Scholar Hotel blends downtown charm and upscale comfort

– by Cara Aungst

Scholar Hotel State College is now open downtown. And even though it’s State College’s newest hotel, what makes Scholar Hotel State College distinctive is that the building is not new at all — it’s been a part of downtown State College for nearly a century.

Scholar Hotel Lobby

“Scholar Hotel State College is an homage to Penn State’s history,” says Michael Balchin, the director of sales. “From the building to its extensive photography collection, it’s a stay that you’ll remember.”

Scholar Hotel State College, which is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is located in the Glennland Building at 205 E. Beaver Avenue. The property was built in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It holds the distinction of featuring the first indoor swimming pool in Central Pennsylvania.

When owner Gary Brandeis ’88, president of the Scholar Hotel Group, bought the building, his team preserved the historic exterior of the building and went to work crafting a hotel that blended historic charm and modern amenities. Each room features furniture that caters to guests who need to stay one night or for an extended stay. With photos showcasing Happy Valley, the result is an indulgent, nostalgic stay that’s minutes from Old Main.

“Scholar Hotel State College is an homage to Penn State’s history,” says Michael Balchin, the director of sales. “From the building to its extensive photography collection, it’s a stay that you’ll remember.”

Scholar Hotel State College, which is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is located in the Glennland Building at 205 E. Beaver Avenue. The property was built in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It holds the distinction of featuring the first indoor swimming pool in Central Pennsylvania.

When owner Gary Brandeis ’88, president of the Scholar Hotel Group, bought the building, his team preserved the historic exterior of the building and went to work crafting a hotel that blended historic charm and modern amenities. Each room features furniture that caters to guests who need to stay one night or for an extended stay. With photos showcasing Happy Valley, the result is an indulgent, nostalgic stay that’s minutes from Old Main.

“You get to enjoy downtown State College in a way that’s really different from other accommodations,” Balchin says. “It’s a very unique stay experience.”

The onsite restaurant Social is a continuation of Scholar Hotel State College’s low key, upscale feel. “It’s designed to be a place where people can come and enjoy a full bar with unique cocktails and small plate shareables. It’s a destination for business professionals, visitors and locals alike — grab a drink, enjoy a small bite, and enjoy the view of downtown State College.”

As Penn Staters come back to State College, Balchin says that Scholar Hotel State College is looking forward to helping them revisit the Happy Valley that they remember in a brand new way.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events