State College, Pennsylvania, is home to just 40,000 full-time residents, however during the months of the academic year, there are over 100,000 residents. While there are plenty of things to do in State College, you're likely visiting a current student at Penn State University, which is the main attraction in this small city.

With tuition topping $50,000 per year, you may be looking for a way to visit your students without breaking the bank. Here are the best points hotels in State College, PA that you can use to stay for free (bonus points if you put your tuition on a credit card to earn points)!

Scholar State College, Tapestry Collection (Hilton Honors) [50,000 Points]

The Scholar Hotel State College, is a part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, and is located just two blocks from Penn State University's campus. The hotel has dozens of restaurants within a half mile of the hotel (walkable) due to it's close proximity to the university.

This hotel starts at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, which can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. While cash rates at this hotel start at about $200/night, it's important to note that there may be better times to use your points than others. For example, Penn State graduation weekend can sometimes see rooms into the $1,000/night+ range, so it might be a great opportunity to use some of your Hilton Honors points.

Hyatt Place, State College (World of Hyatt) [17,000 Points]

The Hyatt Place, State College is part of the World of Hyatt program, and similar to the Scholar Hotel, the Hyatt is conveniently located just two blocks away from Penn State's campus. Downstairs from the hotel, is a Target, which is certainly convenient.

There are five different room configurations, two of which we've been able to find points availability at: King Bed (with Sofa Bed) [bookable with points], 2-Queen Beds (with Sofa Bed) [bookable with points], High-Floor King Bed (with Sofa Bed), High-Floor 2-Queen Beds (with Sofa Bed), and a One-Bedroom Suite

While rooms start at just $125/night when paying cash, these rooms can go for over $500/night during peak season. As this property is a Hyatt Category 5, using points off-peak times will run you around 17,000 World of Hyatt points, while during peak dates, you may have to fork over up to 23,000 Hyatt points. This can still be a great opportunity to use Hyatt points, especially when room rates can cost over $500/night.

Residence Inn State College (Marriott Bonvoy) [35,000 Points]

If you're looking for an option that's part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, the Residence Inn, State College is your best bet. While the location certainly isn't as convenient as the Scholar Hotel and the Hyatt Place, the Residence Inn is just a 4-minute drive (~30 minute walk) from Downtown State College, and Penn State's campus.

This property offers four types of rooms: Studio, 1-Bedroom Suite, Suite, 2-Bedroom Suite, all of which can be booked using points. Room rates start at $125 for off peak dates, however, you can typically expect to pay $300 for a room at this hotel. If you're looking to use up some of your Marriott Bonvoy points, rooms start at about 35,000 points/night. Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt, can all be transferred over to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.

Final Thoughts

State College, PA has a ton of valuable redemptions to stay using your hotel or credit card points. Find hotels on AwardTravel to learn more!