Hyatt Place State College: Your Perfect State College Getaway (PA)
Hyatt Place State College: My Penn State Paradise (Or, Maybe Just a Pretty Good Hotel?) - A Messy, Honest Review!
Okay, buckle up folks. This isn't going to be your sterile, corporate hotel review. This is my take on the Hyatt Place State College, and it's going to be… well, me. Expect tangents, minor kvetching, and maybe even a bit of actual helpful advice. Let's dive in!
(SEO Snippets - because Google demands it!) Hyatt Place State College review, PA hotels, State College PA lodging, Penn State University hotel, wheelchair accessible hotel, free wifi, on-site restaurant, pool, fitness center, State College travel, family-friendly hotel, business travel State College.
First Impressions - The Good and…Well, Less Good
Right off the bat, the Hyatt Place screams "modern comfort." Clean lines, bright lobby, and a friendly face at the front desk (shoutout to Brenda – she was a lifesaver!). Checking in was a breeze ( Contactless check-in/out is definitely a plus in these times). And the lobby… it’s spacious, airy, and actually feels welcoming. Plus, there's a little convenience store ( Convenience store ) which is clutch for late-night snack attacks and forgotten toiletries.
However, my first impression also included a slight sense of… well, hotel-ness. You know? That feeling of being in a place designed to be efficient, but maybe lacking a touch of soul. I'm a sucker for character, folks, and sometimes chain hotels can struggle with that. But hey, maybe I’m just being picky!
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag? (Again, I'm not going to sugarcoat it.)
Accessibility is listed as a feature, which is awesome, and the ramp up to the entrance was certainly appreciated. But I didn't personally need the full wheelchair experience, so I had to dig a bit. From what I could gather, they've made an effort. The website promises Facilities for disabled guests, and I spotted an elevator (essential!). I also noticed some accessible rooms, but I can't speak to how thoroughly accessible they are. I’d strongly recommend specifically calling and verifying details if you have accessibility needs - don't just trust a website!
Rooms - My Room, My Fortress (of Comfort)
My room ( Non-smoking , thankfully!) was clean, modern, and pretty darn comfortable. We had all the classics: Air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, desk (thank goodness!), free Wi-Fi ( Wi-Fi [free] in every room!), and a flat-screen TV with more channels than I could possibly watch. They delivered on the Daily housekeeping, which was appreciated, and the extra long bed was a godsend after a long drive. I also spotted a refrigerator which is very helpful in case you bring any groceries.
My biggest "oomph" of joy that I couldn't wait to share was the blackout curtains. Absolute game changer. Sleep is sacred, and those curtains delivered. My tiny complaint was the lighting which could be a bit harsh.
Dining – Fueling Up (or Not So Much)
Alright, let's talk food. The Hyatt Place offers the standard Breakfast [buffet] (and free breakfast in some packages!). The options are decent, especially if you’re into the Western breakfast. They have your eggs, bacon, oatmeal, and all that jazz. I’m not a huge buffet person, but it did the job. The fruit was surprisingly fresh, I'd give it an 8/10!
The restaurants are mostly limited to the Hyatt Place Express, which is your typical casual dining area. I had a few items from the A la carte in restaurant menu, primarily for convenience.. I found the food… well, serviceable. Nothing to write home about, definitely not a foodie destination. They do, however, offer room service [24-hour], which is a solid perk for late-night cravings and those days you just don't feel like leaving your room.
I did appreciate that the breakfast takeaway service was offered. It was pretty useful for my early morning trips. They also had a Snack bar which was pretty great for a quick grab.
Amenities - So Much to Do (or Not Do)
The Hyatt Place is packed with amenities, which is a big plus. They have a fitness center (I’m not a gym rat, but it looked decently equipped), and an outdoor swimming pool ( Swimming pool [outdoor] ) which looked appealing. There wasn’t a Pool with view though. If it's a warmer day, that is a big plus. They had a bar, which is nice for a nightcap.
I was particularly intrigued by the Spa/sauna facilities, but didn't utilize either. A Body wrap, Body scrub, and a Massage are offered. Given the price point, this would be a big bonus for a weary traveler.
