Carnegie Inn & Spa, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Hotel is a 5 star for central Pa but a 4 to 3.5 star on a world wide market. The hotel lobby, library, and staff were lovely. The room was large and tried. It surely is time to upgrade the bedding, furniture and curtains. The décor was dark and in need of sprucing up.
The bathroom was large, modern but the shower stall was extremely small. I am 120 pounds and found the shower small. I have encounter shower stall this small in Europe. The Restuarant was fabulous! The food was delicious and the best I have tasted in State College.

We recently traveled to the State College area to attend a nearby college graduation (no, not the big local school) and were looking for a restaurant to have a nice meal after a long day — The Carnegie House fit the bill.
Our party of five had 5:00 reservations and we were greeted promptly. We were given the option of having drinks in the large library while we reviewed the menu, but as we were the first table of the night, and hungry, we opted to be seated right away. The dining room is small, but cozy and looks out over part of the golf course. We all remarked how comfortable the chairs were!
After ordering drinks, we perused the back-​lit menus (a first for us — and very welcome in the romantically lit dining room). After ordering our meals we received a large basket of house made breads and rolls, all of which were very good. We then received an amuse bouche of tenderloin on toasted bread and was very flavorful.
Three of us had salads, 2 Organic Strawberry with a sherry vinaigrette and 1 Beet & Goat Cheese salad. The strawberry salads were good size and the beet salad was alternating layers of beets and goat cheese all around small greens. The salads were appealing to both the eyes and tasty.
We were all impressed when our main meals arrived as each was plated beautifully, and then we were all impressed with the flavors! One diner had the rabbit (a first for her). This was served stuffed with spinach and mascarpone with an armanac sauce and was reportedly delicious (sharing was not on the menu this night!). Another diner had the Agnolotti filled with spring pea and a curry emulsion — this was a hit as well. Two fish dishes were ordered, the Mahi-​Mahi and the Yellowfin Tuna (cooked a perfect medium rare) and both were deemed excellent. The last diner, the graduate/​birthday girl, had the Pappardelle Bolognaise — and, although not as good as dad’s, was deemed excellent.
Since we did not have appetizers, and our meals were ‘normal’ sized, desserts were definitely on the menu. The graduate/​birthday girl had the Crostata with berries and ice cream (and a candle!), other desserts were the Peach Tart, the Chocolate Mousse, the Crème Brulee and the locally made Death by Chocolate ice cream. All were a hit!
Overall, the Carnegie House Restaurant exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful meal and an excellent dining experience.

My girlfriends and I went to the Wine Dinner Series in January and had a fabulous time! Each of the 6 courses was delicious and perfectly paired with a fantastic red. The service was top notch and learning about each wine we were drinking was fun and never too long in explanation. We reserved a table for the next one in March and can’t wait.

We stayed here for 3 nights and it was great! The made-​to-​order breakfast was fantastic! Didn’t expect it to be such nice breakfast. My husband ordered different things every morning and I ordered their egg benedict every morning. Worth the price and the view here is great even in these snowy days. Overall, nice stay, good meal. Just wish the heater in the room could be quieter.

This place is nice, but I still do not understand why is so expensive. If you go to another restaurant in NY or Washington DC, a fancy one, the bill would never pass 300 per 5 people. I love food, and I love to attend eccentric places, but Carnegie is really far away from the prices they have. My meals were delicious, but nothing sophisticated. The risotto under the sirloin was hard, not well cooked. The beef, however, was like butter. The cod fish was nothing special. It was a breaded fish, although the consistency was soft. The potatoes presentation in that dish was just perfect. I really, really, really liked the taste of the pasta bolognese. It had this flavor of fresh gardens that drove me insane. Also, I understand they try to make the environment romantic, but, they need more light. It is too dark inside, it does not make you feel in an elegant-​cozy restaurant but in the massaging area of the hotel.

