Mobility & Hearing)
1 King Bed
Suite, 1 King Bed
1 King Bed
King Room, Oversized
2 Queen Beds
Room, 2 Queen Beds




+4

Graduate State College blends collegiate charm with modern comfort in the heart of downtown State College, just steps from Penn State University. Designed with school spirit in mind, the hotel offers a lively yet welcoming atmosphere ideal for game days, campus visits, and weekend getaways. Guests enjoy thoughtfully styled spaces, convenient amenities, and easy access to local dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The Graduate State College offers a unique, Penn State-themed experience with a great location near campus and downtown State College. While praised for its friendly staff and nostalgic decor, concerns regarding cleanliness, elevator issues, and parking availability have been repeatedly raised. Recent reviews highlight the hotel's charm, but also persistent problems with maintenance and inconsistent service.
We had our wedding reception here and stayed in a lovely room for the weekend. Chelsea and the entire staff were so incredibly friendly and accommodating every step of the way, we were treated with such individual care and felt very valued. Our reception food was excellent, all of our guests throughly enjoyed it and the guests who stayed in the hotel block commented on the unique and comfortable rooms. We loved everything and are so grateful for the support in making our special day extra special.
This hotel just feels grimy especially for $350/night. I included pictures just to show how many things added to the overall yuck feeling in our room. Any one of these things could be overlooked but finding someone’s anti-viral medication, potentially blood stains on the bathroom wallpaper, and poor attention to detail gave the room such a dreary feeling. The elevators barely work and we were almost stuck in them. According to other reviews, they’ve been saying that they are being replaced since at least January. Staff is friendly and beds were comfortable but we really did not enjoy this place. *Editing to add: They really cared about this review and reached out to me to compensate a percentage of our stay. I do appreciate the customer service they provided. Trudy was helpful and very nice in her offer to make things right.*
I am a little surprised. This Graduate location is just OK. Nothing spectacular. Definitely could use a good cleaning and maybe a little updating. The bartender, Lily, was awesome! Because of her I will give this location 5 starts for service. Otherwise it's just OK.
Rooms and hotel are very eclectic. room did NOT have a fridge which was unfortunate. They automatically charge a $10 room credit to use at the restaurant each day. I am guessing this is because they do not serve free breakfast so this is their incentive to get you to buy their food. I did not buy any of their food. The gym had two treadmills, one stationary bike, one bench and a functional training system which got the job done. Parking is $15/ day and found under the hotel. I did not have a problem trying to find parking. Location is great! Within walking distance of the Penn State campus.
Stayed in 2 bed suite which was spacious and a good layout. Bathroom is big, fridge included. A major bummer is cafe does not open till 7am and if you want coffee earlier they have coffee at the front desk ( with a sign that says starbucks ) - - and the charge a FORTUNE for a cup of subpar coffee. - very dissapointing.
What could be a great property is let down in several ways. Great university design vibes that make you feel Penn State charm, but the room wasn’t especially clean (white cream on sink handles, rusty shampoo bottle in shower, etc.) The elevators aren’t all operational and are freezing cold. No tea or real coffee in the rooms either was disappointing.
January 2026—Only one of three elevators operational, making it challenging to get to the lobby, which is on 2nd floor, as well as guest rooms. This is the second time I’ve stayed at the property in the last 12 months and experienced this issue both times. My son is a freshman at Penn State so we will be in State College frequently over the next 3.5 years. While I enjoy the guest rooms I will be looking to stay at other properties in State College until such time I’m confident that the issues with the elevators are resolved
Spent one night at the Graduate in State College. It’s in a great location, easy walking distance to everything downtown and close to bus stops to get you around campus. Only complaint is that my friend and I were sharing a room and they wouldn’t let both of us park a car. The website and app both state that parking is first come first served but they claimed they were too full to let her park. There were plenty of spots available and I had also pre-booked for two spots. We had to find other parking for her fairly last minute which was stressful in a town like State College. When I checked out I was still charged for both spots and had to ask them to remove it. I recommend calling in advance to confirm what their parking rules for that day will be.
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.
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.