Feel the school spirit at Graduate State College, a new addition to Graduate Hotels’ fast-growing portfolio of collegiate-inspired getaways (mid-Atlantic sister properties are located in Annapolis, Charlottesville and Richmond). Opened in September, the 150-room hotel is a block from Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, and a short walk to restaurants and shops.
Guest room decor includes playful nods to the university, with bed pillows that say “We Are” and a life-size Nittany mountain lion floor lamp in honor of Penn State’s mascot. Blue and white pinstripes and plaids pay homage to its school colors. The bathroom wallpaper, dotted with hand-drawn ice cream cones, might entice you to dart out to Berkey Creamery, a beloved dessert destination on campus.
The vibe in the hotel lobby’s lounge invites studying—or at least hanging out—with well-stocked, built-in bookshelves, reading nooks and a 20-foot communal worktable. Poindexter, a cafe that doubles as an evening bar, serves caffeinated drinks, cocktails, all-day breakfast (try the “S.E.C.”—sausage, egg and cheddar on a brioche bun), salads, sandwiches, small bites, and milk and cookies. Dogs stay free and receive a pup perk from BarkBox; cats are also welcome. Rates begin at $100 per night.
Graduate State College, 125 S. Atherton St., State College, Pennsylvania; 814-231-2100; graduatehotels.com/state-college