My daughters quinceañera party was there. I arranged everything very nicely. My friend, Bertica Garcia, a formidable interior decorator, came to arrange the flowers bouquets and the center pieces. The catering manager assigned to our party was Vincent-killian, Joy. He couldn't be more helpful. If once you need someone, he is the person. Chuck Fong took the pictures and Dj Try Breon made that party alive! The place was majestic. The food was very very good. The menu was Italian and they gave us a chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmelos. It was just one detail I didnt like. We invited 55 people and just 35 showed up, so there was 1/2 menu left. They didn't let us take anything to go. I felt it was my right because I paid for it and they said NO! I was so disappointed about it!
(4)
Terri H.
For over seven years I have been a hostage of fortune, so-to-speak, and am forced to stay here at least once or twice a year. And each time, I hope that I will experience what makes folks all 'googly' for this place. And each time... I am underwhelmed. Location/parking. Directly on campus, with a narrow, tiny lot across the way, or a parking garage two blocks away. Adequate. Being on campus... Not an attraction for anyone who is not an alum, and actually, quite an annoyance. Check in. Seldom smooth, and even less than welcoming. Usually the staff (students?) seem less than interested in the guest and more interested in talking to each other. The rooms. In over 7 years of 1, 2, or even 3 visits a year I have gotten one of the renovated rooms once. The remainder of the time, gross, dated rooms that are merely average in cleanliness. At best. And good luck getting to it, you will be going through what seems to be a labyrinth of narrow hallways and twists and turns. Amenities are meh. The elevators are terrifying. The meeting rooms. Dank and in the basement. One we keep getting graced with has a strong mold smell, and several md/scent sensitive folks get really sick. And mobile reception? Forget about it! Wifi? Ditto! Food. Nothing special, and is typical food service/Sysco type stuff. The Penn Stater is a much nicer experience, As is the Hilton Garden Inn or many other hotels in State College. I think the Penn State Nostalgia is what makes folks all excited about this hotel... And trust me. There is nothing exciting about it. Not the best, not the worst, but still something to simply be endured,
(2)
Ray G.
Clean and comfortable. Free ATT wifi. Parking gargae nearby or you can valet. staff friendly.
(4)
Alanna B.
I remember the food as very good, but what stood out in my mind (and still does) is their FAMOUS Lobster Bisque!! (Now I found the recipe since I don't live in SC anymore). I dream of this soup at night....so good. I have tried many locations' lobster bisque, and this one is still tops. Service was attentive and staff was courteous. Can you get that my review states you should try the Lobster Bisque?? :-)
(5)
Fern K.
I enjoyed my stay here. This is an historic building and the decor is consistent. The furnishings are semi colonial style but not shabby or uncomfortable. The room was a nice size and had some little amenities which I appreciated such as real glass glasses and ceramic mugs with the coffee maker as well as a nice size fridge and microwave. There is complementary coffee in the AM and I had a great omelet in the Dining Room. We were on the first floor but it was very quiet. I'd definitely come back.
(4)
Jeff N.
THE place to stay in State College. Good facilities. The restaurant is top-notch. And it's a great learning experience for students in the highly-ranked Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt program who will soon join the hospitality industry full-time. Two draw-backs (both minor): the in-room wifi could be a little stronger, and the rooms do not have safes. These should not nearly be enough to discourage you.
(5)
Craig L.
Outstanding place to go for dinner at Penn State university. Upscale environment... Very cozy... outstanding professional courteous service. Food was outstanding especially the braised short ribs and the pan seared scallops. I would highly recommend the Nittany lion inn.. the dining room is a must do.
(4)
Grace M.
