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Penn State's Living Room Since 1931 -
A Legacy Reimagined. A Tradition Continues.
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Where Penn State Comes Home
Penn State's Living Room Since 1931
Hotel Overview
Where Penn State's Story Welcomes You
Few places capture the spirit of Penn State quite like The Nittany Lion Inn.
Since opening its doors in 1931, the Inn has welcomed generations of alumni returning home, prospective students beginning new journeys, distinguished guests, visiting scholars, championship teams, and families celebrating life's most meaningful milestones. Affectionately known as "Penn State's Living Room," the Inn has long served as a place where friendships are rekindled, traditions are honored, and unforgettable memories begin.
Today, following an extensive restoration, The Nittany Lion Inn enters its next chapter while preserving the timeless character that has made it one of Happy Valley's most cherished destinations. Original architectural details, inviting gathering spaces, and a renewed sense of elegance create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.
Located on Penn State's University Park campus, guests enjoy the rare opportunity to stay just steps from iconic landmarks including Old Main, Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center, Pegula Ice Arena, The Arboretum at Penn State, and the vibrant shops and restaurants of downtown State College.
Whether you're visiting for a football weekend, university event, conference, wedding, or quiet escape, The Nittany Lion Inn offers more than exceptional accommodations—it offers a genuine connection to the Penn State experience.
From your first welcome to your final farewell, every stay is defined by timeless hospitality, thoughtful service, and the enduring traditions that have made this Inn a beloved destination for nearly a century.
Hotel Information
Hotel Features
- Beautifully Restored Guest Rooms & Suites
- Located on Penn State's University Park campus
- Four Distinct Dining & Beverage Experiences
- Lionne
- 1855 Lounge
- Triplett's
- Dear Joe: Cafe and Bakery
- Flexible Meeting & Event Spaces
- Wedding Venues
- Fitness Center
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations
- Valet Parking Available
- Walking Distance to Penn State Attractions
Accommodations
Timeless Comfort, Thoughtfully Reimagined
Every stay at The Nittany Lion Inn begins with a room designed to honor the Inn's rich heritage while embracing the comforts today's travelers expect.
Following the Inn's extensive restoration, each guest room and suite has been thoughtfully redesigned to reflect the property's historic character through refined finishes, warm textures, inviting furnishings, and contemporary amenities. The result is an experience that feels elegant without being formal and comfortable without sacrificing sophistication.
Whether you're returning to campus for Alumni Weekend, celebrating graduation with family, attending a university conference, or enjoying a relaxing getaway in Happy Valley, you'll find accommodations that provide a peaceful retreat after a memorable day.
Wake to views of Penn State's picturesque campus, settle into beautifully appointed spaces designed for both relaxation and productivity, and experience the quiet comfort that has welcomed generations of guests for nearly a century.
Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure your stay feels effortless—from premium bedding and spacious work areas to modern technology and luxurious touches throughout.
Guest Room Features
- Beautifully Restored Guest Rooms & Suites
- Premium Bedding
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Smart HDTV
- Spacious Workspace
- Mini Refrigerator
- Coffeemaker
- Luxury Bath Amenities
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Ironing Board
- In-Room Safe
- Accessible Guest Rooms Available
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations Available
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you'll discover that staying at The Nittany Lion Inn is about more than where you sleep—it's about becoming part of a tradition that has welcomed generations of Penn Staters home.
Coming Home to Happy Valley
For many guests, a stay at The Nittany Lion Inn is more than a reservation—it's a homecoming.
It is where parents celebrate commencement, alumni reunite with lifelong friends, couples begin their next chapter together, and future students imagine the memories they'll create on campus. From football Saturdays and Family Weekend to quiet mornings overlooking campus, every season brings new reasons to return.
The Inn has always been a place where life's milestones are celebrated, and every guest becomes part of a story that continues with each passing generation.
Whether you're here for one unforgettable evening or a weekend filled with Penn State traditions, you'll quickly understand why The Nittany Lion Inn has remained the heart of Happy Valley for nearly 100 years.
Dining at The Nittany Lion Inn
Four Distinct Dining & Beverage Experiences
Gathering around the table has always been part of The Nittany Lion Inn experience.
