SpringHill Suites State College: Your Penn State Getaway Awaits!
SpringHill Suites State College: My Brain's All Foggy, But Here's the Dirt (and the Good Stuff)
Okay, so I just got back from a long weekend at the SpringHill Suites in State College, Pennsylvania. You know, that whole "Your Penn State Getaway Awaits!" thing? Well, they weren’t lying about the getaway part. I needed it. Badly. And honestly? It was pretty decent. Let's dive in, shall we? Warning: This is gonna be a bit…unfiltered. Consider this review my brain dump after 72 hours of trying to balance work with… well, fun.
First Impressions & the "Getting Around" Bit
Right off the bat, the location is primo. You’re practically breathing the same air as the Nittany Lions (figuratively, of course, unless you're REALLY close to a game day). Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE plus. Parking in any college town is a freaking nightmare. And their Car park [on-site] is easy to find. They also offer Airport transfer, which is clutch if you're flying in, cuz the airport is further. There's even a Taxi service if you need it. Forget Uber, i hate it.
Accessibility: The Important Stuff
Now, I'm not personally using a wheelchair, but I saw a few folks navigating around easily. Seems like they've put in the effort. Facilities for disabled guests were clearly present, and the elevator was easy to find and use. I saw no issues.
Rooms: Where the Magic Happens (and Where I Hid from the World)
Okay, let's be honest, I spent a lot of time in my room. My happy place was basically a vortex of Netflix and… well, snacks. The Wi-Fi [free] in all the rooms was a total lifesaver. Thank GOD! You're basically paying for internet, in any hotel, but at least you're getting it. The Air conditioning was glorious – absolutely essential during those humid Pennsylvania afternoons. I had the desk to work from. The Coffee/tea maker was a life-saver first thing in the morning. The refrigerator was key to keep my beer cold. Big win.
My room had a seating area, which felt luxurious tbh. And the blackout curtains were amazing (needed that sleep). I definitely appreciated the extra-long bed. And the Internet access – wireless was great. The bathroom? Perfectly fine, with a shower and plenty of towels. Nothing to complain about.
Cleanliness & Safety: Can’t Argue with Peace of Mind
This is where SpringHill Suites shines. Seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas gave me peace of mind. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, letting you choose your comfort level. They advertised Rooms sanitized between stays. Thank goodness. Even the hand sanitizer stations were readily available. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed legit.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Kind of Adventure
Now, this is where things get… complicated. The Breakfast [buffet] was actually pretty dang good. They had everything you expect: Breakfast service and the usual Western breakfast. Coffee was strong. I was thankful. And the bottle of water in my room was a nice perk. There's a Coffee shop. And a Snack bar. I didn't get to the restaurants, there are several, which included Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. They have a Poolside bar for those looking to unwind.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Or, How I Tried to Avoid Doing Anything
Okay, bear with me, because frankly, I mostly used the swimming pool [outdoor] to achieve ultimate zen. Which, I gotta say, worked. The Pool with view was beautiful, and I loved being outside. They have a Fitness center, which I totally intended to use. But, you know, the pool… The Family/child friendly atmosphere seemed evident.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where SpringHill Suites really pulls ahead. The Concierge was helpful when I asked about some local restaurants. The Luggage storage was useful for the last day. They provide Cash withdrawal service, which I could have needed.
For special event hosting & meetings: And this place definitely caters. They advertised Audio-visual equipment for special events, and the option of Meeting/banquet facilities. But I am not one of those people.
My Honest Takeaway
Look, SpringHill Suites State College isn't a fancy-pants, over-the-top kind of place. It's not the Ritz. But it is clean, comfortable, and convenient. It’s a solid choice for a Penn State getaway. They are good at what they are doing and they provide a good service.
Now for the Hook: THE OFFER (Because You Deserve It!)
Ready to escape? Are you a Penn State fan, a parent, or just someone who needs a break?
Book your stay at SpringHill Suites State College NOW!
- Get 15% off your stay when you book directly through our website using code “WEAREPENNSTATE”
- Free Upgrade to a suite (based on availability) if you book a minimum 3-night stay.
- Complimentary late checkout until 1 pm to maximize your relaxation.
Why wait? Your Penn State Adventure Awaits! Book Now!
Luxury Richmond Escape: Marriott Short Pump Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my potential SpringHill Suites State College adventure. Emphasis on potential, because let's be real, knowing me, this itinerary is gonna morph faster than a chameleon in a Skittle factory.
