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Award-Winning Service and Penn State Hospitality -
A Premier Hotel and Conference Destination in Happy Valley
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Where Happy Valley Comes Together
Award-Winning Service and Penn State Hospitality
Hotel Overview
A Welcoming Place to Stay, Meet and Gather
The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center is more than a place to spend the night. It is a destination where ideas are exchanged, milestones are celebrated, traditions are honored, and visitors experience the genuine hospitality for which Penn State and Happy Valley are known.
Set within Penn State’s Innovation Park, the hotel offers convenient access to the University Park campus, Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center, downtown State College, and the many attractions found throughout the region. Complimentary shuttle service makes it easier for guests to experience campus and select nearby destinations without the stress of navigating traffic or parking.
Inside, 302 guest rooms and suites provide a relaxing retreat for conference attendees, Penn State families, alumni, couples, and leisure travelers.Â
Three distinct dining and beverage venues offer something for every part of the day, from a morning coffee at Dear Joe: to a relaxed meal at Legends or an elevated dining experience at The Gardens.
For meetings and celebrations, The Penn Stater is one of Central Pennsylvania’s most capable event destinations. More than 58,000 square feet of function space across 49 meeting rooms can accommodate everything from private board meetings and training sessions to conferences, exhibitions, banquets, weddings, and large-scale gatherings.
Throughout every experience, guests are welcomed by a team known for attentive service, professional expertise, and unmistakable Penn State hospitality.
Where Happy Valley Comes Together
Experience the warmth of Penn State hospitality at The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. Located in Penn State’s Innovation Park, the hotel brings together 302 welcoming guest rooms, three distinct dining and beverage venues, exceptional amenities, and more than 58,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space.
Whether you are attending a conference, celebrating a Penn State milestone, gathering with family, or exploring everything Happy Valley has to offer, The Penn Stater provides the space, service, and thoughtful details that make every visit memorable.
Hotel Information
Hotel Features
- 302 Guest Rooms and Suites
- 49 Meeting and Event Rooms
- More Than 58,000 Square Feet of Function Space
- Three Dining and Beverage Venues
- Complimentary Shuttle Service
- Complimentary On-Site Parking
- Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Indoor Lap Pool
- 24-Hour Fitness Center
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations
- Full-Service Event Planning
- On-Site Catering
- Audiovisual and Conference Technology
- Convenient Access to Penn State University
Accommodations
Rest Comfortably in Happy Valley
Whether your visit is centered around a Penn State event, a professional conference, a family celebration, or a relaxing getaway, The Penn Stater’s 302 guest rooms and suites offer a comfortable place to settle in and recharge.
Each room combines a warm, welcoming atmosphere with the modern conveniences today’s travelers expect. Relax at the end of a full day, catch up on work using complimentary wireless internet, or enjoy a quiet morning before heading to campus, your next meeting, or a day of exploration.
A variety of room configurations make it easy to find accommodations suited to your trip, whether you are traveling independently, visiting with family, sharing a room with colleagues, or seeking additional space in a suite.
Guest Room Features
- Comfortable Guest Rooms and Suites
- King and Multiple-Bed Configurations
- Flat-Screen HDTV
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Spacious Work Area
- Coffeemaker
- Mini Refrigerator
- Individual Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Pet-Friendly Rooms Available
- Accessible Accommodations Available
From arrival through departure, every stay is supported by the award-winning service and attentive hospitality that distinguishes The Penn Stater experience.
Dining at The Penn Stater
Dining at The Penn Stater is designed to complement every kind of visit. Start the morning with freshly brewed coffee, gather around the table for an inspired meal, or unwind with friends while surrounded by Penn State history.
With three distinct dining and beverage venues under one roof, guests can enjoy everything from elevated seasonal cuisine and a celebrated Sunday brunch to casual favorites, craft beverages, espresso drinks, pastries, and convenient grab-and-go selections.
Inspired Dining in a Welcoming Setting
The Gardens Restaurant offers a polished yet approachable dining experience featuring seasonal flavors, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and warm hospitality.
Begin your day with breakfast, meet colleagues or family for lunch, or settle in for an enjoyable meal during your stay. The restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere makes it equally suited to a business conversation, a family gathering, or a relaxed dining experience for breakfast or lunch.
