Graduate by Hilton State College

Graduate by Hilton State College: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Graduate by Hilton State College stands out as a charming and uniquely themed boutique hotel, highly regarded for its prime location and distinctive collegiate ambiance. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for offering a notable experience, particularly appealing to visitors connected with Penn State University.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton State College is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in strong guest ratings. Agoda reports an impressive overall rating of 8.7, with exceptional scores for cleanliness (9.2) and location (9.6). Hotels.com shows a "Wonderful" rating of 9.0 based on over 1,000 reviews, and TripAdvisor rates it 4.2 out of 5. Guests frequently praise the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and unique style. While the sentiment is largely positive, some recurring criticisms relate to service consistency and value perception.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Graduate by Hilton State College:

• Location: The hotel's central location is a standout feature, positioned just one block from Penn State University and within easy walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants. This makes it an ideal base for university visits, gamedays, and exploring local attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "college clubhouse" design is a major draw, with playful yet tasteful Penn State-themed decor throughout. This includes Nittany Lion lamps, "We Are" pillows, football carvings on headboards, and even ice cream wallpaper in the bathrooms, referencing the famous Berkey Creamery.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the comfortable beds, free in-room WiFi, and 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes. Complimentary bike rentals are also available, and the hotel is pet-friendly.
• Service: Many reviews highlight the attentive, friendly, and professional staff who contribute to a welcoming experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Graduate by Hilton State College are described as exceptionally comfortable, spotless, and cozy, featuring modern bathrooms with thoughtful touches. They are uniquely designed with a strong collegiate theme, incorporating Penn State's blue and white colors and subtle university references. Room amenities typically include a plush bed, writing desk, lounge chair, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. However, some guests have noted that the water can be very soft, making it difficult to rinse off soap. Other criticisms include old-school HVAC units, limited storage space in some rooms, and some bathrooms lacking shower doors or sufficient counter space, which can lead to water spilling onto the floor.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Trophy Room, serves American cuisine for breakfast and dinner, along with drinks and late-night options. The menu is designed to be playful, reflecting regional flavors and local influences. While many guests have enjoyed the tasty food, breakfast options have been described by some as limited. Service at the Trophy Room can occasionally be slow, with some guests reporting understaffing and a deliberate pace from the kitchen. A daily $10 food and beverage credit is included with the hotel's mandatory destination charge.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Graduate by Hilton State College generally receives high marks for being friendly, professional, helpful, and accommodating, ensuring guests feel well-cared for. However, some guests have reported inconsistent service, particularly at the front desk, where staff sometimes appeared disengaged or uninformative. Internal employee reviews also suggest potential issues with management bias and unequal application of disciplinary actions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "remarkable" location with a 9.6 rating, situated in the heart of downtown State College, just one block from Penn State University. This offers excellent accessibility to campus, local shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania and the Palmer Museum of Art. The property is also wheelchair accessible, providing accessible parking, elevators, and dedicated concierge and registration desks.

7. Value & Pricing

Graduate by Hilton State College is often considered to offer good value, receiving an 8.9 rating for value on Agoda. While positioned slightly above the average hotel price in State College, with typical rates between $251 and $300 per night, guests often feel the superior service, stylish decor, and prime location justify the premium. However, some guests have found the price to be high given the number of amenities. It's worth noting that a nightly $10 amenity fee (plus tax) and a $15 per night parking fee are additional costs.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms of the Graduate by Hilton State College include:

• Noise: Guests have reported noise issues from nearby construction and internal sources like HVAC units and elevators.
• Service Inconsistencies: Some experiences with front desk staff have been described as unenthusiastic or unhelpful in providing information without prompting.
• Dining Service & Options: Slow service and limited breakfast choices at the Trophy Room have been mentioned.
• Parking: The on-site parking is subject to a fee and has been described as cramped and challenging to navigate.
• Room-Specific Issues: Complaints have included a "bad smell" on corridors potentially from renovations, peculiar-smelling shampoo, slippery bathrooms, and window curtains that do not fully darken the room. Some rooms also reportedly lack sufficient storage or feature poorly designed showers.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. hotels.com
3. hilton.com
4. kayak.com
5. booking.com
6. michelin.com
7. happyvalley.com
8. paigemindsthegap.com
9. booking.com
10. milestomemories.com
11. indeed.com