Day 1: Arrival & "Almost Getting Lost" Shenanigans
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrive in State College. Or, attempt to arrive. Okay, so I said I'd get there, but finding the actual SpringHill Suites? That’s a whole different story. I swear, the GPS has a vendetta against me. Expect a frantic phone call to the front desk involving a lot of "Are you sure this is the right street? Because I'm currently staring at a… well, it looks like a cornfield." The emotional reaction? Pure, unadulterated stress-fueled giggles. I'm basically a toddler with a map.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in and Unpack. Or, try to unpack. This is where the hotel's "suite" promises will either delight or disappoint. My inner minimalist craves a pristine space; my real-life self… well, let's just say my suitcase explodes a lot. I'm talking mountains of crumpled clothes, a rogue toothbrush, and at least three things I have absolutely no idea why I packed. Emotional reaction: a sigh, a mental note to actually fold things next time, and a desperate search for the complimentary shampoo.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the hotel…and maybe the parking lot. I'm a hotel lurker. I gotta see what the vibe is. Lobby? Gym? Free breakfast buffet potential? (Very important). Also, I'm gonna check the elevator to make sure i'm not locked in it. shudders,
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at some local place… maybe, possibly. I'm thinking something outside the hotel, preferably with some local flavor. I've been reading up on State College's food scene. But, here comes the real question: where to eat, and how to get there. I could go for pizza or burgers. I’m prone to over-thinking and second-guessing myself, so expect a lot of "Ugh, what if it's too crowded? Or too fancy? What if they don’t have good coffee?" Emotional reaction: decision paralysis.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: "Relaxing" in the room. Netflix and chill? Maybe. More likely, it's me staring at the TV remote like it's a cryptic riddle, wrestling with the Wi-Fi, and scrolling through endless social media feeds feeling slightly more depressed than before. Emotional reaction: the slow burn of ennui.
Day 2: THON - The Ultimate Whirlwind of Feels
Morning (whenever I actually wake up): The most important step! Prep for the actual THON by making a mental list. Don’t forget those essential snacks (granola bars? Cheez-Its? I haven't decided yet), a water bottle you actually remember to refill, and comfortable shoes. This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint (unless someone breaks out into the Cha-Cha Slide).
The Entire Day: THON! Right, now we come to the main event, the one thing that will probably define this whole trip - the THON. Let me tell you, even thinking about it makes my heart do a little flip-flop. I’ve only seen it online, but I’ve heard stories. Tears, sweat, cheers, and a whole lot of dancing.
- The Arrival: The energy will hit you like a physical blow. Noise, colors, teenagers with unbelievable endurance… This is where all the pre-trip stress will melt away, and the sheer, unfiltered emotion of the event will wash over you.
My biggest priority: Finding a decent spot and getting some sleep. It's going to be long.
(Hours 6-12 of THON): Okay, the initial adrenaline rush will probably be fading. The music gets a little repetitive, the people slightly less polite, and my back aches like I've been wrestling a bear. Emotional reaction: a mix of exhaustion, wonder, and a growing sense of pride in these kids. The sheer resilience of everyone involved is astounding.
Late Night/Early Morning: When the exhaustion hits and the need to sleep comes over. My eyes will probably start to close, but after a few minutes I'll be back in the game.
Day 3: Farewell (And Did I Actually Do That?)
Morning: The Great THON Aftermath. I don't expect to be perky. More like a zombie. Emotional reaction: a profound sense of tiredness, but with a lingering feeling of warmth and connection.
10:00 AM: Breakfast (if I can get out of bed and remember to do it). The hotel's free breakfast buffet is either going to be a lifesaver or a source of profound disappointment. I predict a lot of mediocre coffee and a craving for a real, good breakfast. Emotional Reaction: an internal battle between “need carbs!” and “must stay awake!”
12:00 PM: Check-out and goodbyes. I'll probably be a bit emotional. Goodbye to the hotel, and more importantly, goodbye to the THON.
2:00 PM: Homebound. This is where the true measure of the trip will sink in.
Emotional Reaction: an overwhelming need to do it all again next year.
So, there you have it. My extremely rough, highly-unstable, and utterly human itinerary. Don't judge me if it all falls apart. I'll probably be too busy laughing (and maybe crying a little) to care. And hey, isn't that what life's all about?
Escape to Paradise: Pyrenees Mountain Hotel with Breathtaking Views!
Okay, So, SpringHill Suites State College... Worth the Hype?
Alright, let's be real. Penn State game weekends are a *beast*. Finding a decent hotel that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (and a kidney, let's be honest) is a struggle. SpringHill Suites... well, it's a solid contender. I've stayed there a few times. One time, during a particularly brutal blizzard – the kind where you're pretty sure the world is ending and you're just hoping to get a lukewarm coffee from the free breakfast bar. And you know what? They delivered. Not literally (although… free room service in a blizzard would have been amazing). They had the essentials. Which, in a blizzard, is *everything*.