The Gardens is also known for its award-winning Sunday brunch, a longstanding Happy Valley tradition that brings together hotel guests, local residents, Penn State families, and visitors for an abundant selection of breakfast favorites, chef-inspired entrées, carved specialties, seafood, salads, desserts, and more.
Whether you are marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning, brunch at The Gardens offers a memorable way to gather around the table.
Penn State Spirit, Casual Dining and Good Company
Surround yourself with Penn State history at Legends Restaurant & Sports Bar.
Filled with University memorabilia and the unmistakable spirit of Happy Valley, Legends is a welcoming place to enjoy a casual meal, catch the game, meet friends for drinks, or unwind after a conference or campus event.
The menu features hearty comfort dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, shareable appetizers, and other crowd-pleasing favorites. A selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits makes the bar a natural gathering place before or after the day’s activities.
With multiple televisions and an atmosphere shaped by Penn State pride, Legends delivers the energy of game day throughout the year. Whether you are cheering on the Nittany Lions, reconnecting with fellow alumni, or enjoying an easy dinner without leaving the hotel, you will feel right at home.
Something Good Is Brewing
Located just beyond the hotel’s front desk, Dear Joe: Cafe and Bakery offers a convenient and inviting stop for mornings on the move, informal conversations, and well-earned breaks between meetings.
Enjoy coffee and espresso beverages made with La Colombe, along with freshly baked pastries, light breakfast selections, and convenient grab-and-go offerings. Stop in before an early conference session, pick up a coffee before heading to campus, or slow down and savor a quiet moment before the day begins.
With complimentary on-site parking and an easy-to-access location inside the hotel, Dear Joe: also welcomes local guests looking for a quick coffee or a comfortable place to connect.
Flexible Event Spaces
The Penn Stater’s wide range of venues allows planners to build an event around their specific goals rather than adapt their program to a single space.
Large halls can accommodate general sessions, keynote presentations, exhibitions, banquets, awards programs, and major celebrations. Smaller meeting rooms are ideal for breakout sessions, training, interviews, planning meetings, and focused discussions.
Flexible configurations allow spaces to transition throughout an event, helping planners move seamlessly from presentations and educational sessions to networking receptions, meals, and evening celebrations.
President’s Hall is an expansive and adaptable venue composed of adjoining halls that may be used together or divided into smaller spaces. Its flexibility makes it well suited to plenary sessions, banquets, exhibitions, large conferences, and other high-capacity events.
The adjacent pre-function area offers a natural setting for event registration, networking, refreshment breaks, sponsor displays, and transitions between sessions.
Dean’s Hall provides a versatile environment for presentations, banquets, receptions, and gatherings of up to approximately 300 guests. Its neutral design gives planners flexibility when incorporating event branding, décor, staging, and customized layouts.
The Senate Suites offer an inviting choice for smaller meetings, private dinners, receptions, and special gatherings. The space can be divided into multiple rooms and includes a lounge, full-service bar, comfortable seating areas, and access to an outdoor terrace.
Professional Event Planning
Experienced Support from Beginning to End
Successful events require more than the right room. They require a knowledgeable team that understands how every detail contributes to the guest experience.
The Penn Stater’s conference and event professionals work closely with planners throughout the process, helping coordinate timelines, room assignments, seating arrangements, audiovisual requirements, transportation needs, food and beverage service, special requests, and overnight accommodations.
From the earliest planning conversation through the final session or farewell, the team provides attentive guidance and professional support designed to keep your event organized and moving forward.
Audiovisual and Conference Technology
Technology That Keeps Your Event Connected
Presentations, hybrid meetings, training programs, and conferences depend on reliable technology. The Penn Stater offers audiovisual resources and technical capabilities designed to support communication, collaboration, and engagement.
Available resources may include:
- High-Speed Wireless Internet
- Projection and Display Equipment
- Sound Systems
- Microphones
- Video-Conferencing Capabilities
- Interactive Learning Systems
- Multi-Station Computer Lab
- Presentation Support
- Additional Audiovisual Equipment Based on Event Needs
The event team will work with planners to determine the technology and room setup best suited to each program.