Cleanliness & Safety - The New Normal
Okay, let’s get real. In these times, cleanliness is king. The Hyatt Place takes it seriously. I saw signs everywhere about their increased cleaning protocols. They mentioned Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Daily disinfection in common areas. Felt like I was in one of those futuristic movies. Also, Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere.
I did feel reasonably safe. There are obvious Safety/security feature . I also noticed CCTV in common areas.
Services and Conveniences - Pretty Darn Good
The Hyatt Place really shines when it comes to services. They offer Air conditioning in public area. They also have a solid business facilities . Business facilities includes Xerox/fax in business center. The Cash withdrawal option is also available. Getting around with the availability of taxi service is also great. They offer Laundry service, which is useful for longer stays, and I was delighted to see Daily housekeeping.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes?
The Hyatt offers the essentials for families ( Family/child friendly ). They have Babysitting service, but I didn’t test it. They didn’t advertise Kids facilities. A Kids meal wasn't listed.
Getting Around - Parking Paradise (Mostly)
Car park [free of charge] is available, which is HUGE. Especially in a college town. I'm one of those guys that loves to walk, and State College is pretty walkable, but having free parking is a massive win. They also offer Airport transfer, which would be amazing if you're flying in. They didn't list bicycle parking.
My Personal Random Thoughts and Ramblings
- I really, REALLY appreciated the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Honestly, it’s a basic necessity now, and it’s great that it’s included.
- One day, I was walking to the elevator and saw this woman trip and drop all her stuff. An employee IMMEDIATELY jumped up to help her. So kudos to the staff for being, well, actually human.
- I wish they had a little more personality in the decor. It's all a bit…beige. But hey, that’s a small complaint.
- The bathroom… clean, functional, but could use a bit of personality. The slippers in the room are a thoughtful touch!
The Verdict - Should You Stay Here?
Okay, so overall? I’d give the Hyatt Place State College a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a comfortable, convenient hotel that ticks all the essential boxes. It’s not perfect, and it might not be memorable, but it’s a reliable choice for your State College getaway. Especially if you're looking for convenience, good amenities, and a generally pleasant experience.
Word of Advice: Do your research about accessibility before you go, and be sure to call the hotel with specific questions. And definitely, DEFINITELY use those blackout curtains! You won't regret it.
Lincoln City's BEST Oceanfront Getaway: Coho Lodge Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind stay at the Hyatt Place State College. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal, warts and all, feelings on full display. Buckle up!
Day 1: Arrival & That Whole "College Town" Vibe
- 1:00 PM: Rough Landing (literally). Arrive at the hotel after a nightmare of a drive. Let's just say the GPS and I have issues. Ended up circling the block three times, muttering about "helpful" technology. The hotel lobby is surprisingly bright and cheerful though. I'm already slightly obsessed with their free coffee station. And the smell of freshly brewed coffee is a life-saver after that drive!
- 2:00 PM: The Room - A Mixed Bag (like always). Okay, the room itself is… adequate. Clean, which is a HUGE plus. The view? Well, it's of a parking lot. Charming. But hey, I'm not here to admire asphalt. I'm here… for something. What was I here for again? Oh yeah, Penn State stuff.
- 3:00 PM: Downtown Wanderings (and existential dread). Time to explore. State College is… college-towny. Like, officially. The energy is high, and I'm pretty sure I saw more hoodies than actual suits. Got a coffee at some local cafe (shoutout to that barista, who actually made eye contact – a rarity these days!).
- Anecdote Alert: Tried to buy a Penn State t-shirt. Ended up in a full-blown argument with a teenager about the merits of a "vintage" vs. a "modern" design. Honestly, I can't even remember what I wanted anymore. Just bought the shirt and walked away.
- 5:00 PM: Early Dinner (because, priorities). Found a pizza place. Pizza is good, it's like a very safe food. I mean that in the nicest way possible.
- 7:00 PM: Attempted Relaxation. Failed. Back in the room. Tried to watch TV. Ended up scrolling through TikTok for an hour (don't judge). My brain is officially mush. I think I'll just collapse at this point.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep? Maybe? Wondering if the hotel has complimentary earplugs.
