State College, 200 West Park Avenue40.797818,-77.871386(Show on Map)
9.3
Excellent
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+5 Photos
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Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
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Summary of reviews
The Nittany Lion Inn, nestled within the charming campus of Penn State, stands as a celebrated lodging option steeped in history and modernity. Renowned for its superb location, guests appreciate the easy accessibility to university events and local attractions, like downtown State College and iconic spots such as Rec Hall and the Pegula Ice Center. The hotel's beautifully renovated interiors invite visitors into a warm, welcoming environment enriched by classy decor and contemporary amenities, including espresso makers in the rooms. This historic establishment gracefully merges tradition with modern comforts, offering a memorable stay to parents, alumni, or anyone engaging with the vibrant essence of Penn State.
In addition to its prime location, the Nittany Lion Inn is lauded for its exceptional dining experiences. Dining venues, such as The Lionne and Dining Room, offer delectable breakfast and dinner options, complemented by attentive service and inviting atmospheres. Guests rave about the quality of food and the diverse menu, making meals at the Inn enjoyable culinary highlights. Although some express concerns about pricing, the general sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with praises for standout dishes and the option to savor Creamery ice cream. Similarly, the hotel's rooms reflect a high standard of comfort, featuring beautiful decor and modern amenities built into their historic charm. Guests frequently commend the spacious, clean rooms and the serene ambiance, enhanced by cozy beds and thoughtful design touches. This attention to detail extends throughout the hotel, with many remarking on its impeccable cleanliness and stylish updates, ensuring a restful and satisfying visit.
The Nittany Lion Inn excels in offering superior hospitality, as reflected in the many positive reviews of its staff. Guests often highlight the friendliness and professionalism of the team, noting their eagerness to assist and provide useful local insights. From the front desk to the restaurant service, the staff's efforts in creating an inviting atmosphere resonate strongly, contributing significantly to the hotel's reputation for excellence. Even with minor areas for improvement, such as Wi-Fi stability and parking clarity, the Inn's overall services are positively received, with guests appreciating valet options and nearby self-parking alternatives.
Ultimately, the Nittany Lion Inn represents a quintessential destination in State College, with its historic charm and modern amenities complementing its strategic location. The hotel's robust catalog of services, combined with its first-class guest experiences, make it a beloved choice among visitors. Those who stay often express their eagerness to return and enthusiastically recommend the Inn to others. As a beautifully restored historic icon, the Nittany Lion Inn not only encapsulates the blue and white spirit of Penn State but also provides a fabulous place to stay, solidifying its status as a premier lodging choice in the area.
Categories
Historic
Opened in 1931, this Georgian colonial style inn is a member of Historic Hotels of America and a landmark on the Penn State campus. It has hosted numerous notable guests throughout its history.
Ski
This historic inn offers a charming stay and is situated within driving distance of Tussey Mountain. Its traditional ambiance and full amenities make it suitable for ski travelers.
Business
The Nittany Lion Inn provides a historic setting and may offer business amenities for a unique stay.
Parking
This hotel offers convenient on-site parking for guests. As a landmark inn located on the Penn State campus, it provides easy access and a central location, making it a prime choice for visitors looking for hassle-free parking and accessibility to campus activities.
Free Wi-Fi
4 Star
Honeymoon
Family
Romantic
Gym
Room Types
Standard Double Room with Two Double BedsThis room features cable TV, an iPod dock, and a coffee machine.
Standard King Room - Non-Smoking This room features flat-screen TV, an alarm with iPod dock, and a Keurig coffee machine. Accessibility features are available upon request.
Deluxe Double Room with Two Double BedsThis room features a sofa, refrigerator, cable TV and an iPod docking station.
Junior SuiteThis suite features a separate seating area, microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV.
King SuiteThis suite features a separate seating area, microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV.
