Every year in early May, Pennsylvania State University (PSU) holds their spring graduation. In a small town like State College, it can be hard to find accommodations. If you’re feeling frustrated, this may be a quick read to help you feel more successful.
Since I own the Apple Pony Inn Boutique Hotel, pardon me for putting our plug. We manage graduation reservations via our Pony Club, a special club for Penn State Parents that guarantees a room for your student’s year of graduation, along with some other perks like discounts and priority reservations for football, parents weekend etc. We are currently accepting families for 2029 and 2030 graduation years, learn more here: https://free.qrplanet.com/l/media?f=4a04fe2c5e8fff98ec6444b173f65d1d
If we can’t help you, here are a few insider tips to make your graduation experience memorable and seamless, from those of us on the inside track:
- Plan well in advance. Most local hotels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals (Air B&B or VRBO) post openings 18 months, 1 year or 6 months in advance. Mark your calendar and make sure you are searching in those intervals. Use expedia.com, booking.com, Air B&B, or VRBO to help you narrow things down, but book direct at your venue’s website for the best deals and customer service. Join the waiting list at the preferred venue.
- Determine when your student’s ceremony will occur. Penn State holds undergraduate ceremonies on a similar schedule each year, so last year’s schedule is a strong indicator of when your student’s ceremony will occur.
- Determine who you are inviting. Do you need a whole house or several rooms? If so, a house with Air B&B or VRBO might be the best option.
- If you’re one of the lucky few to have ceremonies on Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon, make sure to book your accommodation for Thursday evening or Sunday evening, this is easy and cheaper. Maybe your student will graduate in the Fall, this is easy and cheap to book. Make sure to check https://www.appleponyinn.com/ in case we have rooms available.
- Okay, so you figured out that you need to stay Friday and/or Saturday night. Most accommodations will require a two-night minimum stay and charge anywhere from $550-$2,000 a night. Make sure you are aware of the cancelation policy is in advance.
- Now you’re frantic and can’t find anything. Book something in Bellefonte, Milroy, Lockhaven or Altoona. Make sure you can cancel up to 1-2 weeks in advance. One month in advance, start a search for accommodation in State College, many times there are last-minute cancellations and you may find something in town at the last minute.
One last piece of advice, make sure to determine when and where you might want to have a dinner reservation. Just like hotels, there are few restaurants in town that take reservations, so make sure to schedule in advance. Want to try something different, consider going to Boal City Brewery, 814 Cider Works or University Wine Company. Food trucks and outside ambiance are their specialty.