For generations, guests have celebrated milestones, toasted victories, shared stories, and created lasting memories over exceptional meals. Today, that tradition continues through four unique dining and beverage experiences, each offering its own atmosphere while sharing a commitment to thoughtful hospitality, quality ingredients, and genuine Penn State warmth.
Whether you're enjoying an elegant dinner, meeting friends for cocktails, grabbing coffee before exploring campus, or cheering on the Nittany Lions over lunch, you'll find the perfect place to gather—without ever leaving the Inn.
A Modern Brasserie Inspired by Tradition
At the heart of The Nittany Lion Inn is Lionne, a refined American brasserie where timeless hospitality meets contemporary culinary craftsmanship.
Inspired by the welcoming spirit that has defined the Inn for generations, Lionne celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of Pennsylvania through thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring regional ingredients, seasonal flavors, and classic techniques with a modern perspective.
Whether you're beginning your day with a leisurely breakfast, enjoying a business lunch, celebrating a special occasion over dinner, or gathering with loved ones after a Penn State event, Lionne provides an inviting setting that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Warm finishes, attentive service, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to linger create a dining experience that is every bit as memorable as the cuisine itself.
From milestone celebrations to quiet dinners for two, every meal at Lionne continues a tradition of bringing people together around exceptional food and genuine hospitality.
Crafted Cocktails. Relaxed Conversation. Timeless Atmosphere.
Named in honor of the year Penn State was founded, 1855 Lounge offers a welcoming place to unwind at the end of the day.
Whether you're reconnecting with classmates, enjoying cocktails before dinner, celebrating a successful conference, or simply settling in beside the fireplace with friends, the lounge invites guests to slow down and savor the moment.
An expertly crafted cocktail menu, carefully selected wines, local and regional beers, and elevated small plates create the perfect setting for casual gatherings and meaningful conversations.
Comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere make 1855 Lounge a favorite destination for hotel guests, alumni, faculty, and local residents alike.
No matter the occasion, it's a place where Penn State stories are shared—and new ones begin.
A Gathering Place Rooted in Penn State Pride
Triplett's celebrates the legacy of Wally Triplett, one of Penn State's most influential student-athletes and a pioneer whose impact extended far beyond the football field.
Today, the restaurant carries forward that spirit by creating a welcoming place where everyone has a seat at the table.
With a lively atmosphere, approachable menu, and unmistakable Penn State energy, Triplett's is the perfect destination for game-day gatherings, casual lunches, family dinners, and post-event celebrations.
Enjoy handcrafted burgers, fresh salads, shareable appetizers, sandwiches, regional favorites, local craft beer, signature cocktails, and a curated selection of wines while surrounded by subtle nods to Penn State's proud history.
Whether you're catching up with old friends, watching the game, or introducing future Nittany Lions to campus traditions, Triplett's offers an experience that feels authentically Happy Valley.
Every Great Day Begins Here
Whether you're heading to an early meeting, walking across campus, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, Dear Joe: Cafe and Bakery is the perfect place to begin your day.
Serving expertly crafted espresso and coffee beverages, teas, pastries, breakfast favorites, ice cream, convenient grab-and-go selections, and even alcohol offerings after 3pm, the café combines quality with convenience in a warm and welcoming setting.
It's the kind of neighborhood coffee shop every great hotel deserves—a place where conversations begin, friendships are rekindled, and plans for the day take shape over a perfectly prepared cup of coffee.
Guests on the move appreciate the quick service, while others choose to linger, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak in the rhythm of campus life unfolding just outside the doors.
Whether you're fueling up before kickoff, grabbing breakfast before a conference, or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, Dear Joe: offers a welcoming pause at any time of day.
Hotel Amenities
Thoughtful Amenities for Every Stay
From the moment you arrive, The Nittany Lion Inn has been designed to make every visit feel effortless.
Whether you're staying for a university event, a weekend getaway, a conference, or a family celebration, you'll find amenities that complement your experience while allowing you to focus on what matters most—making memories in Happy Valley.
Stay Active While You're Away
Maintain your wellness routine with access to the Inn's modern fitness center.
Whether you prefer an energizing workout before exploring campus or a relaxing session after a full day of meetings and events, the fitness center provides the equipment and flexibility to help you stay active 24/7, throughout your visit.
