The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center

The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center is one of State College's largest hotels, and as its name suggests, it is built for both leisure guests and groups. It sits close to the Penn State campus and is a favorite with families, alumni and event attendees. Compared with the smaller inns and highway hotels of Huntingdon County, it offers the amenities of a full-service property: a lobby with dining, meeting space and more of the services travelers associate with a conference hotel. It is a logical option for trips that combine Huntingdon County with a stay in State College, or for groups that need meeting rooms. The hotel's position near campus puts it in the center of Happy Valley's activity. Football weekends, graduations and conferences make it very busy, so book early for those dates. On quieter dates, it can be a good value for a comfortable stay with room to spread out.

A larger hotel suits specific kinds of trips. Families with several children, reunions and tour groups value the combination of rooms, restaurants and public spaces under one roof. Business travelers appreciate the meeting facilities. Couples may find the scale less intimate than a bed and breakfast, but the facilities can make it a comfortable retreat. Check the current amenity list when you book, since services such as pools, fitness rooms and restaurants vary and can change with the season.

For a Raystown-centered itinerary, the Penn Stater is best treated as a base for a State College portion of the trip or as an overflow option when Huntingdon hotels are full. The drive south to the lake or the railroad is roughly an hour, which is manageable for day trips but adds time. If you prefer not to drive daily, split your stay.

State College offers plenty to fill evenings: downtown restaurants, breweries, the Creamery and campus events. Nearby attractions include the Penn State campus and Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park, a short drive east, where an all-water cavern is toured by boat. In summer, the university is quieter and rates are typically lower, while autumn weekends are the peak. For travelers who want full-service comfort, a brand-name convention hotel feel and a college-town setting, the Penn Stater is a dependable choice.

If you are traveling with children, ask about family room layouts and onsite dining, and if you are attending an event, ask whether shuttle service or special rates apply. Early booking is the single best way to secure good rates.