As a Penn State alum, I had naturally dreamed as a poor college student that I would one day return to campus and bring my family to stay at the Nittany Lion Inn for a football game. That fantasy finally came true last weekend when I brought my three teenaged boys and husband to PSU for homecoming. And boy was it a disappointment. The whole experience left me feeling that we weren't special and that we should be grateful for being able to stay there rather than that they valued our business. The worst part is that our rooms cost over $400 per night, no breakfast included. We have had better rooms in NYC, LA and Sydney, AUS for less! Parking is a bit of a mess upon arrival. There is valet but few valet drivers so it's not clear where to leave our car upon arrival and no one or signage to explain. Throughout the weekend, this continued to be true and we were never able to leave our car with the valet because of lack of drivers, though free self parking in a nearby garage was available. Check in took a while as they had to sort out our two rooms. The young clerk at the front desk was very sweet. Kids filled up in free apples. We got to our two rooms and it was like going back in time to the Reagan-era. Floral bedspread, dark wood furniture, dated bathroom, furniture crowding the awkwardly shaped room. One sink in the bathroom. Shower inside a giant jacuzzi tub with shower head in a fixed and unusable position. Like going to your parents house if they had never updated their record in 20 years. There were two bottles of water in the room, but no extras to justify the sky high price. We walked downtown for the parade and dinner and when we were ready to head back to the hotel I noticed a Nittany Lion Inn van dropping off some people along college avenue. Pooped, I thought a ride back to the hotel would be welcome and asked the driver how we could get a ride in the shuttle. Since it was empty, I assumed he would tell us to hop in. Instead he said in a haughty tone that any rides had to be arranged in advance and were subject to availability of driver and van. And off he drove in his empty van to the very place we now had to traipse uphill to get to. Given the Four Seasons-level price, I expected to be treated like a Four Seasons guest. Instead I felt unwelcome. Don't see us staying here again. So disappointed.
(2)
Frank S.
If you want old time high class non chain hotels with character, the INN is the way to go. This hotel has been around since 1931 and had a wonderful reputation with it completely upholds.This is a true 4 star hotel that caters to the people who stay there like no other. The food is also excellent too. The rooms have old world charm with modern conveniences. Its a must stay if you are ever in State college pa..
(5)
DropIt S.
I recently stayed here with my family when my son visited Penn State for a visiting day. All the hotel staff was super nice and helpful, and the dining in the hotel is superb. The rooms are clean, very well decorated, and the hotel was a very enjoyable experience all together. This will definitely be the place that I say the next time I visit.
(5)
Tamara K.
I've been here a week and enjoying it. The food is good but the rooms could use some updating. The staff is super friendly and the location is awesome.... Especially to the tiger. I'd stay here again and the prices are fair.
(4)
Joe C.
Stayed here recently for a conference. The furniture was adequate. It wasn't fabulous and it wasn't bad, just decent. The rooms were nice. The restaurants were ok. The staff was very friendly and the location was great!
(4)
Jeffrey B.
We ate in the pub and the wait staff was very nice, not their fault that the food was miserable, we had burgers and fish and chips. The burgers were a 6 oz hockey pucks and the fish and chips had skin on it. I thought this place was papering penn state kids for the food service business. What a huge disappointment we should have stayed down town and got Five Guys burgers. Over priced and not good. During our last visit we ate at the restaurant and had a full priced dinner, my son was in the mood for a steak and he ordered what they called on the menu a aged steak, what a joke and at NY prices, really a disgrace. I ordered the baked 1/2 chicken and it was mushy like it had been boiled. So when we finished my wife said we should have eaten in the pub and as you from what I said above the pub was just as bad. Come on guys you should be better than this, a very disappointed parent.
(1)
Michelle C.
After checking out The Penn Stater for a conference, it is clear that the Nittany Lion Inn is not as nice facility-wise. However, of the two locations, I still prefer the Nittany Lion Inn. The rooms are a decent size and I love that they have an additional vanity/sink outside of the bathroom as well. They also upgraded to flat-screen TVs. The bedding and other decor is very old-fashioned, which I get is the general vibe of the hotel, but that doesn't mean the stuff can't be replaced every now and again. The same style comforters are still being used since the first time I was here, three years ago. Also, the hotel does not have conditioner so get ready for some straw-like hair if you didn't remember to pack your own. Definitely the best feature of the Inn is the location. I'm not sure what some people consider to be "far," but there are loads of bars, restaurants and shops less than a half mile away. I don't mind the walk at all if it means not having to drive and being able to see some of the campus as well as the local hang-outs.
(3)
Dan L.
When I booked my reservation for the PSU Mac Admins conference this year the hotel that I wanted to stay at was completely booked up so I had to find another alternative. Fortunately the Nittany Lion was offering discounts to conference attendees, so my co-worker and I ended up booking our stay here. The Nittany Lion is a nice place to stay; however, to me it seemed a little "dated", especially for the price that one has to pay to stay there. I honestly felt at times like I was the youngest person staying at that hotel as it seemed like the clientele who frequented the Nittany were in their "golden years". Also, the place had that kind of vibe that further made me feel slightly out of place as far as that goes. Aside from that, the staff was nice and courteous from check-in to check-out. One nice thing about the Nittany was that it was not far from the downtown area so getting out and about was not bad at all. I'd say downtown was roughly a couple of minutes down the road, so as far as location and getting around goes, this place is a good stop to stay. I probably won't be back to the Nittany unless there is a function or something there, but overall it wasn't bad...just not my kinda place.