Day 2: Penn State Deep Dive (and my inner critic)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast and Brain Fog. The free breakfast at the Hyatt Place is… well, it's free. Expect the usual suspects: bagels, hard-boiled eggs that look like they've seen things, and what I think might be a waffle maker. Chugging coffee to try and wake up. I’m debating if I should get a second waffle. Why not?
- 9:00 AM: Campus Tour - The Obligatory Pilgrimage. Okay, actually kind of impressive. The campus is huge. And the history is everywhere. I even felt a twinge of nostalgia for my own college days… before remembering the crippling debt. But the Nittany Lion Shrine is very cool though, I took like a million photos.
- 11:00 AM: The Creamery – Glorious Excess. The absolute highlight. It's like a religious experience, this ice cream! I got the Peachy Paterno, because… obvious choice. Seriously, best ice cream EVER. I may or may not have bought a pint to take back to my room. Don't judge.
- Double Down on Creamery: This is where it all peaked. The perfect texture! The flavor explosion! I’m honestly considering ditching everything else and just becoming a permanent Creamery resident. Eating ice cream is my therapy. I'm going to need to buy a whole cooler. I wish I could get a job there. I could work ice cream. That's a good life.
- 1:00 PM: Tailgating (sort of). Wandered near Beaver Stadium. Saw some tailgating. Envious is an understatement. I just stood there, watching people grill and play cornhole. Feel like a lonely outsider. I'm now craving BBQ which I can, in my location, find not even in the slightest.
- 3:00 PM: Research (kinda). Dug into the university's history. Some pretty interesting stuff, I gotta admit.
- Quirky Observation: Did you know the school colors started because the blue from the uniforms didn't wash well and faded into, what, a dark goldish color? Amazing.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner - Burger Battle! Found a burger place. Compared and contrasted the burgers. Needed a lot of napkins. Still have creamery on my mind.
- 7:00 PM: Another Early Night. Back at the hotel feeling surprisingly tired. Reading in bed. I'm going to sleep like a log tonight.
Day 3: Departure (and the lingering scent of ice cream)
- 9:00 AM: Another waffle. No regrets. Free breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Last Glimpses. One last walk around downtown. Maybe try to find a souvenir that's not a Penn State t-shirt (doubtful).
- 11:00 AM: Hotel Checkout - The Painful Part. Leaving the hotel.
- 12:00 PM: The Drive Home (part II - hopefully not worse than I arrived) Okay, the departure is going to be long. I'm already getting a little sad about the drive, but hey, at least I'm armed with a pint of Peachy Paterno. Gotta find a way to keep this from melting. I could drive home in the cold.
Final Thoughts:
Well, there you have it. My completely chaotic, honest, and probably slightly embarrassing account of my Hyatt Place State College adventure. This wasn't a luxurious getaway. But it was an experience. And now I know, one thing for sure: I need to go back for ice cream. And maybe next time, I'll bring a cooler the size of a small car.
Charleston Courtyard Escape: Your Perfect Mt. Pleasant Getaway
Hyatt Place State College: Your Almost-Perfect State College Getaway (PA) – Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *actually* worth the hype for a Nittany Lions weekend?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. State College on a game weekend? It's a zoo. Parking is a nightmare. So, is Hyatt Place worth it? Mostly, yeah. Let me tell you, the free breakfast saved my bacon more than once after a late night at the bars. Scramble eggs – nothing fancy, but they were there, and sometimes that's all you need after a few too many Blue Lights. It's convenient. Seriously. Close enough to walk to the stadium (assuming you're not *too* far gone), which means dodging the Uber surge pricing that will drain your bank account faster than a frat boy at a beer pong table.
But… and there's always a but, isn't there? One time, I swear, the elevator took longer than the entire second half of the Purdue game. I'm talking minutes. Felt like I aged a decade waiting to get to the lobby. And then, getting a room *facing the stadium*? Bless your heart if you actually *want* to sleep during the game.
