11 Dorrance St, Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island, United States | (888) 822-7560
Massive rooms with plush king-size mattresses; many have pretty views of downtown
All rooms include flat-screen TVs with a vast selection of channels, and free Wi-Fi
Central downtown location, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, government buildings, college campuses, and transportation hubs
Striking lobby features historic details such as sweeping coffered ceilings
On-site dining options include a restaurant, full-service Starbucks, and room service
Numerous event spaces available, many with attractive historic details, lovely views, and/or outdoor space
No pool, unlike similar options like the Marriott Downtown and Omni Providence
The Graduate Providence, formerly the Providence Biltmore, has maintained charming historic features -- such as coffered ceilings and an old mail slot that runs from the top floor to the bottom -- while seamlessly incorporating modern necessities, like free Wi-Fi, a small gym, and an on-site Starbucks. Rooms are massive, and even those with two beds have exclusively king-size mattresses. With a great location downtown, it's a solid base for exploring the city. Those who'd prefer a hotel with a pool may want to consider the nearby Marriott, which has both an indoor and outdoor pool.
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Scene
An historic property in the center of downtown Providence
Though the Marriott Downtown is also housed in an historic building, the Graduate Providence arguably holds the title as the city's grand dame. Built in 1922 by the same architects who designed New York's Grand Central Station, the Biltmore impresses guests upon entry with high coffered ceilings and dark wood paneling throughout the lobby and mezzanine above. It very much has the feel of a large, somewhat corporate property.
Most guests here are business travelers, particularly during the week and when the weather's cooler, but the hotel also hosts families on vacation, visitors to the many colleges and universities in the area, and couples using Providence as their home base while exploring other areas of Rhode Island, such as Newport.
Location
Within walking distance of everything in downtown
Adjacent to the government buildings, the Graduate Providence has a great location for travelers wanting to see the city’s sights, and maybe get in some shopping at the Providence Place Mall, too.
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 an easily walkable city. 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.