(3)
Michael W.
If you want to stay at a hotel in State College, and don't want it to be swarmed with college kids, then the Nittany Lion Inn is your spot. It has it's own private lot right on the edge of campus, which makes it convenient enough to get around campus and to the football stadium. I have not stayed at the Inn itself, but I've been here countless times for various events. Coming into the Nittany Lion Inn, you're greeted by a nice staff and a very respectable front desk. This place definitely looks out of place in State College. At the Inn, there are a couple places to eat. I had the chance to eat at the restaurant, which wasn't too bad. They either have a buffet style, or good old made to order. Aside from the food and hotel rooms, they do have a conference/event area on the basement floor. There are plenty of event rooms, and they tend to cater with small sandwiches and cheese. Best hotel at PSU, but that's not saying much either.
(3)
Yaima R.
I haven't stayed here but their seafood buffet is very good. Really fresh oysters and tons of choices of fish, scallops, shrimp, etc. I liked the oysters and lobster bisque the best, really delicious.
(4)
Jim G.
If you are going for dinner at the Inn then the Friday night Seafood Buffet is well worth a try. The buffet has a wide variety of fresh selections from raw to cooked to order. The fresh mussels and scallops were cooked to perfection. The desserts are good and the ice creamy from the Penn State Creamery is a good finish. Polite, friendly service also helped the dining experience. If you are looking for a nice place in State College give the Inn a try, I'll be back for sure.
(4)
Lauren P.
Stayed for two nights for an out of town wedding. We were lucky to get a discounted rate since a group of us were booking as guests of a wedding being held in town. Check-in went smoothly and the staff is very friendly and offer directions to places on campus you may want to go. They seemed to always have about 2-3 workers standing at the front doors of the hotel holding them open for guests. The basket of apples in the lobby for guests was a nice touch. Our room was clean and comfortable. My only complaint is that the floors are mazes of rooms and you may have a very long walk from the elevator to your room. The hotel is within walking distant of downtown and a short walk to many restaurants and bars. The only issue we faced was when checking out. The front desk staff member that took care of us had a very difficult time splitting the room between 2 credit cards. He ended up charging a card twice then credited the wrong card. He wasn't confident in his ability to fix the situation so I hope it comes out ok on my next statement.
I left two jackets behind on a recent stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, my two nicest pieces of clothing by far. Not only did they mail them back to me, but they did so quickly and free of charge. Was very appreciative of this extra level of service.
(5)
G M.
Overpriced, the lobster bisque was good, but not great. The burger was burnt to a crisp and the fries were cold, not worth the money and very little attention to detail. As an alum, I've even more disappointed by the experience. They do jave a good beer liat, but you'll pay for that privi
(2)
Jim D.
The Nittany Lion Inn provided me with a very positive experience. The staff is extremely efficient, courteous, and friendly. The check in was smooth and the room was ready as soon as we arrived. The room size was fair and the bed was comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the bathroom. Like the other reviews mention, the location of the hotel is awesome. It's just a short walk to downtown State College and all the restaurant and bars. It's also not right smack in the middle of all the ruckus so you're assured a quiet night's sleep. There's nothing more annoying than waking up to the sound of drunk college kids trying to sing at 2am. No thanks. If you get the opportunity, I would highly recommend trying the Sunday Brunch buffet. It's a delicious yet elegant way to end your stay at this very nice hotel. Just be wary if you order the pancakes: they're easily bigger than your face. You've been warned.
(4)
Tighe R.
Had a stay this past weekend at the Nittany Lion Inn along with my college roommates and we had an amazing time. The shuttle service is extremely convenient, the location is awesome, and the rooms were clean and beautiful. Cannot wait until my next stay at the NLI.
(5)
Rob P.
I haven't stayed here, but I've been to a few functions here. The Inn is always clean and the staff is friendly.
(4)
Joe M.
Ate there in December 2012 for graduation celebration. They had a brunch or menu ordering available. Our party did both. The brunch buffet was good with a lot of selection. I would not call all the food outstanding. Several people ordered off the menu and had very average salads and crab cake sandwich. The atmosphere was fine, but the food would just be okay.
(3)
Mike S.
