Graduate State College

Cool rehabilitated hotel downtown!

Maybe I'm too old to stay here, but the book/library shelf wallpaper in the hallways was a bit disconcerting

The theme is unique. The rooms clean and comfortable and the location perfect to reach the downtown restaurants and bars.

Very nice hotel I had the pleasure of staying at on a work trip for a conference in the hotel. Staff was nice and the room was pretty clean. Bathroom was very nice and much more modern than other hotels. Complimentary cans of water in the fridge was nice. Close proximity to lots of happenings downtown. Hotel bar was pretty pricey. I would love to stay here again next time I'm in SC.

Oh how I love the design of this hotel! With it being in a college town - it definitely gives a college feel.

When you arrive, there's a lot of parking options - from the street to a garage. With me catching a shuttle (which arrives at the airport every :15 & :45 of the hour) it pulled up to the entry doors inside the garage and there was a fireplace going. That was the beginning of the dope ambiance - as cold as it was that heat was appreciated.

Once inside and you're at the elevator to check-in on the lobby floor which is Floor 2, you have to play with the elevator a little because despite the cool renovations, the elevator is a little outdated. You'll press the floor you're on, the floor 2 - weird, I know but it works :)

Option check-in, you'll receive your room key which is just like a college ID - so creative, right! Oh - the restaurant is located right behind the check-in desk and they close at 10pm. I arrived at 9:20ish-pm so needless to say, I had to hurry so I could grab fries and my fave, a lemon drop martini! But I was so amazed when I got on the elevator and the doors open to my floor! The wallpaper looks like a ceiling to floor library! Ahhhhhh so lovely!

I always use the Do Not Disturb sign during hotel stays and even that was super cool! It says "studying" - again, how cool!

The room was really chill and cool! A bench when you first walk in for you to sit or either place your luggage. The bathroom was very bright and I liked the black and white aesthetics - the wallpaper had black outlined ice cream cones against the white wall ... interesting, ice cream cones in a bathroom. Either way, great look to me!

The resting area had a comfy bed - there was an old school telephone (and works!) a nice chair to sit and write at - complimented with a small table to slide over and use. There was also a microwave in the room, which I love because what about those odd times during the evening when you don't feel like leaving your room ...

Oh let me add - the hotel staff was super friendly! I didn't need anything but every encounter was pleasant! I really enjoyed my overnight stay there - My next flight to work wasn't until 4pm so I had plenty of time to explore the city - which I post another review on that soon!

I'm looking forward to another stop there again! And when you visit, take the time to walk around the hotel and enjoy the little small things they offer.

OH - one more thing - for real this time! There are two lounging areas right across from the elevators. They offer plenty of seating and they offer games you can play like Jenga, etc. they also have a set of two chairs that is paired with table tops equipped for chess - another great offering!

Clearly you can tell I enjoyed my stay here - and I hope you do, too!

The room was not clean and grossed me out with unknown hair. The desk was covered with dust, human hair and small pieces of paper. The floor was also dusty with small pieces of paper. The bathroom smelled like urine. The front desk intern told me that there was nothing she could do, but calling housekeeping to clean up right away. After three hours, when my family came back to the family suite, the room remained dirty and still grossed me out with unknown hair on the desk. The tray for the water glass was still covered with dust. Also, the water glasses had a few weird marks on them. Then, I opened the blanket and found a few unknown brown looking pieces on the bed. It was extremely unpleasant staying.

This review is for the graduates ability as an Event Space and their restaurant area - not as a hotel guest.

First, I had an event at the graduate that went ... just fine. Their speaker system was broken down or in poor function because nobody in the room could hear anything the entire event. I later heard from a friend also hosting an event there that the microphone batteries were dying and had to be changed so that could have been the problem at my event. Either way, the poor shape sound system was a huge detriment to my event and the staff was not particularly helpful in solving the problem. Ultimately it was easy to coordinate leading up to the event, but the challenges day of, which I would partially attribute to the staffs lack of urgency and unhelpfulness, was upsetting. I would probably give this a (3/5) by itself. The room was pretty and the menu was good.