ApartmentThe spacious apartment has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. This apartment is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a safe deposit box. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.3
Excellent
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled right on the Penn State campus, the Nittany Lion Inn boasts a location that's hard to beat, making it an ideal choice for visitors to the university. The hotel's proximity to campus allows guests to easily walk to various university events, downtown State College, and iconic spots like Rec Hall and the Pegula Ice Center. With its beautifully renovated interiors, the inn provides a warm and inviting ambiance, complemented by classy decor and modern amenities such as espresso makers in the rooms. Guests have praised the hotel for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and overall welcoming environment. Despite the minor inconvenience of paid parking, the abundance of nearby options and the convenience of being on campus more than make up for it. This quintessentially historic and charming hotel perfectly blends tradition with modern comforts, ensuring a memorable stay for parents visiting students, alumni reconnecting with their alma mater, or anyone looking to experience the vibrant heart of Penn State.
Breakfast
Nestled in a picturesque setting, the Nittany Lion Inn earns praise from guests for its exceptional breakfast offerings, despite a few mixed opinions. The Lionne restaurant and its brunch have become standout highlights for many visitors, with diverse and appetizing dishes that cater to varied palates. Guests commend the quality of food, highlighting the blueberry pancakes and French toast as particular delights. The Dining Room and Whiskers Pub also provide satisfying breakfast and brunch experiences, enhanced by pleasant atmospheres and exceptional service. While some guests wished for improved breakfast options and pricing, others found the breakfast buffet excellent and enjoyed the convenient café on-site. Overall, the Nittany Lion Inn shines in providing memorable breakfast experiences amid a beautiful and comfortable setting.
Dinner
The dining experience at Nittany Lion Inn offers a commendable variety of options that seem to delight guests time and again. With a choice of on-site restaurants and bars, visitors are often pleased with the convenience and quality. The Leonine, known for its outstanding and sophisticated offerings, impresses with its attention to detail and white linen elegance. The Dining Room garners high praise for its exceptional service and spectacular food, making it a distinguished place for breakfast and dinner. Whiskers Pub, along with Triplett's Bar, also stands out, providing great food and cocktails in a more casual setting. The chance to enjoy Creamery ice cream adds a sweet touch to the dining experience. While some guests feel the prices can be steep during the off-season, the general consensus highlights the delicious food and abundant dining options that Nittany Lion Inn effortlessly provides.
Rooms
The Nittany Lion Inn offers a consistently high standard of accommodations that guests frequently praise. The rooms are described as beautiful, clean, and exceptionally well-appointed, showcasing spacious layouts with thoughtful design touches. Many guests appreciate the comfortable and quiet atmosphere, often highlighting the attractive decor that balances style with coziness. The recent renovations are commended for their tasteful upgrades that enhance the historic charm of the property, blending modern amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers seamlessly into the experience. The beds are noted for their comfort, and the well-maintained rooms meet guests' needs for cleanliness and convenience. Beyond the rooms, the hotel's gorgeous building and welcoming environment add to its appeal, while the friendly and professional staff contribute to making the stay even more enjoyable. Overall, the Nittany Lion Inn stands as a wonderful choice for travelers seeking comfort, style, and a touch of elegance.
Beds
The Nittany Lion Inn consistently impresses guests with its emphasis on comfort, particularly regarding its beds. Many visitors have praised the comfortable and cozy beds, often highlighting the super comfortable mattress and pillows as a standout feature. The king-size beds are frequently noted for their exceptional comfort. Guests describe the mattresses as very comfortable, contributing to restful nights, and often regard them as among the most comfortable they've experienced in a hotel setting. While the majority of guests find the bedding to be at the ideal level of firmness and support, a few have commented on personal preferences for either softer or firmer options. Overall, the beds at Nittany Lion Inn contribute significantly to a positive stay, ensuring guests feel relaxed and refreshed.
Cleanliness
Nittany Lion Inn shines with its impeccable cleanliness and comfortable accommodations, welcoming guests with its well-maintained and beautifully renovated facilities. Many visitors praise the hotel's spacious and clean rooms, which offer a serene retreat after exploring nearby Penn State's University Park Campus. Guests often describe the property as beautiful, with modern updates and stylish decor that enhance the overall experience. Despite a few minor cleaning issues, the majority find the hotel's housekeeping to be thorough and attentive, ensuring everything from the lobby to the rooms is spotless. With its clean and quiet rooms, friendly staff, and convenient location near the airport, Nittany Lion Inn provides a delightful stay, leaving guests impressed with its immaculate condition and inviting ambiance.