The complimentary apples are a nice touch. The complimentary bed bug bites I could have done without. At least 2 people from my party woke up with noticeable bug bites. Another person had a brand new dress shirt ruined by a rusty iron in the room hours before a wedding. The biggest perk of this hotel seems to be it's convenience to the Penn State campus, and that's all it is. If you're not an alum with a full itinerary of gushing over the stadium and all your old dorms while you stay, you're left with cheap lumpy pillows, and questionable sanitary conditions for a hotel of this stature. But seriously, the apples were delicious.
(2)
Alissa H.
We recently stayed here for a wedding and were very pleased with our experience. Parts of the hotel are a bit dated, but the rooms, although a tad small, were clean. The bathroom was huge and had the largest tub I've ever seen in a hotel room. The staff is the most helpful and friendly that I have ever encountered. The hotel also provided a shuttle service so guests don't need to pay to take taxis around town. The wedding reception was beautiful and the food was very good as well. My only complaint is that the hot tub wasn't very hot, and the jets spray straight upward so the water constantly hits you in the face.
(4)
V. N.
They are slow w/ crediting for bad service. Got the romantic pkg. Never received the free dinner nor free breakfast. Paid a lot. Now have to keep call and leave messages to receive my refund.
(2)
Josh G.
You provided life. Although cockroaches abound. One fell from air vent.
(3)
Robert B.
This is a wonderful hotel. The convenient location at the western edge of the campus is what sold us on giving it a try. It's little more expensive than some other nearby choices but well worth the added expense. Well appointed, comfortable beds, spot on service... honestly for the quality I was surprised how inexpensive the rooms were. The bar and the restaurant are added attractions. Very Happy!
(4)
Terri I.
Went there this past weekend to celebrate my nieces graduation. Reservations were made months in advance. We were when we arrived the waiter advised that ordering from the menu instead of doing the buffet would be a long wait for dinner, approximately 30-40 minutes due to a wedding that was there. Ok, no big deal. Some of us ordered from the menu and we waited, and waited and waited. Took 2 hours to get our food after asking where our food was twice! Also took an hour and a half to get the first round of drinks delivered. when the drinks came, our server didn't know what drink was what and decided to put his nose in each glass to smell to see what drink was what. Buffet was ok, some of the hot food was hardly warm. The prime rib was delicious. Not much variety on the buffets. Asked the waiter what the delay for delivery of our meals and he said he kept getting called to other tables for various things and couldn't get to us. Hummmmmm, seems like staffing wasn't sufficient for a large party and a wedding. Management needs to look into that, especially on a weekend of graduation AND college kids returning to school. I did see a lot of staff just standing around throughout our dining experience. When we requested the bill, the manager came to us and said they were not charging us for anything. I felt that this was not fair to the restaurant and we weren't looking for a free meal. Should have comped the bar bill or the buffet eaters or something like that. We were a large party of 20. Don't think I'd return to the restaurant again due to lack of staffing, lack of training and manager being MIA when we asked to speak to him twice.
(2)
RObert G.
My wife and I have been staying at the Nittany Lion Inn at least once a year for over ten years and we have always been very pleased. The rooms, hallways, and common areas are always spotlessly clean and look as if new. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The Inn is located on the campus of Penn State and it is an easy walk (about 10 minutes) to downtown or the center of the campus. The Inn is entirely smoke free.
(5)
Angel R.
On the plus side . . . Consistantly clean. Staff is helpful. They have never lost or screwed up a reservation. And you can't beat the convenience to campus. On the con side . . . Definitely a conference/blue hair/parent place to stay. Nowhere near the college strip, making going out to the bars or restarants where the students a driving/parking effort. Beds aren't all that confortable.
(4)
Andrew M.
I really enjoyed staying here. First the location is great if you are doing anything on campus. Once I parked my car in there parking lot I didn't have to move it once. The staff here was very friendly and helpful. My room was clean and fairly large. My only complaints would have been poor pressure in the shower and some uncomfortable pillows. Next time I am at PSU I will definitely stay here.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Garage, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sa K.
My daughters quinceañera party was there. I arranged everything very nicely. My friend, Bertica Garcia, a formidable interior decorator, came to arrange the flowers bouquets and the center pieces. The catering manager assigned to our party was Vincent-killian, Joy. He couldn't be more helpful. If once you need someone, he is the person. Chuck Fong took the pictures and Dj Try Breon made that party alive! The place was majestic. The food was very very good. The menu was Italian and they gave us a chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmelos. It was just one detail I didnt like. We invited 55 people and just 35 showed up, so there was 1/2 menu left. They didn't let us take anything to go. I felt it was my right because I paid for it and they said NO! I was so disappointed about it!