Second, the loss of another star comes from the fact that I bought a High Noon at the bar (a canned seltzer for those who don't know), because I assumed it would be closer priced to their canned beer ($8) than their cocktails ($15). BUT this high noon 12oz can was $15. Absolutely absurd, I was appalled. The pricing was insane. To quote Tyra banks "it was so bad, I want to give you a zero, but that's not possible; so I give you a one" (1/5)

Combined to be a 2/5 overall.

Graduate Hotel is a unique hotel! There isn't much offered within the hotel beside a library and cafe area (hints the 4 stars) but the area is surround by Penn State Universities town. Everything you may need is in the surrounding area! When school is out the town is not as vibrant but very relaxed.

The rooms are clean with a country chic maximalism look. There's a big lamp statue of Penn States mascot the Nittany Lion (real size). I've heard from multiple people that it has scared them when waking up in the middle of the night or in the morning.

Overall staff is phenomenal and I look forward to coming back!

It was with great anticipation that I booked a multi day stay at the Graduate. I was not disappointed by the location, quality of room or the attentiveness of staff (who did all they could to create a great experience). The room had a decor more like a Parisian era bedroom with a variety of accent pieces and patterned carpeting. I got a kick out of the Nittany Lion lamp and old style phone. It was unique and different from any other hotel I have stayed in. The bathroom was spacious with ample water pressure (no fan), but neat decor with ice cream wallpaper and points for a soft close toilet seat...first hotel I have seen that have them and a welcome addition. Now points are taken away for no coffee maker in room (electric tea pot instead), no clock radio, no microwave in the room (but a microwave open is available to use in dining area). I would like to note and give points for the great conversation/seating areas in lobby with really cool Penn State items going back to the 1900s. And while it made no practical difference to me, the bookshelf wallpaper in the hallway was a tad over the top, and if it least one wall was a solid paint the color the "vibe" would be very different. Parking is ample in the deck and the main entrance is on AB level. Be advised the elevators had issues throughout my stay, and I "assume" management knows this. The hotel does have a restaurant which has limited operating hours, however the price and quality level was very good (try the breakfast burrito, recommended by the staff). Even with some quirky issues, overall my stay was more than pleasant, the location could not have been better, the staff was very friendly, the whole experience was just great so make it a point to stay here.

This was my first stay in this hotel. As far as décor goes, this is one of the more unique hotels I've stayed, but in a good way. You literally feel like you could be in a University library. The wallpaper on the way to my room was all books on shelves. The huge lion lamp in the room was kind of cool. The bed was comfy and the room had a mini fridge and coffee maker. It was clean and well taken care of. Staff was friendly. Parking is under the hotel and costs $12 per night (added to your bill) with in and out privileges. Walking distance to a lot of restaurants/bars. We would stay here again.

I have stayed here several times . I like the rooms and the decor . My latest stay (11-1-23) was not as great :
- they added a $20 amenity fee to my bill - which they dont explain at time of reservation, check-in , or check-out . You only see it when you get your bill (by email ) after you leave When I sent an inquiry the response was its "standard" since October , and it entitles one to a free drink and free coffee . Of course no one told me that and you wont see it on their website, so I didn't get either one .
- I now drive an EV and I called ahead to reserve their one destination charger . Response was first come first serve . I arrived at 4 PM and there was someone using the charger. When i left at 11AM the next day , the same car was locked on to it !

I frequently visit State College and am sorry to say I may not be staying at the Graduate in the future

This hotel did far surpassed my expectations. Especially the front desk Karaleigh. She is awesome and told us the hotel history and other locations of this hotel. The decor is lovely and very creative. The key cards are old students ID and made you feel very special while you are staying here. We will definitely come back here or go to other locations of graduate hotel.