Staff
The Nittany Lion Inn showcases an exemplary standard of hospitality, as highlighted in numerous guest reviews. The consistent theme revolves around the hotel's outstanding staff, noted for their friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond in their service. Guests frequently commend the team for being exceptionally accommodating and polite, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere from the moment of check-in. Management and support staff, including the front desk and bellboy, are often mentioned for their efficiency and courteous demeanor, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The staff's intimate knowledge of the local area, combined with their amiable nature, provides guests with valuable insights and recommendations, making each stay both comfortable and informative. Attentive service permeates every aspect, from bar staff to servers in the restaurant and lounge areas, reinforcing the Inn's tradition of first-class service delivery. The warm and helpful interaction with guests further complements the Inn’s beautiful ambiance and iconic charm, making the Nittany Lion Inn a memorable destination for visitors seeking exemplary hospitality coupled with exquisite surroundings.
Wi-Fi
The Nittany Lion Inn offers a range of services that enhance the guest experience, including a complimentary local shuttle service that guests have appreciated for its convenience. However, while some guests have found the free Wi-Fi to be fast, others have encountered instability, particularly in their rooms. Issues with connectivity have prevented guests from accessing work-related tasks, highlighting the need for improvement in this area.
Parking
The Nittany Lion Inn offers a variety of parking options that cater to diverse guest preferences, enhancing the convenience of their stay. Many guests appreciated the complimentary parking, noting it as a valuable perk. For those who opt for valet service, the experience was described as organized and efficient, though some felt the valet fee was on the higher side, particularly concerning accessibility needs. Guests also mentioned the proximity of a parking garage next door, which provided an easy and convenient self-parking alternative with ample space. Despite some initial confusion with parking options, the overall accessibility and variety of choices were generally well-received by visitors, allowing them to park and explore the area with ease.
4 Star
Nittany Lion Inn consistently receives glowing reviews from its guests, often noted for being a quintessential destination in State College. The hotel impresses with its impeccable standards, being particularly praised for its first-class service and outstanding customer attention. Many guests highlight the exceptional staff, who are both helpful and accommodating, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay. The shuttle service is an appreciated convenience, providing transportation to local venues and enriching the overall experience.
The location of the hotel is superb, making it a strategic spot for visitors exploring State College. The beautifully restored aesthetics and elegant decor add a touch of charm and sophistication to every stay, promising a delightful ambiance. Noted as a must-stay accommodation, guests repeatedly express eagerness to return and recommend it highly to others.
The amenities provided are top-notch, with rooms maintained in excellent condition and designed for comfort and luxury. All in all, Nittany Lion Inn is considered by many as the perfect hotel, earning its reputation as a fabulous place to stay. It's no wonder guests repeatedly look forward to their next visit, solidifying its status as a premier lodging choice in the area.
Historic
Nestled close to the heart of Penn State's original campus, the Nittany Lion Inn stands as a charming testament to history, blending classic appeal with modern comforts. This 90-year-old hotel is a beautifully maintained, historic icon, embodying the essence of Penn State without the intrusion of brand name shops. Recent renovations have been carried out with historical sensitivity, ensuring that the inn retains its unique and quaint character. Visitors can appreciate the stunning detail in the decor, which pays homage to the past while providing updated amenities. The interior boasts multiple lounge areas and ballrooms, mirroring the elegance of Old World service and comfort. The hotel's historic ambiance and ties to the school evoke a deep sense of tradition, making it a perfect embodiment of the blue and white spirit that defines Penn State. This beautiful, classic hotel continues to enchant guests and recalls the reasons why the Nittany Lion Inn holds a special place in the hearts of many.
FAQ
No, Nittany Lion Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Nittany Lion Inn.
No, Nittany Lion Inn doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Nittany Lion Inn.