But don't get me wrong, it's not the Ritz. You're not going to be pampered. You *are* going to be comfortable, have a (usually) clean room, and a free breakfast – and let’s face it, the free breakfast is a Godsend after a night of… well, let's just say celebratory beverages. The hype? It's justified, but manage your expectations. Think: reliable, not necessarily luxurious.
Free Breakfast? Tell Me More! (My Stomach is Already Growling)
Oh, the breakfast. The *free* breakfast. Okay, here's the deal. It's… typical. You know, the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes they're surprisingly good, sometimes… meh), sausage or bacon (again, a gamble), waffles (always a winner, especially if you like the DIY kind), cereal, fruit, yogurt… The coffee is, well, it wakes you up. Which, again, after a night of cheering on the Nittany Lions, is all you really need.
The breakfast area can get *insane* on game days. Picture: a hungry mob of people, buzzing with pre-game energy, all vying for the last waffle. It's a controlled chaos. My pro-tip: go early. Or just embrace the madness. It's part of the experience. And don’t judge the guy in the jersey stuffing his pockets with bagels. He’s probably just really, *really* hungry. We've all been there.
Seriously, What About the Rooms? Are They... Okay?
The rooms are generally spacious. You get that quintessential "suite" vibe, with a separate sitting area. Which is great when you're traveling with a group (read: your loud, possibly-slightly-drunken friends). The beds are comfy enough. Remember, you're not there to sleep - you're there to cheer! They're clean. That's the main thing, right? I’ve never encountered anything truly horrifying, like a rogue spider the size of a small dog. (Knock on wood.)
The decor? Well, let's just say it's… functional. It's not going to blow your mind with its interior design prowess. Think: neutral tones, a bit of beige, maybe a splash of… beige. But hey, you're there for the game, not the ambiance. And hey, neutral is better than, say, a room painted entirely in highlighter yellow. (Shiver). I did once find a weird stain on the couch. It was… unidentifiable. But, whatever, I just covered it with a pillow. Problem solved!
Location, Location, Location! How Close is it to the Action?
Alright, this is where SpringHill Suites REALLY shines. It's CLOSE. Like, REALLY, REALLY CLOSE. It's a relatively short drive to Beaver Stadium. Seriously, you can practically *smell* the tailgating. (Which, depending on the weather, could be a good or bad thing). Walking? Maybe a bit optimistic, depending how much you’re, shall we say, imbibing. Uber/Lyft is easy to get. And, as someone who has stumbled back to a hotel room after a particularly epic game, trust me, being close is a HUGE win. Especially when your feet feel like they’ve been run over by a Zamboni. The key is convenient.
Parking: The Eternal Struggle. What's the Deal?
Parking. The bane of every Penn State visitor's existence, especially during game weekends. SpringHill Suites thankfully has its own parking. It’s not always a breeze to get a spot, especially when everyone's rolling in, but it's available. It’s so much better than trying to navigate those insane parking lots near the stadium. Do they charge for parking? Yes, they do. (sigh). But hey, it's the price you pay for convenience. Consider it a small price to pay to avoid the utter chaos of trying to park downtown. Tip: get there early. Like, REALLY early.
Anything Else I Need to Know? The Little Details...
Let's see... things I've learned the hard way. They have a fitness center. I, personally, have never used it (because, you know, football), but it's there. There's a small pool. I've never used that either. Priorities. They have Wi-Fi. (Pretty important these days). The staff is usually friendly, as far as hotel staff goes. You know, they’re doing their best in the face of a constant stream of slightly-over-excited college football fans.
Oh! One time, and I'm still annoyed about this, the air conditioning in my room wouldn't work. On a scorching hot weekend. I called, they sent someone up, and it still didn't work. Finally, after TWO HOURS of sweaty frustration, they moved me to another room. Annoying, but hey, things happen. Just speak up if something's not right. They do try to make things right. Sometimes. And bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. The game day revelry can go on… all night long.
Okay, The Real Question: Should I Book It?
Look, if you're going to a Penn State game and you want something convenient, reasonably priced (I mean, as reasonable as it gets during peak season), and pretty much reliable, then yeah. Book it. It's a solid choice. It's not going to change your life, but it will make your game weekend a whole lot easier. Just… temper your expectations, pack your patience, and get ready for some seriously good times. And remember: WE ARE!
Just… book early! Because if you don't, you'll be stuck sleeping in your car. Which, trust me, is NOT the way to enjoy a Penn State game weekend. I’ve seen it happen. It's not pretty. Or comfortable. And do yourself a favor and pack some Advil. You’ll thank me later.
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