I came here for one night while traveling to Ohio back in April, and was happy with the experience. That said, I decided to come back when staying for a work conference at Penn State. This is my third night here, and it’s one disappointment after the next.
A major reason I decided to stay here was due to the complimentary sit down breakfast provided every morning. Prior to arrival, I noticed on their website that they were doing kitchen renovations and a continental breakfast would be provided instead. Furthermore, we were promised a continental breakfast complete with an «omelette station», make your own waffles, etc. This was not the case at all. While I can’t say enough good things about the waitress, our promised «continental breakfast» turned out to be 2 eggs and toast. Hardly an array of choice. In fact, no choice at all. I asked the staff (there’s no front desk, there’s one person working who may or not be available when you visit their office and takes more than 5 phone calls to get a hold of) what happened to the continental breakfast we were promised, and were told it would be that for the remainder of our stay. Again, this did not happen. We returned for breakfast following day and were offered one choice: 2 eggs and toast. So disappointing!
On top of that, last night we noticed our tv remote was not working. I called today and was essentially told too bad. No offer to fix it, no compensation or offer of a room change. Horrible customer service. After a long day sitting in boring conferences, I was looking forward to some mindless television prior to dinner. Can’t even enjoy something as simple as television.
Major disappointment, will never stay here again. Penn State is beautiful and I did decide to stay another night to enjoy the area, however, due to consistent disappointments and no offer to make things right, I will spend my last night elsewhere. Cannot wait to check out of here.
Another note: if you want to visit the spa during your stay, make sure to book WELL in advance. We were given spa coupons when we arrived, which proved to be pointless since there weren’t any available appointments during my stay.

We had been to the Carnegie house on several occasions. We had always thought that the the meal was very good. But we recently went when the food was mediocre and the service was absolutely atrocious. several drinks were unavailable. Several main items on the menu when not available. The service was extremely slow. And the food was less than adequate. We may go to the Carnege ihouse again but it will be to be with a great deal of trepidation.

Carnegie Inn is like staying at your rich uncle’s home. You never feel like you’re in a hotel for sure. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated with comfortable and stylish furniture. The bathrooms are also large with a bath and separate shower stall.
After you check in and freshen up, you come into their living room that has beautiful wood walls and crown molding that most people would die for. The room is large enough to seat 20 or more very comfortably. There is also a fireplace. As you sit and relax, a waitress will come and give you a crusty bread with some chopped tomatoes and cheese. Then she will take your cocktails order. She will also give you a menu for dinner which is served in the dining room through the glass doors. She will take your order and let you relax as you enjoy your cocktail. When a table becomes available, the waitress will lead you into the next room for dinner.
Outside in the back there are beautiful views of a fairway of the golf course. One of the cool things I first was impressed with was the large brass key for your room door and front door of the inn. Much nicer than the plastic cards you get at a hotel.
This is our second stay here and will stay here every time we come to State College, PA.

We stayed and ate here on a Friday night a few weeks ago. It was the first night of a long road trip, so we were excited to be out in the world and predisposed to like this place very much, especially with the very cheap internet rate we got for the room. The room we were assigned was very elegant and comfortable, with a padded window seat, a Jacuzzi brand shower, and a large soaking tub. The bed was also very nice. The only drawback to the room was that, like many chain hotels, it was filled with some kind of signature scent. This one wasn’t as odious as at many hotels I’ve stayed in, but it was present, and since I’m allergic to most scents, it made for an uncomfortable night in which I didn’t get much sleep. (But at least I was lying awake in a very comfortable bed!)
Our dining experience was mixed. We’d had to choose between 5:30 and 8:00 for our reservations, as everything in between was taken. When we were checking in, I’d noticed a sign on the front table (they don’t really have a front desk in the traditional sense) saying to report there for dining, so we went there at 5:30 pm and stood around for about 5 minutes. There was no one in sight, so we went to the sitting area outside of the dining room and sat there hoping to get noticed. After about another 5 minutes, a waitress noticed us and led us into the library to look at the menu. We ordered, and then about 10 minutes later someone with a clipboard finally showed up to find out who we were and if we had a reservation! After we made it into the dining room, we were the only people in there for most of our meal. (I have no idea why all the later reservation times were full, since obviously there was no big rush that night.) The food was very good from what I remember, but not quite special enough to justify the high prices. The total bill for our three courses was $ 180, way more than we actually paid for the room, and it just wasn’t that special of a meal for us. Compared to what we’ve paid at other similar places, I’d say it should have cost about half that much.
We definitely won’t be dining here again. I’d be tempted to stay here again if they can just get the fragrance issue under control, but I’m not holding my breath. (Pun intended.)