(4)Terri H.
For over seven years I have been a hostage of fortune, so-to-speak, and am forced to stay here at least once or twice a year. And each time, I hope that I will experience what makes folks all 'googly' for this place. And each time... I am underwhelmed. Location/parking. Directly on campus, with a narrow, tiny lot across the way, or a parking garage two blocks away. Adequate. Being on campus... Not an attraction for anyone who is not an alum, and actually, quite an annoyance. Check in. Seldom smooth, and even less than welcoming. Usually the staff (students?) seem less than interested in the guest and more interested in talking to each other. The rooms. In over 7 years of 1, 2, or even 3 visits a year I have gotten one of the renovated rooms once. The remainder of the time, gross, dated rooms that are merely average in cleanliness. At best. And good luck getting to it, you will be going through what seems to be a labyrinth of narrow hallways and twists and turns. Amenities are meh. The elevators are terrifying. The meeting rooms. Dank and in the basement. One we keep getting graced with has a strong mold smell, and several md/scent sensitive folks get really sick. And mobile reception? Forget about it! Wifi? Ditto! Food. Nothing special, and is typical food service/Sysco type stuff. The Penn Stater is a much nicer experience, As is the Hilton Garden Inn or many other hotels in State College. I think the Penn State Nostalgia is what makes folks all excited about this hotel... And trust me. There is nothing exciting about it. Not the best, not the worst, but still something to simply be endured,
(2)Ray G.
Clean and comfortable. Free ATT wifi. Parking gargae nearby or you can valet. staff friendly.
(4)Alanna B.
I remember the food as very good, but what stood out in my mind (and still does) is their FAMOUS Lobster Bisque!! (Now I found the recipe since I don't live in SC anymore). I dream of this soup at night....so good. I have tried many locations' lobster bisque, and this one is still tops. Service was attentive and staff was courteous. Can you get that my review states you should try the Lobster Bisque?? :-)
(5)Fern K.
I enjoyed my stay here. This is an historic building and the decor is consistent. The furnishings are semi colonial style but not shabby or uncomfortable. The room was a nice size and had some little amenities which I appreciated such as real glass glasses and ceramic mugs with the coffee maker as well as a nice size fridge and microwave. There is complementary coffee in the AM and I had a great omelet in the Dining Room. We were on the first floor but it was very quiet. I'd definitely come back.
(4)Jeff N.
THE place to stay in State College. Good facilities. The restaurant is top-notch. And it's a great learning experience for students in the highly-ranked Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt program who will soon join the hospitality industry full-time. Two draw-backs (both minor): the in-room wifi could be a little stronger, and the rooms do not have safes. These should not nearly be enough to discourage you.
(5)Craig L.
Outstanding place to go for dinner at Penn State university. Upscale environment... Very cozy... outstanding professional courteous service. Food was outstanding especially the braised short ribs and the pan seared scallops. I would highly recommend the Nittany lion inn.. the dining room is a must do.
(4)Grace M.
As a Penn State alum, I had naturally dreamed as a poor college student that I would one day return to campus and bring my family to stay at the Nittany Lion Inn for a football game. That fantasy finally came true last weekend when I brought my three teenaged boys and husband to PSU for homecoming. And boy was it a disappointment. The whole experience left me feeling that we weren't special and that we should be grateful for being able to stay there rather than that they valued our business. The worst part is that our rooms cost over $400 per night, no breakfast included. We have had better rooms in NYC, LA and Sydney, AUS for less! Parking is a bit of a mess upon arrival. There is valet but few valet drivers so it's not clear where to leave our car upon arrival and no one or signage to explain. Throughout the weekend, this continued to be true and we were never able to leave our car with the valet because of lack of drivers, though free self parking in a nearby garage was available. Check in took a while as they had to sort out our two rooms. The young clerk at the front desk was very sweet. Kids filled up in free apples. We got to our two rooms and it was like going back in time to the Reagan-era. Floral bedspread, dark wood furniture, dated bathroom, furniture crowding the awkwardly shaped room. One sink in the bathroom. Shower inside a giant jacuzzi tub with shower head in a fixed and unusable position. Like going to your parents house if they had never updated their record in 20 years. There were two bottles of water in the room, but no extras to justify the sky high price. We walked downtown for the parade and dinner and when we were ready to head back to the hotel I noticed a Nittany Lion Inn van dropping off some people along college avenue. Pooped, I thought a ride back to the hotel would be welcome and asked the driver how we could get a ride in the shuttle. Since it was empty, I assumed he would tell us to hop in. Instead he said in a haughty tone that any rides had to be arranged in advance and were subject to availability of driver and van. And off he drove in his empty van to the very place we now had to traipse uphill to get to. Given the Four Seasons-level price, I expected to be treated like a Four Seasons guest. Instead I felt unwelcome. Don't see us staying here again. So disappointed.
