Although you may still know it as Glennland Building, State College’s new Scholar Hotel opened in mid-January with quite a few upgrades.

The historic exterior of the building remains, but significant renovations have taken place inside to give the building more of a modern touch. Plans for the new hotel had been in the works for years before construction began in September 2019.

For 40 years, the Glennland Building stood as the tallest building in State College. It also housed the area’s first public elevator and indoor swimming pool.

Now, the Scholar Hotel, located at 205 E. Beaver Ave., will likely become notable for hosting hundreds of Penn State football fans each weekend in the falls.

Below 72 guest bedrooms, the first floor of the hotel contains a conference and meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. It also allows for self-parking at just $12 and is pet-friendly.

Located only two blocks away from Old Main and 2 miles down the road from Beaver Stadium, this historic building holds the perfect stay for family and close ones to visit students on campus or ones touring.

While the Scholar Hotel requires all guests to follow new health and safety precautions, like social distancing and the requirement of masks when in public spaces, the hotel still offers many amenities. With free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a business center, and more, The Scholar Hotel tries to make guests as comfortable as possible.

Photos to commemorate the Glennland Building’s rich history can be found around the hotel.

“For us to be able to acquire the building, redevelop it into this product, and, hopefully, the community embraces it, we get customers and people like it, that’s the real honor,” Gary Brandeis, president of Scholar Hotel Group, told StateCollege.com. “As a Penn State grad and someone who spends a ton of time here, it’s a real honor to have the opportunity to do this. We’re thrilled with the result. Now we just have to get through the pandemic and wait for our customers to come in.”

The 72 rooms in the hotel are each equipped with air conditions, bathroom amenities, a TV, a coffee maker, and more. Fifty-six even have kitchens!

In the suites designed for a longer stay, guests experience more luxury with two king or queen-sized beds, a full kitchen, and a seating area containing a sofa sleeper.

Most rooms contain a view of Old Main and downtown State College.

As a part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotels, the Scholar has partnered with Reckitt Benckiser, makers of Lysol & Dettol, to bolster the cleanliness of each room. In addition to standard cleaning procedures, the hotel has added more at this time to ensure the safety and cleanliness of its guests.

In April, a new bistro and bar will open on the hotel’s ground floor. It will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be open to the public through its own entrance along Beaver Avenue.

If you’re a football fan looking to book a hotel in State College for upcoming seasons, you know the deal. Book quick and book early. Especially at a historic and prime location like this, rooms are sure to be reserved fast.