My wife and I had dinner at the Carnegie House the last Friday in February. It was just wonderful! They work a little differently than most restaurants in that you arrive in the «Library», a lovely traditionally styled room, where you have drinks and look at the menu. You order from the library and then they call you in when your first course is ready. I really liked that technique. We had the lobster bisque, very good, a salad and an appetizer of deviled eggs with cavier. Perfect. For dinner, we had the scallop and lobster and the filet mignon. I ordered the filet medium rare and this is exactly how it came. Not always the case. The wine list, I’m no expert, looked very good, we had a nice bottle of Zinfandel. I should also add that we were among the last customers that night and, at another table, was a very disagreeable couple that managed to insult both the waitress, who was good, and the chef himself. I was atrocious behavior but I have to hand it to the staff, they handled it with aplomb. In retrospect, I think they were grifters trying to get comped. Anyway, kudos to the Carnegie House staff. I would eat here again anytime.

If your looking for the best place to stay and the best place to eat in state college look no further. There staff is friendly and accommodating. I stayed in one of their two suits and it was amazing double door entrance to the bedroom, double door entrance to the bathroom shower and tub separate, double sinks and walk in closet everything you could possible want in a hotel room short of someone waiting on you hand and foot. The dinner was amazing start to finish! First they escort you into the library where they have an assortment of chairs and couches to lounge and sip your drink while you order from their light up menus. Once you choose what to order you relax there and enjoy your drink and complimentary appetizer from the chef. Once your first course is ready they will escort you to your table and you will begin you on to five course meal. I highly recommend the lobster bisque and sea bass by far best hotel restaurant and spa around!!!

Wow… when my wife told me how much we were paying for this place I was pleasantly shocked. Nice setting just off the campus. Incredible accommodations, huge room, stately bath room, very comfortable beds, good coffee. Free breakfast buffet. You can’t ask for much more…
Well… Two minor complaints. When you know it’s going to be in the thirties at night you may want to either turn on the heat or at least let guests know that they have to turn it on. Our room was cold when we returned from a concert in town. Likewise tell me that there is a separate switch for heat in the bathroom. While I’m not here to watch TV… an old tube television is not really cutting it in 2014.
Update ¹¹⁄₂₀₁₅ — Flat screen TVs have made an appearance! They are awfully small… but I’m nit here to watch TV. This visit we have a suite and it is SWEET! Love this place

My brother and his wife came up from the DC area the other day. They wanted a great restaurant for their 16^th anniversary. They are world travelers and have eaten at the best restaurants in the world. The meal and the service was excellent. I asked them how their meal compared to the 4 and 5 star restaurants in Europe where they have eaten. My brother rated the Carnegie House a 8.5 out of 10.
The meals were perfect. The only down side, was the Old Fashioned I ordered was very weak. They could be more generous with the pour, especially for $ 10 a drink.

This review is for the Inn, not the Spa. We stayed there recently. The room was OK, the bathroom had a leaky bathtub so the actual room experience was OK-​below. However, the experience downstairs in the dining area was excellent. Breakfast was included and we got excellent service and a wonderful breakfast. The spinach and bacon omelette was very good. The downstairs dining area and lounges are excellent — steeped in old world charm, they are extremely warm and inviting. We spent some time in the library and the patio; very warm and relaxing

