STATE COLLEGE (TNS) — A State College landmark is preparing to open its doors once more.
The Nittany Lion Inn, a historic hotel located on the Penn State University campus, will celebrate its grand reopening Tuesday.
The reopening comes after major renovations, which include “a reimagined, modern design that also reflects the renowned school spirit,” according to a press release.
“Since 1931, the hotel has stood as a beacon of first-class hospitality at Penn State and the State College community,” the release said. “The Georgian colonial-style inn is unveiling a refreshed lobby, renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces, along with the debut of several new eateries. The redesigned interior features dark wood and accents of blue and white, embracing the classic Penn State aesthetic.”
The building has served both as a hotel for guests, including presidents and celebrities visiting the area, and as a venue for the university’s events.
However, the inn has not operated as a hotel since 2020, when Penn State began using it for classroom space as well as student housing.
The Scholar Hotel Group purchased the inn in 2022, along with the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, and since then has been under renovation.
The Nittany Lion Inn features 240 guest rooms, 13 conference rooms, and a 500-seat ballroom. In addition to the hotel accommodations, the inn will feature a Harpers retail location as well as several dining options.
Those options include the Dear Joe Cafe, The Lionne Lounge and the 1855 Lounge, the latter taking its name from the date of the founding of The Farmers High School, which would eventually grow to become Penn State University.
The hotel also hosts the restaurant Triplets. The name is a tribute to Penn State alumnus Wallace Triplett, one of the first African-Americans to play varsity football for Penn State University. Triplett would go on to become the first African-American draftee to play in the National Football League.
For more details or information on how to make a reservation, visit the Nittany Lion Inn website.