(2)Frank S.
If you want old time high class non chain hotels with character, the INN is the way to go. This hotel has been around since 1931 and had a wonderful reputation with it completely upholds.This is a true 4 star hotel that caters to the people who stay there like no other. The food is also excellent too. The rooms have old world charm with modern conveniences. Its a must stay if you are ever in State college pa..
(5)DropIt S.
I recently stayed here with my family when my son visited Penn State for a visiting day. All the hotel staff was super nice and helpful, and the dining in the hotel is superb. The rooms are clean, very well decorated, and the hotel was a very enjoyable experience all together. This will definitely be the place that I say the next time I visit.
(5)Tamara K.
I've been here a week and enjoying it. The food is good but the rooms could use some updating. The staff is super friendly and the location is awesome.... Especially to the tiger. I'd stay here again and the prices are fair.
(4)Joe C.
Stayed here recently for a conference. The furniture was adequate. It wasn't fabulous and it wasn't bad, just decent. The rooms were nice. The restaurants were ok. The staff was very friendly and the location was great!
(4)Jeffrey B.
We ate in the pub and the wait staff was very nice, not their fault that the food was miserable, we had burgers and fish and chips. The burgers were a 6 oz hockey pucks and the fish and chips had skin on it. I thought this place was papering penn state kids for the food service business. What a huge disappointment we should have stayed down town and got Five Guys burgers. Over priced and not good. During our last visit we ate at the restaurant and had a full priced dinner, my son was in the mood for a steak and he ordered what they called on the menu a aged steak, what a joke and at NY prices, really a disgrace. I ordered the baked 1/2 chicken and it was mushy like it had been boiled. So when we finished my wife said we should have eaten in the pub and as you from what I said above the pub was just as bad. Come on guys you should be better than this, a very disappointed parent.
(1)Michelle C.
After checking out The Penn Stater for a conference, it is clear that the Nittany Lion Inn is not as nice facility-wise. However, of the two locations, I still prefer the Nittany Lion Inn. The rooms are a decent size and I love that they have an additional vanity/sink outside of the bathroom as well. They also upgraded to flat-screen TVs. The bedding and other decor is very old-fashioned, which I get is the general vibe of the hotel, but that doesn't mean the stuff can't be replaced every now and again. The same style comforters are still being used since the first time I was here, three years ago. Also, the hotel does not have conditioner so get ready for some straw-like hair if you didn't remember to pack your own. Definitely the best feature of the Inn is the location. I'm not sure what some people consider to be "far," but there are loads of bars, restaurants and shops less than a half mile away. I don't mind the walk at all if it means not having to drive and being able to see some of the campus as well as the local hang-outs.
(3)Dan L.
When I booked my reservation for the PSU Mac Admins conference this year the hotel that I wanted to stay at was completely booked up so I had to find another alternative. Fortunately the Nittany Lion was offering discounts to conference attendees, so my co-worker and I ended up booking our stay here. The Nittany Lion is a nice place to stay; however, to me it seemed a little "dated", especially for the price that one has to pay to stay there. I honestly felt at times like I was the youngest person staying at that hotel as it seemed like the clientele who frequented the Nittany were in their "golden years". Also, the place had that kind of vibe that further made me feel slightly out of place as far as that goes. Aside from that, the staff was nice and courteous from check-in to check-out. One nice thing about the Nittany was that it was not far from the downtown area so getting out and about was not bad at all. I'd say downtown was roughly a couple of minutes down the road, so as far as location and getting around goes, this place is a good stop to stay. I probably won't be back to the Nittany unless there is a function or something there, but overall it wasn't bad...just not my kinda place.
(3)Michael W.