We received a gift certificate for Carnegie House and decided to give it a try and I’m glad we did. I ordered the NY Strip steak and a Manhattan. My wife ordered the Squid Ink Pasta and Seafood. For dessert we ordered the Lemon Cake to share. Everything was delicious — my steak was cooked perfectly and the knife went through it like butter. The side vegetables were cooked perfectly and the dinner bread was very tasty. The lemon cake was delicious as well.
The waitstaff overall were very professional. Even thought it was pricey, it was well worth it. We will definitely be back for special occasions.
The only critique I have is for the waitress or Maitre’d to ask if you’ve been there before. We found it quite odd at first that we were seated in the library area with the dining room just about empty. We thought the waitress was going to come seat us, but she just handed us a menu. It added to the confusion that we were going to eat in the library, in comfy chairs, on the little side tables with enough room for a drink. So we asked and here’s what happens. You are seated in this library until your first course is ready. Drinks are served here along with hors d’oeuvres until that course is ready. Once the first course is ready, you are shown to your table and the food is brought right out. It was a nice touch, but it would have been helpful if we were informed of this before hand.

Every now and then I want to live like the land barons of old in a big mansion with a comfortable lounge for entertaining my many guests. Servants, white tablecloths, wood accents, dim lights, pleasant banter. Yes, I want to be Colonel Mustard.
The Carnegie House offers fine dining that matches or exceeds that in the State College area. You will be treated like royalty at Mr. Boddy’s luxurious estate (before the proprietor’s untimely demise), with a hostess who will escort you to the lounge for cocktails. Our server Mrs. White didn’t know about the Negroni, but after a quick review whipped up a fine rendition that thankfully lacked poison.
My dinner companions Ms. Scarlett (stunning as always in that red dress), Mr. Green, and Professor Plum all enjoyed our cocktails on plush leather seats and sofa. We were then led to the dining room, where we feasted on delicious crab cakes, lamb lolli-​pops, and thick cut filet. The pre-​fab Godiva chocolate cheesecake was a disappointment.
Everything else was superb, with great attention to detail and attentive service. Prices are a bit high, but the experience is original and well executed.
So, unless you are Clue-​less, you will give Carnegie House a «shot». Just remember to bring an alibi.

The Carnegie House gives guests a level of luxury that is worth enjoying at least once in a while. The rooms are large and well appointed with comfortable chairs for reading. The staff is friendly and helpful. The common areas have lots of comfortable seating, as does the library. The House has an excellent restaurant where guests are first seated in the library for a glass of wine or cocktail and to peruse the menu before being seated in the dining room.
RGinTally

If you’re looking for a real fine dining experience in State College, this is it. There’s nothing else even close.
Not that the food will wow you. It’s definitely excellent, but not outstanding or seriously innovative in comparison to other tables of similar prices in different cities.
Thumbs down for the waitress who didn’t know the menu well, and could not tell me which kinds of digestifs they had available without disappearing for 10min. At this kind of price range, you expect excellent service.
That being said, the Carnegie House is a very safe bet for a celebratory dinner, or a business meeting in which you need to make an impression. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate. Just don’t expect too much.
P. S. It’s dressy… jacket recommended but not required. Make a reservation.

The Carnegie House has it all. The atmosphere is is intimate and refined. The service is superb. The food, oh the food! One of the best meals I have ever had. A menu that begs for many returns to try every dish offered. No matter your choice, you will not be disappointed. New Executive Cheff, Lisa Palermo, has transformed the Carnegie House from a wanabe great eatery to a magical culinary experience that is worth seeking out no matter how far out of your way you have to go. Although we did not stay there, we looked at some of the rooms which beg for a future romantic weekend away. Carnegie House has really gotten it right on every level!

For fine dining in State College, go here. I would probably not voluntarily come here if I had to pay for the meal but when my old firm decided to take me out on a recruiting dinner (even though I haven’t worked there for 2 years) I obliged. The food was good but overpriced for what it was. However it was cool that they serve ice cream from the Penn State Creamery on their dessert menu. The company was rather annoying and I wonder if I sounded that annoying to the recruitee when I was recruiting for PwC, but I digress. All in all, probably one of the better meals I have had in State College but a bit overpriced for the quality of food.
For all you students, try to find opportunities to come here and not pay. Eg. When your parents come to visit.