I stayed at The Nittany Lion Inn years ago for a PennTAP conference prior to COVID , and returned this past weekend with my wife. It was just as charming as I remembered, but I noticed a few concerns this time around—perhaps because I work in Facility Management.
The staff was friendly, but there were communication issues. When we arrived on our motorcycle, the valet said we couldn’t park in the lot and had to use the garage. I emailed the Inn and was told the opposite—that motorcycles aren't allowed in the garage and we should park in the lot for $12. When we returned to check in, a different valet said it was $25. Even after showing the email, he insisted on the higher rate. It was frustrating and confusing.
The room was beautiful, but the upkeep missed the mark. The HVAC return and bathroom vent were dusty, furniture and lights needed attention, and there was popcorn on the floor near the trash can. The toilet seat was broken, and the ice bucket was wet and smelled of beer.
It’s disappointing to see such a lovely, historic place lose some of its shine. With better staff training and clearer internal communication, these issues could be easily fixed. I still love this Inn and hope to return for a better experience next time.