Graduate by Hilton State College

4.0 star property
Hotel with a restaurant, 9-minute walk to Pennsylvania State University

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Photo gallery for Graduate by Hilton State College

Bar (on property)
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe
Lobby
Lobby
Reception

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
125 S Atherton St, State College, PA, 16801
  • Place, Pennsylvania State University
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Bryce Jordan Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Beaver Stadium
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, State College, PA (SCE-University Park)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

King Room, Oversized

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Bathtub (Mobility & Hearing)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Bedroom, Accessible, Bathtub (Mobility & Hearing)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Roll-In Shower, Mobility & Hearing)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible, Bathtub (Mobility & Hearing)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

State College

Located in Downtown State College within a short walk of Pennsylvania State University, Graduate by Hilton State College is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Palmer Museum of Art. This 150-room, 4-star hotel has a restaurant along with conveniences like a 24-hour gym and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Pennsylvania State University - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Pegula Ice Arena - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Bryce Jordan Center - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Beaver Stadium - 5 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Penn State University's Blue and White Golf Courses - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • State College, PA (SCE-University Park) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Federal Taphouse - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Vibe Coffee Co - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Café 210 West - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Tadashi #2 - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Graduate by Hilton State College

Hotel with a restaurant, 9-minute walk to Pennsylvania State University
At Graduate by Hilton State College, guests have access to a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. Self parking is available for USD 15 per night. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and securing valuables. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include conference space, free use of bicycles, and a computer station.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and pay movies. Pillowtop beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Coffee makers, free local calls, and safes are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Self parking on site (USD 15 per night)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; USD 1 to 25 per person
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Trophy Room

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Free bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 5,426 square feet of conference space
  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Ceiling hoist
  • Elevator (36 inch wide door)
  • Thin carpet in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (30 inches high)

More

  • 6 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1989
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable/satellite channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 35

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 4 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: USD 10.00 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 1.00 to 25.00 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 15 per night
  • Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 35 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.
  • Parking has height restrictions.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Atherton Hotel
Atherton Hotel State College
Atherton State College
Hotel Atherton
The Atherton Hotel Hotel State College
The Atherton Hotel Hotel
The Atherton Hotel State College
The Atherton Hotel an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Graduate State College
Graduate by Hilton State College Hotel
Graduate by Hilton State College State College
Graduate by Hilton State College Hotel State College

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Graduate by Hilton State College?

Graduate by Hilton State College provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see within easy reach of Graduate by Hilton State College?

This hotel is situated in Downtown State College within a short 7-minute walk of Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania and also 16 minutes on foot from Palmer Museum of Art. You'll also find Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Graduate by Hilton State College?

Yes, parking is offered for USD 15 per night. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Graduate by Hilton State College include a casino?

No, Graduate by Hilton State College doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Graduate by Hilton State College?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Graduate by Hilton State College a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a pillowtop mattress as well as a restaurant and a restaurant bar.

Does Graduate by Hilton State College have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Graduate by Hilton State College feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Graduate by Hilton State College serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Trophy Room.

Will Graduate by Hilton State College allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Graduate by Hilton State College for a fee of USD 75 per pet, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at Graduate by Hilton State College?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

Where is the closest airport to Graduate by Hilton State College?

The closest major airport to Graduate by Hilton State College is State College, PA (SCE-University Park), which is 6.2 mi away (16 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Graduate by Hilton State College?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Graduate by Hilton State College.

Does Graduate by Hilton State College have a wedding venue?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Graduate by Hilton State College.

Graduate by Hilton State College Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 657 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 201 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 90 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 28 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 1000 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary, New York

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Marcia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff is very friendly and helpful. Location was good to access College ave and Penn State but the property around the hotel had a lot of construction
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a very convenient property close to campus and downtown. The decor is fun, and the rooms are very nicely appointed and roomy. Free parking is a plus. However, be forewarned that the elevators are VERY slow. Also, I ate dinner one night at the bar, and the food was BELOW average so take advantage of other nearby options.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel, Hollis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerard, Boiling Springs

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff at desk, bar, and cleaning crew.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ianko

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about The Graduate (formerly Atherton Hotel) was wonderful. There's a feeling of both sophistication and school spirit permeating the atmosphere. Best of all are the little personal touches, like one bed having a pillow stitched "We Are..." and the pillow on the other bed stitched "...Penn State!" It doesn't feel like the generic hotel chains at all.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So cute!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Loved the decor. Lots of thought put into it. Hated that there is no maid service. No dining, only a bar. Very tight parking spaces that I had to pay for each night, but they have no liability. Too many added charges and hidden fees.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vivian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really lovely room, great facilities and comfortable modern lobby. Kitchenette was a great little bonus though I didn’t use it. Fab overhead seemed at first to be really strong but was pretty quiet though the night. My stay at this hotel pinned it for my future stays in State College!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Philip

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Traveled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location - short walk to PSU, restaurants and stores. Hotel has PSU decor - really cute. Staff very friendly. Hotel very clean. I would definitely book here again.
Love the nittany lion lamp!
Cute ice cream wall paper - the creamery!
Nice double stall shower - spacious!
Very comfy beds!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Colette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
To be fair, I believe we were there during a huge employee issue. The first night the restaurant closed down early with a very disgruntled employee getting upset and vaguely making threats or unwell wishes as he quit. The second night as we returned there was a heavy police presence blocking the entrance causing us to figure out parking alternatives. While we were there the front desk was unattended at least once with no indication of when someone would return and overall employee interaction was sub par throughout the visit. Again perhaps because of the incident the night before. We will be visiting the area frequently in the next few years and will not be back to this hotel as the vibe was very uncomfortable. I was told the manager would contact me to reassure me, but I never heard anything. My husband wasn’t on the trip, just me and my teenage son. The overall hotel was ok. The room decor was adorable and the room itself was very clean. Pillows were fantastic.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was super helpful and friendly. Cafe is a must. Nailed the decor!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicole, Maumee

Traveled with family
Overall a good hotel for a college town. Breakfast was not great, but room was good.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samuel Jeffery

Liked: Amenities
Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sara

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Melanie

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Diana

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
I really liked the décor and location of this hotel, and the staff was incredibly friendly at check-in. Our room was spacious and, like the rest of the hotel, nicely decorated. Unfortunately, cleanliness was a major issue. The baseboards were coated in dust and pet hair, and the entry closet had noticeable "tumbleweeds" of dust and debris in the corners. The bathroom was especially disappointing, with urine stains under the toilet lid caps and even on the wallpaper. We also chose not to use the pull-out couch after discovering hair on the mattress. To make matters worse, the bathtub wouldn't drain at all. I reported this to the front desk, and while they were apologetic and said maintenance would be sent, no one ever showed up before we checked out. This hotel has a lot of potential, but unfortunately, it fell short, especially considering the price we paid.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025