If you want to stay at a hotel in State College, and don't want it to be swarmed with college kids, then the Nittany Lion Inn is your spot. It has it's own private lot right on the edge of campus, which makes it convenient enough to get around campus and to the football stadium. I have not stayed at the Inn itself, but I've been here countless times for various events. Coming into the Nittany Lion Inn, you're greeted by a nice staff and a very respectable front desk. This place definitely looks out of place in State College. At the Inn, there are a couple places to eat. I had the chance to eat at the restaurant, which wasn't too bad. They either have a buffet style, or good old made to order. Aside from the food and hotel rooms, they do have a conference/event area on the basement floor. There are plenty of event rooms, and they tend to cater with small sandwiches and cheese. Best hotel at PSU, but that's not saying much either.
(3)Yaima R.
I haven't stayed here but their seafood buffet is very good. Really fresh oysters and tons of choices of fish, scallops, shrimp, etc. I liked the oysters and lobster bisque the best, really delicious.
(4)Jim G.
If you are going for dinner at the Inn then the Friday night Seafood Buffet is well worth a try. The buffet has a wide variety of fresh selections from raw to cooked to order. The fresh mussels and scallops were cooked to perfection. The desserts are good and the ice creamy from the Penn State Creamery is a good finish. Polite, friendly service also helped the dining experience. If you are looking for a nice place in State College give the Inn a try, I'll be back for sure.
(4)Lauren P.
Stayed for two nights for an out of town wedding. We were lucky to get a discounted rate since a group of us were booking as guests of a wedding being held in town. Check-in went smoothly and the staff is very friendly and offer directions to places on campus you may want to go. They seemed to always have about 2-3 workers standing at the front doors of the hotel holding them open for guests. The basket of apples in the lobby for guests was a nice touch. Our room was clean and comfortable. My only complaint is that the floors are mazes of rooms and you may have a very long walk from the elevator to your room. The hotel is within walking distant of downtown and a short walk to many restaurants and bars. The only issue we faced was when checking out. The front desk staff member that took care of us had a very difficult time splitting the room between 2 credit cards. He ended up charging a card twice then credited the wrong card. He wasn't confident in his ability to fix the situation so I hope it comes out ok on my next statement.
(3)Richard L.
What do you look for in a hotel? There are several factors, and the Nittany Lion Inn scores extremely well on all of them. Location. The Inn is located right on campus / on the Southwest corner. Very easy to walk to anything Penn State from here. Appearance & Décor. The hotel is in a nice looking 4 story sprawling building, with nice furniture, tables, chairs, couches, fireplaces scattered throughout. The hotel rooms are of good size, well appointed, beds are very comfortable. The Staff. Extremely professional, polished, pleasant and polite. They are students from the PSU Hospitality program and are clearly well trained. The restaurant onsite is very nice as well, large, and food is good. The bar onsite is called Whiskers, and it is a nice place to cap off an evening, and munch on the free popcorn. Price. To quote Bob, the price is right. I would absolutely pay an extra $40 per night and stay here over the Days Inn or other nearby hotels. The Nittany Lion in steeped in tradition, is an establishment at Penn State. So, next time you are staying in State College / visiting Penn State, follow the adage: When in Rome...
(5)Allan M.
I left two jackets behind on a recent stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, my two nicest pieces of clothing by far. Not only did they mail them back to me, but they did so quickly and free of charge. Was very appreciative of this extra level of service.
(5)G M.
Overpriced, the lobster bisque was good, but not great. The burger was burnt to a crisp and the fries were cold, not worth the money and very little attention to detail. As an alum, I've even more disappointed by the experience. They do jave a good beer liat, but you'll pay for that privi
(2)Jim D.
The Nittany Lion Inn provided me with a very positive experience. The staff is extremely efficient, courteous, and friendly. The check in was smooth and the room was ready as soon as we arrived. The room size was fair and the bed was comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the bathroom. Like the other reviews mention, the location of the hotel is awesome. It's just a short walk to downtown State College and all the restaurant and bars. It's also not right smack in the middle of all the ruckus so you're assured a quiet night's sleep. There's nothing more annoying than waking up to the sound of drunk college kids trying to sing at 2am. No thanks. If you get the opportunity, I would highly recommend trying the Sunday Brunch buffet. It's a delicious yet elegant way to end your stay at this very nice hotel. Just be wary if you order the pancakes: they're easily bigger than your face. You've been warned.
(4)Tighe R.
Had a stay this past weekend at the Nittany Lion Inn along with my college roommates and we had an amazing time. The shuttle service is extremely convenient, the location is awesome, and the rooms were clean and beautiful. Cannot wait until my next stay at the NLI.
