Was traveling for business in State College, PA and decided to stay at the Super 8 Clearfield to save significantly on cost compared to places in State College. I've stayed at many Super 8s around the country and they can range greatly from run down "murder hotels" to unexpectedly homey hidden gems. After a few very uncomfortable stays at the first kind of place, I dig deeply into the reviews to get a sense for what the place is really like. The Clearfield Super 8 had overwhelming great reviews and policies that seemed designed to discourage troublesome guests - and it absolutely didn't disappoint.
The hotel was about an hour from State College depending on traffic, a little further and longer than I'd estimated but no major problem There was major construction on 80 at the State College exit so be advised that could present delays or detours if you try to make a similar commute.
When I got there, the hotel was just off interstate 80. Very easy to access. Parking was ample with a big overflow area that would allow for large trucks. The lot was also connected to a nearby McDonalds, which though I didn't use, would have been fantastic for breakfast or other meals. There were gas stations adjacent and big box retail nearby too for easy access to any needs during the trip. It's in a pretty busy retail area so I could see it being noisy at times, but the hotel didn't seem to have a lot of guests and I was mostly there from mid evening to morning before 7 am. No real issues with noise or disruption on any front.
The entrance is a single width, manual door, so if you have a lot of luggage or a disability, it might be a little challenging to get inside., but nothing different from a lot of smaller, budget hotels. The lobby was bright, spacious, and clean but the first thing I noticed was it was colored with a lot of grays, yellow, blacks, and reds - much like the Super 8 logo and branding. It was 100% welcoming, but felt a little more geared toward truckers or travelers on business than a more home-spun look and feel. It was different but I liked it.
Check in was smooth and professional with the desk clerk very welcoming and answering a few questions. He was extremely polite and patient with this tired, slightly manic traveler. No surprises, but they did require a card for incidentals as well as vehicle information for parking. They didn't place an actual amount or deposit on hold, but asked for it on file. None of that is unusual anymore, but when you check in (or even better, before you arrive), you might want to ask about any amount they hold. No issue at all with any of that, just something to keep in mind.
After getting my key I walked down the very clean hallway (notably striped, colored, and carpeted in those same "trucker" colors) and got to my room. I'd asked for a first floor room and received one. It's a 2 story building and you might want to specify 1st floor too or reserve an accessible room if stairs aren't your thing. I don't think the hotel had an elevator.
The room was spacious and very clean. My room was carpeted but some reviews said there were rooms with hard, veneer floors. I'm glad for the clean carpet, but either would have been fine with me. Nothing was fancy, but it was all in good repair and comfortable. The TV, clock, fridge and microwave all worked, though the micro was on the loud side. Cable TV selection was excellent. Heat was on and room was as warm as I wanted it to be. Bed was comfortable and had 3 medium sized pillows - much appreciated instead of those small mini-pillows a lot of places use now. Blankets were a little light weight for my taste but I wasn't cold or uncomfortable even on the coldest night of my stay (low 20s outside).
I got a single queen bed room and in addition to that the room had a heavy padded chair, a desk and desk chair, and a dresser with the tv on it. I only used the bed, but saw no problems with the rest.
Coffee maker was a basic drip style with two packets of typical hotel room coffee.
Bathroom was clean, water ran hot, and shower was strong.
I did not have time to explore breakfast in great detail but it seemed to be an assortment of carbs - bread, bagels, cereals, and apples with accoutrements. I only stopped briefly for coffee which was decent, before hitting the road for my work. I did not see any protein based foods like eggs or sausage, but with McDonalds next door, it would have been easy to get something heartier if I'd wanted that. I ultimately picked up some microwaveable breakfast food at the nearby Wal-Mart and heated that in my room.
Checkout my last morning was easy, professional, courteous and quick.
Overall this was just an all-around great value on a straightforward, clean, comfortable room. I liked the more masculine, business like appearance a lot and everyone I talked to on staff was courteous and professional. For the rate I paid I would gladly stay there again for business or an overnight while passing through. If you're traveling for pleasure, want more amenities, or need an extended stay it might be a little spartan for you. For my personality and purpose it was a great decision - one I'd repeat any time I was in the area.
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