A large white hotel with a circular driveway, arched entrance, and symmetrical wings; well-kept landscaping and a sunny sky, inviting and upscale.

Our history

The Nittany Lion Inn

The Nittany Lion Inn, a historic symbol of first-class hospitality at Penn State and the State College community since 1931, continues its legacy under new ownership and management of Scholar Hotels. This Georgian colonial-style inn, beautifully situated in an oak grove opposite the White Golf Course, has long been a popular destination for campus visitors and local residents. Known for hosting an array of distinguished personalities, including Robert Frost, Eleanor Roosevelt, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and George Bush, as well as actors Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito, the inn boasts a rich history of notable guests. Under Scholar Hotels new ownership and management the historic property will reach new heights.

A luxurious library lounge with built-in wooden bookcases, cozy seating, and elegant rugs creating a refined, inviting reading nook.
A luxurious living room with brown leather sofas, a grand ornate fireplace, blue walls, large windows, and round ottomans on a patterned rug, bright lighting.

The Heart of Penn State

A Legacy Reimagined

The Nittany Lion Inn maintains its tradition of offering a unique and memorable experience. Its reputation for quiet charm, attentive service, and being a sentimental favorite among Penn State alumni endures. As President Emeritus Eric Walker once described, it remains “Penn State’s living room,” now enhanced by Scholar Hotels' expertise in hospitality.

View another section
  • A collage: people entering a grand doorway, a busy office or factory scene, and a large formal banquet with many guests seated at long tables, all in black and white.

    Legacy

    The Nittany Lion Inn, a landmark on Penn State's campus, has long been a beloved gathering spot for Penn State alumni and a significant icon of the university's heritage. Constructed during the challenging times following the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, the Inn has thrived and evolved into a distinguished hotel and restaurant, emblematic of Penn State pride. Despite the economic difficulties of its inception, the faith of the University Trustees in the Penn State community ensured the project's success, reflecting a recurring theme of confidence and resilience throughout Penn State's history.

    For over ninety years, the Inn has fostered a deep connection with Penn State and its community, often considered a "home away from home." It was affectionately dubbed "Penn State's Living Room" by Eric Walker, Penn State's twelfth President, due to its inviting and warm atmosphere.

    The Inn's blue and white Dutch colonial-style architecture has been a cornerstone of the University Park campus for decades, mirroring the social, cultural, and historical progression of both Penn State and the surrounding area. As the university has expanded and transformed, the Nittany Lion Inn has similarly adapted, continually fulfilling its mission to serve and educate.

  • A cozy window-seat nook with built-in blue cabinetry, white cushions, round tables, a warm rug, and natural light streaming through a large pane.

    A Continuing Legacy

    Now owned and managed by Scholar Hotels, the Inn boasts 240 guest rooms, 13 conference rooms, and a ballroom capable of seating 500 guests. It annually welcomes around 100,000 overnight guests and hosts a myriad of events, including weddings, class reunions, and family gatherings. The Inn also offers invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in the hospitality industry, covering a wide range of positions. The Penn State Board of Trustees and corporate leaders frequently convene at the Inn for university and business discussions. It has been the backdrop for countless significant events and has hosted many notable figures, including every Pennsylvania governor since 1931, several U.S. presidents, and celebrities from various fields.

    The Nittany Lion Inn stands as a sanctuary for visitors, a source of comfort for the tired, a training ground for future hospitality leaders, a cherished Penn State tradition, and a connection to the university's past. In 2000, it was recognized as a member of the prestigious National Trust Historic Hotels of America, underscoring its historical significance and commitment to preservation.

    Under the stewardship of Scholar Hotels, the Nittany Lion Inn continues to honor its historic integrity, architecture, and character, acknowledging its unique role in Penn State's legacy and its enduring mission to serve and educate. For those connected to Penn State, the Inn remains an elegant and welcoming retreat, an irreplaceable element of our university's rich heritage.