Hotel Providence Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Providence, Rhode Island, United States

The Hotel Courtyard

Hotel Providence's turn-of-the-century building fits in quite nicely in the Arts and Entertainment District, which has been placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The hip boutique hotel has a European feel, with antique-style knickknacks and furnishings in the lobby and rooms. An an art and literature theme pays homage to the neighborhood: The hotel named 16 of its suites after New England authors, and there is an art collection on-site featuring pieces by local artists.

Those looking for a sexy night out need look no further than the hotel's restaurant and bar (Aspire and A-Bar, respectively), both sophisticated, hip spots that are favorites with locals as well as guests. And many more restaurants, clubs, and bars are within walking distance.

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Hotel Providence is is in the Arts and Entertainment District, within walking distance to a number of pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Providence has always been a bit like Boston's little sister. When it came to East Coast cities, it was always a question of "Boston or New York?" for travelers. However, that has started to change over the years. Providence is coming into its own. The capital of the smallest state in the country, Providence is densely populated and chock full of interesting things to see and do, such as the Riverwalk, historic buildings dating back to pre-revolutionary times, and the oldest Baptist church in America. Not to mention, it's a city that's easy to explore by foot. Of course, those used to a grid system may get a little lost walking the streets of Providence, which seem to have no rhyme or reason to the way they run.

Downtown, there are plenty of galleries, shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars to keep the average vacationer happy. Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel and the Providence Performing Arts Center are a couple of notable spots. Every summer, don't miss the spectacle of WaterFire -- 100 bonfires are lit just above the surface of the water on the three rivers that pass through downtown.

And for prospective college students, Brown, Johnson and Wales, and RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) are right in the downtown area.

• 10-minute drive to T.F. Green Airport
• 55-minute drive to Boston Logan Airport
• 5-minute walk to Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel and the Providence Performing Arts Center
• 10-minute walk to Amtrak Station in the Capital Centre Project, 6 blocks away
• 15-minute walk to the Riverwalk with plenty of running and walking paths, the Fleet Ice Skating Center, and the Rhode Island Convention Center
• 8-minute drive to The Roger Williams Park with a zoo, planetarium, carousel, and lake with canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating
• 80-minutes on public transportation to Boston
• 45-minute drive to Newport

The Roger Willaims Suite

The rooms at Hotel Providence are decorated with antique-style New England furnishings, such as ornate armoires and upholstered benches. The beds have pillow-top mattresses and high-end linens, and each room features artwork by local artists. But the overall feel is a bit generic, and there are signs of wear, such as carpet stains and nicks and scratches on the wood.

Rooms facing Matthewson Street can encounter a lot of noise on weekends from the bars and clubs, not to mention the church bells ringing frequently (starting at 8 a.m.) at Grace Episcopal Church across the street. Also, the hotel has become a popular spot for weddings and private parties, which can add to the noise on the lower levels of the building. For those wanting the quietest of stays, book a room in the Westminster Wing (specifically the second floor).

• Flat-screen TVs
• Pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, and down comforters
• iHome clock radios
• Keurig coffeemakers with free coffee
• Gilchrest & Soames bath products
• Shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and marble tile; suites have Jacuzzi tubs
• Air-conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Bottled water (for a fee)

Brown University Boardroom

• 24-hour fitness center with solid range of equipment
• Rooftop terrace with free coffee and tea
• Valet parking for a fee (no self-parking)
• A computer and printer for guest use in the lobby
• Total of 4,000 square feet of meeting space, including a boardroom
• Free dog treats, toys, and loaner leashes in lobby
• View Full List of Amenities

A-Bar

Aspire, an elegant restaurant with dramatic crystal chandeliers and plush maroon banquet seating, serves contemporary Rhode Island cuisine with fresh New England ingredients for lunch and dinner. Seating is also available outside in the courtyard. Aspire is quite popular with weddings and private parties, which means it is sometimes closed to the public.

A-Bar offers signature cocktails and classic drinks in sexy surroundings. Both indoor and courtyard seating are available.