Catering
Thoughtfully Prepared for Every Occasion
Food and beverage service is an essential part of a successful meeting or celebration. The Penn Stater’s in-house culinary team provides full-service catering tailored to the style, schedule, and needs of each event.
From continental breakfasts and working lunches to refreshment breaks, receptions, buffets, plated dinners, and formal banquets, menus can be coordinated to support the flow of your gathering and create an experience guests will remember.
Event professionals can assist with menu selection, service style, dietary accommodations, bar packages, event timing, and special requests. Whether you are feeding a focused executive group or welcoming hundreds of guests, each experience is prepared and presented with care.
Hotel Amenities
Everything You Need for a Complete Stay
Between meetings, campus events, meals, and Happy Valley adventures, The Penn Stater offers amenities designed to help guests relax, recharge, and make the most of their visit.
Make Time to Unwind
Enjoy a refreshing swim or a quiet moment beside the hotel’s indoor pool. Whether you are traveling with family, fitting relaxation into a conference schedule, or looking for an easy way to recharge, the pool provides a welcoming retreat throughout your stay.
Stay Active While You Travel
Maintain your exercise routine in the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center. With convenient access throughout the day and night, guests can begin the morning with movement, fit in a workout between meetings, or unwind with an evening session.
Arrive and Settle In
Complimentary on-site parking makes arrival simple for hotel guests, conference attendees, restaurant visitors, and event participants. Electric-vehicle charging stations provide additional convenience for guests traveling with compatible vehicles.
An Easier Way to Explore Happy Valley
Complimentary shuttle service helps connect hotel guests with Penn State’s University Park campus and select nearby destinations.
Whether you are attending a campus event, traveling to a meeting, visiting downtown State College, or preparing for a flight, the hotel team can provide current information about shuttle availability, destinations, and scheduling.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Bring Your Four-Legged Companion
A visit to Happy Valley is even better when the whole family can come along.
The Penn Stater offers designated pet-friendly accommodations for guests traveling with their four-legged companions. Spacious rooms, convenient parking, and nearby outdoor areas help make the experience easier for both pets and their people.
Guests traveling with a pet should contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability and review current pet policies, fees, and restrictions.
Explore Happy Valley and Beyond
Your Home Base for Penn State Traditions and New Adventures
There is always something to experience in Happy Valley, and The Penn Stater places you within easy reach of Penn State University, downtown State College, celebrated cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, sporting events, and the traditions that bring visitors back year after year.
Spend the day exploring the University Park campus, tour the Palmer Museum of Art, walk through The Arboretum at Penn State, or experience the excitement of a Nittany Lions football game at Beaver Stadium.
Attend a concert or sporting event at the Bryce Jordan Center, enjoy championship golf, discover local breweries and restaurants, or explore the shops and entertainment found throughout downtown State College.
Beyond campus, the forests, trails, caves, farms, and small communities surrounding State College reveal another side of Central Pennsylvania. Every season brings a new reason to visit, from fall football weekends and winter celebrations to spring commencements and summer festivals.
Nearby Attractions
- Penn State University
- Beaver Stadium
- Bryce Jordan Center
- Pegula Ice Arena
- The Arboretum at Penn State
- Palmer Museum of Art
- Penn State All-Sports Museum
- Penn State Golf Courses
- Downtown State College
- Mount Nittany
- Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania
- Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
- Tussey Mountain
- Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery
- Local Restaurants, Breweries and Shops
Whether you are returning for a cherished Penn State tradition or discovering Happy Valley for the first time, The Penn Stater provides a welcoming place to begin and end every adventure.
Scholarly Fact
Did You Know?
Penn State’s Innovation Park was created to bring together education, research, entrepreneurship, and industry.
The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center reflects that spirit of connection. Its extensive conference facilities welcome professionals, scholars, organizations, families, alumni, and visitors from around the world to meet, exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and experience the hospitality of Happy Valley.
The Standout Features
Explore The Penn Stater
Take a closer look at everything The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center has to offer.
Browse our gallery to discover welcoming guest rooms and suites, three distinct dining and beverage venues, state-of-the-art conference facilities, elegant wedding spaces, inviting amenities, and the thoughtful details that make The Penn Stater one of Happy Valley’s premier places to stay, meet, dine, and celebrate.
From Penn State traditions to entirely new experiences, your next visit begins here.