Fitness Center Features
- Cardio Equipment
- Strength Training Equipment
- Free Weights
- Complimentary Towels
- Convenient 24/7 Guest Access
Arrive with Ease
Your visit should begin with a warm welcome—not the search for a parking space.
Valet parking provides guests with a seamless arrival experience, allowing you to settle in quickly before enjoying everything The Nittany Lion Inn and Penn State have to offer.
From football weekends to weddings and conferences, our valet team is ready to make every arrival and departure as effortless as possible.
Meeting & Event Capacity
Event Planning
Every Detail, Thoughtfully Considered
Behind every successful event is a team committed to bringing your vision to life.
From the first planning conversation through the final farewell, our experienced event professionals work alongside you to coordinate room layouts, catering, audiovisual needs, guest accommodations, timelines, and every meaningful detail in between.
Whether your event welcomes twenty guests or several hundred, our goal remains the same—to create an experience that feels effortless for planners and unforgettable for attendees.
When your guests leave, we want them to remember more than the meeting.
We want them to remember how they felt while they were here.
Explore Happy Valley
Experience the Best of Penn State and Beyond
Perfectly situated on Penn State's University Park campus, The Nittany Lion Inn places guests at the center of one of the country's most celebrated college towns.
Spend the morning strolling through The Arboretum at Penn State, explore the galleries of the Palmer Museum of Art, cheer on the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium, or attend a concert at the Bryce Jordan Center. Walk to Old Main, browse downtown boutiques, enjoy local restaurants, or simply take in the unmistakable energy that makes Happy Valley unlike anywhere else.
Every season offers something new to discover. Autumn brings legendary football weekends and colorful mountain landscapes. Spring welcomes commencement celebrations and blooming campus gardens. Summer fills the streets with festivals, outdoor concerts, and family adventures, while winter transforms Happy Valley into a cozy destination for holiday gatherings and university traditions.
Whether you're returning to cherished Penn State traditions or discovering them for the very first time, The Nittany Lion Inn places you at the heart of the experience.
Nearby Attractions
- Penn State University
- Old Main
- Beaver Stadium
- Bryce Jordan Center
- Pegula Ice Arena
- Palmer Museum of Art
- The Arboretum at Penn State
- Berkey Creamery
- Penn State All-Sports Museum
- Downtown State College
- Mount Nittany
- Tussey Mountain
- Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park
- Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery
Penn State Traditions
More Than a Stay—A Tradition
For nearly a century, The Nittany Lion Inn has welcomed generations of guests celebrating life's biggest moments.
Parents have watched their children become Penn State graduates.
Alumni have returned to relive treasured memories.
Future students have imagined the next chapter of their lives while walking across campus.
Families have gathered for football weekends, weddings, reunions, holidays, and celebrations that become stories shared for generations.
The Inn has quietly been part of those moments since 1931.
Today, every guest who walks through its doors becomes part of that continuing tradition.
Scholarly Fact
Did You Know?
Affectionately known as "Penn State's Living Room," The Nittany Lion Inn has welcomed generations of students, alumni, faculty, distinguished guests, and visitors since opening in 1931.
Following a thoughtful restoration, the Inn continues its legacy by preserving the warmth, hospitality, and timeless character that have made it one of Penn State's most treasured landmarks—while introducing a new generation of guests to the traditions that have defined Happy Valley for decades.
Your Home in Happy Valley Awaits
Whether you're returning to campus after many years, visiting a future Nittany Lion, attending a conference, celebrating a milestone, or simply seeking an unforgettable getaway, The Nittany Lion Inn welcomes you with the warmth, elegance, and hospitality that have defined the Penn State experience for nearly a century.
Come for the occasion.
Stay for the tradition.
Leave with memories that will bring you back again.
Explore The Nittany Lion Inn
Some places are simply photographed.
Others are remembered.
Browse our gallery to experience the beautifully restored guest rooms and suites, timeless gathering spaces, exceptional dining venues, elegant event spaces, and the welcoming atmosphere that has made The Nittany Lion Inn a beloved Penn State destination for generations.
From quiet mornings overlooking campus to celebrations shared with family and friends, every space tells part of the Inn's remarkable story.
We invite you to discover yours.
