Hotel description

The last century was hard on downtown Providence, as it was on so many American city centers. These days, though, it’s on the upswing — Downcity, as they call it, has been designated an arts and entertainment district, and is filling up with art galleries, loft apartments, all the trappings of the reclaimed urban center. And every newly revitalized downtown needs at least one boutique hotel, a role that’s played in this case by the rather grandly named The Hotel Providence.

Anyone expecting a standard-issue design hotel will be surprised. This place has no time for minimalism — instead it’s all turn-of-the-century (that would be the 20th) refinement, full of antiques and century-old oil paintings. As for comforts, you’ll find them a bit more lavish than the corporate competition; rooms include proper work desks, pillow-top beds and Molton Brown bath products in the marble-clad bathrooms.

The restaurant, L’Epicureo, was already established and well-liked elsewhere in Providence before moving to The Hotel — its upscale and inventive trattoria fare has made it one of the city’s top eateries. And just outside, Downcity’s shops, restaurants and museums await — The Hotel is perfectly placed for exploration on foot.