Built in 1855, the same year Penn State was founded, Hotel State College is the oldest hotel in town and one of the most iconic, photographed buildings in Pennsylvania. Located at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street, across from the main gates of Penn State, we sit at the very heart of State College – at the center of the state and surrounded by the largest school in Pennsylvania. For over 160 years, our historic hotel has been a fixture of the community, blending rich history with modern luxury.
Our hotel’s history began in 1857 when Bernard McClain opened what would later become the renowned Hotel State College. Originally called “Jack’s Road House,” the hotel provided a crucial stop for travelers in the town’s early days. In 1864, we officially became the “Agricultural College Hotel,” and by 1885, we housed State College’s first telephone and telegraph. These milestones marked just the beginning of a long and vibrant history.
In 1926, our Corner Room restaurant was added to the hotel, becoming a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the Corner Room quickly became synonymous with the hotel and the town. As the building continued to grow and evolve over the decades, it was renamed the Nittany Inn in 1906, before undergoing another transformation in 1925 that solidified its place in the history of State College.
Over the years, we have hosted many different businesses, all while staying true to our roots. In the 1980s, as our building transitioned to housing fewer hotel rooms, it became home to several local favorites. It also became known as a gathering place for the community, continuing its legacy as a central meeting point for locals and visitors.
In 2019, under the ownership of Penn State alumni Michael Croce and Jeff Sorg, we underwent renovations that honored our rich history while embracing modern updates. A 1930s-era breakfast bar was reinstalled in the Corner Room, and the hotel’s historic charm was preserved, blending seamlessly with its updated, luxurious offerings. Today, Hotel State College continues to be an iconic landmark at the heart of State College, proudly standing across from Penn State.
