Providence is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and it fully earns its nicknames, like the Renaissance City and the Creative Capital! Boasting a multitude of acclaimed colleges, including Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RSID), it’s not hard to see how Providence has become a cultural hotspot.
This compact city is dense with people, places, and things to see and do. It has the most coffee and doughnut shops per capita of any other city in the United States and a truly impressive number of restaurants, cultural institutions, and installations. Located right at the mouth of the Providence River, you’ll also have access to a lovely waterscape.
Its most remarkable feature is the impressive preservation of historic buildings and districts. The city retains much of its early 20th-century charm. In Providence, Art Deco styles reign, providing an interesting contrast to the newer modernist and postmodern buildings that now occupy the skyline.
With so many things to see and do, you’ll want a comfy place to come back to after a long day. Luckily, Providence is dotted with designer boutique stays, apartment-style accommodations, and luxury hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Providence to help you plan your perfect New England getaway!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Providence, Rhode Island
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Where to Stay in Providence
The best place to stay in Providence, Rhode Island, is the historic downtown district. Downtown is bursting with impeccably preserved architecture, beautiful public parks, and tons of other attractions.
Downtown is dense with sights and activities. You’ll find that it’s easily walkable, though many hotels will offer bicycle rentals, sometimes even as a complimentary perk, to help you get around! Walking to major sites like Brown University, the Rhode Island Convention Center, and the Rhode Island School of Design is easy from any hotel in downtown, too.
Look for hotels around Providence City Hall and the Rhode Island Convention Center for the best area to stay if you’re in town on business. That said, there’s definitely no shortage of fun to be had downtown!
If you’re traveling with little ones, look for a hotel near the sprawling Roger Williams Park. This iconic outdoor space contains a zoo, botanical center, and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, which is well worth a full day’s visit.
If you’re interested in arts, culture, and historic preservation, there’s no better spot than the theater district, the area right around the famed Providence Performing Arts Center, which is surrounded by Art Deco architecture and independent galleries.
For even better access to Brown and RSID, look closer to the Providence River and the east side of downtown. These locations also have the advantage of the best views of the waterfront plus a look over the historic theater district!
1. Graduate Providence
At Graduate Providence, you’ll get all the charm of a historic venue with the fun, stylish decor of a modern boutique hotel. It’s also perfectly located in downtown Providence, so the location can’t be beat!
We love the pairing of classic styles with bright pops of color in every room. Red tufted headboards mingle with scholarly plaids and tweed, a play on the hotel’s name and its proximity to Brown University and many other Providence colleges.
The lobby is quite memorable, with the original Art Deco ceiling carefully preserved since the hotel’s opening in 1922. The Graduate Providence’s centerpiece is a Gatsby-esque glass and bronze elevator right at the top of a grand staircase.
These architectural flourishes are complemented by the quirky art and luxe furnishings found throughout the hotel. If you love design, this is easily one of the coolest boutique hotels in Providence!
This hotel offers some great perks, too, including a full-service spa and a sports-themed restaurant for all your pampering and dining needs. The Graduate Providence also offers complimentary bike rentals so you can explore Providence at your own speed.
2. Christopher Dodge House
Christopher Dodge House is a beautifully preserved 14-room boutique hotel in downtown Providence. This beautiful bed and breakfast is the perfect choice if you want an intimate, unique stay in the city.
This historic inn is furnished with classic pine, oak, and cherry furniture, giving every room a warm vintage feel. We love the writing desk and fireplaces in most of the guest rooms, providing the perfect atmosphere for dashing off a few thoughts in your journal.
Every room in this B&B is unique, and they each have a distinct charm. We personally love the Prime King Room, which features a stunning marble fireplace, a four-poster bed, a sitting area, and beautiful French windows.
A complimentary hot breakfast is provided every morning, which includes locally roasted coffee and seriously good homemade pastries. Plus, the cozy common room is available 24/7, and it’s always stocked with snacks and beverages. Come downstairs and enjoy some tea next to the wood-burning stove after a long day or before setting off for one of Providence’s many galleries and museums!
3. Hotel Providence
Hotel Providence offers oodles of old-world charm alongside larger suites, perfect for longer stays. Plus, you’ll love that this luxury boutique hotel is located right in downtown Providence’s desirable theater district.
We really appreciate the dramatic flourishes in this historic venue. The antique armchairs and wood furnishings are elegant and full of character, pointing to the hotel’s long history – it opened for the first time in 1882!
With only 80 guest rooms, Hotel Providence offers a quiet, comfortable stay. All rooms are equipped with luxury linens and marble bathrooms, so no matter which you pick, you’ll have no trouble resting and relaxing.
For extra comfort, we’d recommend one of the 18 suites the hotel offers. The lavish Premier Suite is a 1-bedroom space with all the amenities you could possibly need.
The full kitchen is perfect for a longer stay, and the whirlpool tub offers a super-relaxing soak! The most special features are the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the hotel’s beautiful courtyard, garden, and neighboring church.
4. The Dean Hotel
The Dean Hotel offers big city style in a historic small town location. This 52-room boutique hotel is easily one of the coolest hotels in Providence, Rhode Island!