(5)Rob P.
I haven't stayed here, but I've been to a few functions here. The Inn is always clean and the staff is friendly.
(4)Joe M.
Ate there in December 2012 for graduation celebration. They had a brunch or menu ordering available. Our party did both. The brunch buffet was good with a lot of selection. I would not call all the food outstanding. Several people ordered off the menu and had very average salads and crab cake sandwich. The atmosphere was fine, but the food would just be okay.
(3)Mike S.
The complimentary apples are a nice touch. The complimentary bed bug bites I could have done without. At least 2 people from my party woke up with noticeable bug bites. Another person had a brand new dress shirt ruined by a rusty iron in the room hours before a wedding. The biggest perk of this hotel seems to be it's convenience to the Penn State campus, and that's all it is. If you're not an alum with a full itinerary of gushing over the stadium and all your old dorms while you stay, you're left with cheap lumpy pillows, and questionable sanitary conditions for a hotel of this stature. But seriously, the apples were delicious.
(2)Alissa H.
We recently stayed here for a wedding and were very pleased with our experience. Parts of the hotel are a bit dated, but the rooms, although a tad small, were clean. The bathroom was huge and had the largest tub I've ever seen in a hotel room. The staff is the most helpful and friendly that I have ever encountered. The hotel also provided a shuttle service so guests don't need to pay to take taxis around town. The wedding reception was beautiful and the food was very good as well. My only complaint is that the hot tub wasn't very hot, and the jets spray straight upward so the water constantly hits you in the face.
(4)V. N.
They are slow w/ crediting for bad service. Got the romantic pkg. Never received the free dinner nor free breakfast. Paid a lot. Now have to keep call and leave messages to receive my refund.
(2)Josh G.
You provided life. Although cockroaches abound. One fell from air vent.
(3)Robert B.
This is a wonderful hotel. The convenient location at the western edge of the campus is what sold us on giving it a try. It's little more expensive than some other nearby choices but well worth the added expense. Well appointed, comfortable beds, spot on service... honestly for the quality I was surprised how inexpensive the rooms were. The bar and the restaurant are added attractions. Very Happy!
(4)Terri I.
Went there this past weekend to celebrate my nieces graduation. Reservations were made months in advance. We were when we arrived the waiter advised that ordering from the menu instead of doing the buffet would be a long wait for dinner, approximately 30-40 minutes due to a wedding that was there. Ok, no big deal. Some of us ordered from the menu and we waited, and waited and waited. Took 2 hours to get our food after asking where our food was twice! Also took an hour and a half to get the first round of drinks delivered. when the drinks came, our server didn't know what drink was what and decided to put his nose in each glass to smell to see what drink was what. Buffet was ok, some of the hot food was hardly warm. The prime rib was delicious. Not much variety on the buffets. Asked the waiter what the delay for delivery of our meals and he said he kept getting called to other tables for various things and couldn't get to us. Hummmmmm, seems like staffing wasn't sufficient for a large party and a wedding. Management needs to look into that, especially on a weekend of graduation AND college kids returning to school. I did see a lot of staff just standing around throughout our dining experience. When we requested the bill, the manager came to us and said they were not charging us for anything. I felt that this was not fair to the restaurant and we weren't looking for a free meal. Should have comped the bar bill or the buffet eaters or something like that. We were a large party of 20. Don't think I'd return to the restaurant again due to lack of staffing, lack of training and manager being MIA when we asked to speak to him twice.
(2)RObert G.
My wife and I have been staying at the Nittany Lion Inn at least once a year for over ten years and we have always been very pleased. The rooms, hallways, and common areas are always spotlessly clean and look as if new. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The Inn is located on the campus of Penn State and it is an easy walk (about 10 minutes) to downtown or the center of the campus. The Inn is entirely smoke free.
(5)Angel R.
On the plus side . . . Consistantly clean. Staff is helpful. They have never lost or screwed up a reservation. And you can't beat the convenience to campus. On the con side . . . Definitely a conference/blue hair/parent place to stay. Nowhere near the college strip, making going out to the bars or restarants where the students a driving/parking effort. Beds aren't all that confortable.
(4)Andrew M.
I really enjoyed staying here. First the location is great if you are doing anything on campus. Once I parked my car in there parking lot I didn't have to move it once. The staff here was very friendly and helpful. My room was clean and fairly large. My only complaints would have been poor pressure in the shower and some uncomfortable pillows. Next time I am at PSU I will definitely stay here.
(4)