The largest hotel in the Creative Capital, the Providence Biltmore, opened in 1922 and has been wowing guests ever since. Designed by the architectural firm behind New York’s Grand Central Station, the hotel has a spectacular Art Deco lobby, a rooftop garden, and stories galore from American presidents and celebrities throughout the years. In its heyday, the Biltmore was known for doing everything big. The Garden Room rocked to the sounds of the Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey orchestras. The dance floor was turned into an aquarium, with live fish, for an Esther Williams performance.
And then it was time when the floor was frozen so Sonja Henie could take her silver skates for a spin.
All rooms at the Providence Biltmore were recently renovated to bring back the authentic character of the hotel in the 1920s, so you will find Art Deco mirrors, carefully upholstered sofas and gleaming chandeliers, along with modern amenities such as flat screen televisions, coffeemakers, accessories iHome, good lighting and modern bathrooms. There is also at least one king-size Biltmore bed in each room.
The Biltmore’s central location in downtown Providence is as good as it gets, within walking distance of Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Johnson & Wales, as well as numerous museums and galleries in the city. center. Do you like to go shopping? You’re just a stone’s throw from the chic Westminster Street boutiques and cafes in the artsy downcity area.
Historic Providence contains dozens of immaculately preserved Colonial, Federal, Renaissance, and Victorian homes throughout the city. Families can hike the Independence Trail, a 2.5-mile self-guided walking tour that identifies and educates on historical landmarks throughout downtown, including the Providence Biltmore itself.
Families will love the free wi-fi access at the Biltmore. Valet parking costs $ 28 a day, which is in line with the cost of other downtown Providence hotels. The Biltmore is the only hotel in Providence with a full spa and there is also a gym and Starbuck’s right off the lobby.
Another benefit to love is the hotel’s courtesy car service, which will take you anywhere within a five mile radius for free, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. This is a fabulous value-added benefit. as Providence is so compact that almost anywhere you want to go is within a five mile radius of the hotel, including the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Best Rooms: At over 625 square feet, a junior king suite is perfect for most families. The bedroom area has two king-size beds and a 40-inch flat-screen TV, while the living room has a sofa, desk, and a second flat-screen. There is also a refrigerator in the room. Ask for a room on a higher floor with a view to the west that leaps through the steeples of the Church of Old Providence.
Best Season: The city is beautiful all year round, but try to visit it on a weekend between May and November when there is a Waterfire event. During these weekend art installations, more than 80 small campfires are lit in the city’s river and canals just after sunset, as musicians play, dancers play on the sidewalks, and the water is dotted with gondoliers and kayakers in costume. It is a unique artistic show on par with Cirque de Soleil.
Visited: May 2014
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