Overall? Solid choice. Just manage your expectations and pack your patience. You're in State College. Nothing's gonna be perfect.
The Breakfast: Savior or Soul Destroyer? Be Honest.
Right. The breakfast. It's… breakfast. Okay? Don't go in expecting a Michelin-star experience. Think continental with a few hot options. The eggs are hit-or-miss (sometimes they're fluffy, sometimes they resemble hockey pucks), the sausage is… well, it's sausage. But the coffee? It's free, and that's half the battle. Saved me from a hangover more times than I can count. The bagels are decent, the occasional yogurt parfait situation is a win.
I will say this, though. One time, they had those mini-pancakes. And they were *gone* within the first fifteen minutes. Like, a swarm of hungry, sleep-deprived college students descended and devoured them in a matter of seconds. I felt like I was witnessing a food fight in a zombie apocalypse. Never saw them again. Lesson learned: be early, be aggressive, and secure your pancake bounty.
So, soul destroyer? Nah. Savior? Sometimes. Depends what you're looking for and how fast on the draw you are in the pancake wars.
Tell me about the "amenities." Do they have a decent gym? And is the pool actually usable?
Gym. Okay. It's there. It's small. It has the basics. Treadmills, a couple of weights, maybe an elliptical that's seen better days. I briefly considered using it once, but then I remembered I was in State College for a football game, not a fitness retreat. So, yeah, it's there. Just… don’t expect a lot. Think "sufficient" in the face of a full weekend's worth of beer, wings, and late night pizza .
The pool? I’ve heard rumors. I've *seen* it. It's smallish, indoors, and… well, I haven’t personally braved it. I'm not a pool person. I’d judge it as "probably lukewarm" and "possibly crowded." Honestly? I'd rather take a freezing cold shower after a hot day of tailgating than jump into any pool on a fall weekend in State College. Besides, who has time for swimming when you've got a game to get to?
Parking situation. Is it as bad as everyone says?
Oh, the parking. Prepare yourself. Seriously. It’s a battlefield. Hyatt Place has its own parking lot, which is a HUGE advantage. But even then, it gets packed. Arrive early, especially on game days. Don't expect to waltz in at kickoff and snag a prime spot. It’s not happening.
One year, a friend of mine, bless his heart, took *three hours* just to find parking in the general area. He ended up having to park a mile away (seriously, a mile!). We almost missed the opening kickoff. So, yeah. Factor in extra time for parking. Consider taking an Uber. Walk. Beg a local for a spot in their driveway. Do whatever you need to do to avoid the parking apocalypse.
Rooms: Cleanliness, comfort, and all that jazz. What's the deal?
The rooms are… fine. They're clean enough. Again, don’t expect the Four Seasons. They’re generally comfortable, the beds are okay, the bathrooms do the job. I've never encountered a *disgusting* room, let's put it that way.
One thing I will say is that the noise levels can be a gamble. You’re in the middle of a college town, people. Expect some level of rowdiness, especially on game nights. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators and the street. And maybe pack some earplugs. Just in case. Or learn to embrace the chaos. It's part of the experience, right?
Location, Location, Location! Convenience factor?
Location is a huge plus for Hyatt Place State College. Like, a *major* plus. It's super close to the stadium, as I've mentioned. Easy walk (or stumble, depending on how the game went) to the bars, restaurants, and the general mayhem of downtown. You can ditch the car and enjoy your evening without worrying about driving. Huge win, especially if you're planning on, you know, *drinking*.
There's a Walmart nearby too, for any last-minute essentials you've forgotten – or supplies for those epic pre-game tailgates. And plenty of places to grab a quick bite or a coffee. So, yeah, location? Nailed it.
Would you recommend it? Honestly.
Look, if you're headed to State College for a game weekend, you don't have a *ton* of luxurious options. Hyatt Place is a solid, reliable choice. It's convenient, it's clean enough, and the free breakfast is a lifesaver. Just go in with realistic expectations. It's not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. But it gets the job done.
I'd recommend it. But pack earplugsScenic Stays
Post a Comment for "Hyatt Place State College: Your Perfect State College Getaway (PA)"