The University Park center is approximately the area of Centre County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the area of Pennsylvania State University.
If you're visiting University Park to tour the Penn State campus, your best bet is to plan a trip for the fall, late spring, or summer.
Fall, in particular, is a beautiful season offering pleasant temperatures that range from the low 70s in September to the low 60s in October. Just be sure to plan your trip around freshman orientation and student move-in weeks, as hotel rates tend to go up just before classes start. You'll also want to be aware of campus sporting events during any season, as area hotels tend to fill up quickly.
Winters in University Park and State College can be cold, with average highs dipping to the low- to mid-30s from December through February. If you don't mind the frigid temperatures, the winter season is one of the most affordable times to visit University Park and the Penn State Campus. Just be sure to pack accordingly and prepare for the worst weather scenarios.
Spring is one of the best times to visit University Park because the weather is warming up and everything is in bloom. What's more, if you plan your trip during Penn State's spring break, you can enjoy quiet strolls around the campus, which is great for spotting those historic landmarks.
Summers in University Park are usually quiet, with average temperatures hovering in the low 80s. The local area offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, golfing, biking, and other outdoor activities, not to mention the community State Theatre and on-campus museums.
If you know where to stay, you can save even more money on your trip to University Park by taking advantage of discounts. Most area hotels, including SpringHill Suites State College, offer special rates for seniors, AARP members, military families, government employees, AAA members, and corporate travelers. Depending on the property, you may be able to save up to 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates if you qualify.
Properties like The Nittany Lion Inn frequently offer special packages to help you make the most of your stay. These include romantic couples' packages, golf packages, and special offers for those attending commencement or a sporting event. These offers tend to be seasonal and vary by hotel, so be sure to check with the property in advance to see what packages they currently offer.
The area around University Park boasts a number of mid-range hotels that give travelers plenty of value for the money.
Located in downtown State College, The Atherton Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is a traditional hotel located one block from campus. The elegant guest rooms offer coffee makers, work desks, and flat-screen TVs, while suites add kitchenettes, separate living rooms, mini-fridges, microwaves, and Jacuzzi tubs. The hotel also features an all-day American restaurant, a lounge area with grand piano, paid parking, and event spaces.
Fairfield Inn & Suites State College is a traditional property offering simple, relaxed guest rooms a little more than two miles from Penn State University. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, ergonomic chairs, work desks, flat-screen TVs with premium cable, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Upgrading to a suite will also get you a microwave and a pull-out sofa in a separate living area. The property features an on-site business center, guest laundry facilities, a 24-hour fitness center, free parking, an indoor pool, and a free hot breakfast.
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson is a modern five-story property within walking distance of Penn State. The hotel offers guests a free hot breakfast, an indoor pool with hot tub, a business center, a fitness center, and a beautiful lobby with a fireplace and sitting area. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated and feature mini-fridges, TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and microwaves. Suites add whirlpool tubs.
If you're hoping to explore the Pennsylvania State University campus but aren't sure where to start, these suggestions should help. The Arboretum at Penn State is the campus's most highly rated attraction. When the weather is nice, The Arboretum is a must-see, as it offers a variety of beautiful gardens and an interactive children's area, all free of charge. When you want to take a relaxing stroll and shoot some photographs, this is the place to go.
Palmer Museum of Art is a world-class art museum located on campus. The museum's permanent collection consists of American and European drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs, plus European and Japanese ceramics, paintings, jades, and prints. You'll also find objects from ancient African, Near Eastern, and European cultures.
Exploring Penn State is a massive undertaking, but it's worth the effort. Regardless of your reasons for visiting University Park, you can find the perfect hotel in the immediate area that meets your needs and budget.