Graduate by Hilton State College

I enjoy the guest rooms, but in January 2026 only one of the three elevators was working. Getting to the lobby on the second floor and to the guest rooms was challenging. This is the second time in the past 12 months I’ve stayed here and run into the same elevator problem. My son is a Penn State freshman, so we’ll be visiting State College often for the next 3.5 years. I’ll look at other properties until I’m confident the elevator issues have been resolved.

I’ve stayed here eight weeks so far this year, and it’s the best hotel in town. The State College Hilton is very cozy, with friendly staff who seem smarter than the average hotel staff and provide good, flexible service. Hilton HHonors members get a $15 food and beverage credit for up to two guests per room.

The Graduate is in a great spot, within easy walking distance of downtown and near bus stops for getting around campus. My friend and I shared a room for one night, but they wouldn’t let both of us park, even though the website and app say parking is first come, first served. They said the lot was too full, although plenty of spots looked open, and I’d pre-booked two spaces. My friend had to find parking elsewhere at the last minute, which was stressful in State College. At checkout they’d still charged me for both spaces, so I had to ask them to remove one. I’d call ahead to check that day’s parking rules.

Gage and Jacob did a great job making sure guests were accommodated and happy. This hotel has a fun Penn State feel, with university touches in the lobby, halls, wall decor, and guest rooms. I love that character, it’s a nice change from cookie-cutter hotels. It’s close to everything downtown, with parking below, though I wouldn’t recommend bringing a large SUV into the garage during a busy time in State College. See you next time!