The Atherton Hotel

In downtown State College, Pennsylvania, and just a few blocks southwest of The State Theater and Old Main Lawn on Penn State University’s campus, The Atherton Hotel has been a popular place to stay since it opened. Features include a lobby chandelier and grand piano, and – in some rooms – four-poster beds. The 149 guest rooms and suites are neutral with green and orange accents, and all have complimentary Wi-Fi (a new Wi-Fi system was installed in 2018) and flat-screen TVs. Many have microwaves and coffee and tea makers. There’s a small, modern fitness center, complimentary newspapers and shoe-shine services, plus a billiards table, but no pool. There is a daily charge for on-site parking. Some recent guests complained of dated rooms, and inflated pricing around popular campus activities, especially graduation. There are two on-site restaurants – in addition to the abundance of walkable dining options in downtown State College – Tarragon serves continental and hot a la carte breakfasts, as well as sandwiches, steaks, seafood and pasta for dinner daily; and the speak-easy-style Rumors Lounge, festooned with an elaborate mural of famous faces, serves soup, salad, bar food and crab legs (Fridays only) for lunch. Guests can earn and redeem Choice Privileges points while staying at this property.