Lodging & Meals
The summer residency component of our Institute is divided between the Penn State University Park campus in State College, PA and various sites around Center City, Philadelphia, PA.
Lodging in State College, PA
Check In: June 25; Check Out: June 29
After considering the various options available in the area, we recommend staying at the Hyatt Place State College in downtown State College. At the very heart of State College borough, the Hyatt Place balances comfort, affordability, and proximity to the Penn State campus. Just one block away from campus, the Hyatt Place is surrounded by the wide range of dining and shopping options available downtown. Our primary meeting spaces will be just a few minutes’ walk across historic College Avenue to the heart of the Penn State University Park campus.
King room at Hyatt Place, State College (hyatt.com)
Two Queen room at Hyatt Place, State College (hyatt.com)
A room block with a special rate of $119/night has been created with a combination of King and 2-Queen rooms. The rate includes free breakfast each morning. Reservations in the block can be made by either calling 1-888-492-8847 and referencing the group name “NEH Summer Institute for Teachers" in addition to the code G-NEHS or by booking at https://statecollege.place.hyatt.com. When booking online, you will need to enter group code G-NEHS to ensure that you receive the group discount under the “Corporate or Group Code” option from the drop-down menu beneath the dates.
The cutoff date for booking reservations is June 12, 2023.
While we encourage everyone to lodge at the Hyatt Place and enjoy the communal experience of dining, walking, and gathering before and after each day’s sessions, a range of other local lodging options is also available both above and below the Hyatt Place’s price point. A Google Maps search will reveal current availability and pricing. You may also be able to locate other options such as short-term private rentals in nearby houses or apartments. You are responsible for making your own arrangements and for transportation to-and-from our meeting locations.
Once our participant roster is final, we will create an option for those who are interested to coordinate and split the cost of shared lodging with a roommate as a way to stretch the NEH stipend.
Lodging in Philadelphia, PA
Check In: June 29; Check Out: June 30
(hilton.com)
(hilton.com)
Lodging options in Philadelphia are practically unlimited. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Convention Center, which will also serve as our meeting space for sessions and our closing lunch on Friday, June 30.
A room block with a special rate of $199/night has been created with a combination of King and 2-Queen rooms. The rate includes free breakfast each morning. Reservations in the block can be made only by booking online through the special link for our group.
The cutoff date for booking reservations is May 29, 2023.
This option was selected for its proximity to the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. 1-2 of the sessions in Philadelphia will also be held in the hotel’s meeting spaces. While we encourage everyone to lodge in the same location, you are, of course, welcome to book your own accommodations either above or below this option’s price point. If you choose to book elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements and for transportation to-and-from our meeting locations.
Meals
The check-in time on Sunday, June 25 will be followed by dinner. The closing session on Friday, June 30 will include lunch.
Breakfast is included each morning at the recommended hotels. Other breakfast options are plentiful in the areas we are staying; these meals would be on your own own.
Other lunches and dinners will be on your own. (4 lunches + 4 dinners on your own)
Food and Drink in State College, PA
Walking Distance Downtown
- Big menu sports bar right next door to the Hyatt Place hotel
- Be sure to try the Blackened Fish Tacos and loaded fries appetizer
- Excellent locally owned and operated Thai food
- Be sure to try the Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles
- Excellent menu for small plates and cocktails
- Be sure to try the Cheesesteak Egg Roll
- Iconic eatery on the Corner of Allen St. and College Ave.
- Be sure to try the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich
- Delicious Indian buffet with great vegetarian choices
- Be sure to try the Tikka Masala or Spinach Paneer
A Short Taxi Away
- Best Burger in Town
- Be sure to try the Lancaster Burger and Sea Salt Crusted Soft Pretzel with local hot mustard
- Huge Variety of Wood-Fire Oven Pizzas
- Be sure to try the Margherita pizza (or build your own!) or Fresh Mushroom Ravioli
- Delicious assortment of "pub fare"
- Be sure to try the Short Rib Nachos, Salmon BLT, or Beet Salad
Food and Drink in Philadelphia, PA
Notable options within Reading Terminal Market: Hershel’s East Deli, Kamal’s, and Dutch Eating Place
Be sure to view the “Merchant Directory” to see the endless variety of options this expansive indoor market offers
- Popular Dim Sum in Center City area
- Mexican cuisine recommended by Andrew Warren, one of our teacher leaders!
This Institute has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. The Institute is being hosted by the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative at Penn State. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this Institute do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.