Expect a perfectly fluffed white duvet in your room, perfect to retire in after a night of fantastic cocktails served right in the hotel’s club-style Dean Bar and a few rounds of karaoke in Providence’s most classy (and only) karaoke lounge, The Boombox.
The fun and stylish lounges, plus an on-site artisanal cafe, are major perks of staying at The Dean. That’s not even taking the ultra-stylish guest rooms into account.
With a range of room options, we’d recommend The Guardian Suite, which features a king bed and a spacious seating area for six. The modernist black accents are the perfect accompaniment to the custom-designed furniture and carefully selected artwork. Sitting at the writing desk enjoying your morning coffee never felt cooler!
Still, you can’t go wrong when every room has a contemporary touch. The Dean offers a modern vision of the boutique hotel alongside a soul of art and design rooted in local production.
5. The Beatrice
The Beatrice Hotel is one of the best hotels in Providence, Rhode Island, and is steeped in modern luxury and elegance.
This 52-room hotel has been kitted out with fine consideration to all the needs of the modern traveler. Amenities in every room include fit kits, fine linens and robes, high-speed Wi-Fi, and garment steamers. But our favorite touch is the fogless vanity mirrors with built-in lighting.
The exclusive Barton Suite offers a ton of space to stretch out and relax. The private living room features a full sectional and an entertainment center perfect for entertaining. Plus, the bedroom offers a panoramic city view out of sky-high windows. It’s the most luxurious suite in Providence!
One of the best perks The Beatrice offers is access to the Bellini Rooftop, a private rooftop lounge. The lounge serves an exclusive menu of classic Italian fare and hosts social events throughout the year – this place is definitely not to be missed during your visit!
6. The Dye House
The Dye House offers cozy luxury in each of its four guest rooms, each one bursting with impeccable design details and magazine-worthy style.
This is our pick for the most unique place to stay in Providence. Locally-made custom furnishings, wallpaper, and artwork give this hotel a gallery-esque style without compromising on comfort.
We find it difficult to decide between each suite – they’re all so interesting! If you’re looking to host or have a larger group, The Loft Suite offers unique amenities like a gourmet kitchen complete with designer dishware and separate living and dining areas.
Meanwhile, the Weft Suite is great for solo travelers and couples. It’s like the perfect apartment! You can enjoy your coffee at the breakfast bar, then relax in a boldly furnished sitting area adorned with a custom-painted mural.
The Dye House offers a streamlined invisible service model but without the full production of a traditional hotel experience. Think contactless check-in and checkout and a direct line to the staff.
7. Global Luxury Suites Providence City Center
Global Luxury Suites Providence City Center offers a boutique apartment hotel experience. If you want a true home away from home in Providence, this is the stay for you!
Each apartment is a spacious one-bedroom unit, complete with a full kitchen, breakfast island, and dining area in the open-plan living space. There’s an in-unit washer and dryer, so doing laundry during a long stay is a snap, and you can store whatever you need in a walk-in closet.
We’d recommend these suites for a long stay, as you’ll have unparalleled privacy and space to really make yourself at home.
Pets are welcome and will have plenty of room to roam. The fitness center is roomy and filled with state-of-the-art equipment, so you’ll have everything you need to keep up with your daily routine!
The common areas here are a great perk, too. You’ll have full access to a courtyard, barbecue area, and fire pit, great for hosting friends or just hanging out, day or night. The resident’s rooftop deck is another cool place to unwind, offering amazing views of downtown Providence.
8. Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
The Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel was once a Masonic Temple. It is now the site of one of the best hotels in Providence if you’re looking for a luxurious downtown stay.
Classic architectural elements like grand columns and granite floors give this hotel a refined sensibility. We love the Public Kitchen & Bar here, which offers privacy and intimacy inspired by the style of Newport mansion drawing rooms.
We’d recommend booking the Capitol View Room if you can. The large windows will give you a lovely view over Providence’s historic government buildings that you’ll absolutely love.
The marble bathrooms and other refined finishes in every spacious guest room feel timeless. Plus, you’ll love settling into your plush king bed and unwinding with a glass of wine after a day on the town!
With sites like Roger Williams Park Zoo nearby and access to Capitol Hill right from your doorstep, the Renaissance Providence offers the perfect blend of privacy, convenience, and classic luxe.
9. Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence
Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence provides a reliable and spacious hotel experience in an ideal location right in downtown Providence. This is one of the best Providence hotels if you’re in town on business or planning on a longer stay. The modern rooms offer an apartment-style atmosphere with full-service hotel amenities like a 24/7 business center, gym, and laundry services.
You’ll find it easy to dash off some work sitting at the ergonomic workstation. Then, relax on the couch and enjoy premium channels on your flat-screen TV. Beds feature comfortable tufted headboards and 300-thread count linens, so you’ll wake up refreshed the next day.
If that’s not enough, a hot breakfast is served daily, and you’ll conveniently have access to a coffee maker right in your room!
The suites offer a great view of downtown Providence. Brown University and the Rhode Island Convention Center are less than half a mile away, and you’ll be within walking distance of Providence’s most iconic attractions.
10. Aloft Providence Downtown
The new Aloft Providence Downtown features a hip industrial vibe, a perfect match for its location in the Innovation and Design District. Plus, it’s also the most pet-friendly hotel in town, making it one of the coolest hotels in Providence if you’re traveling with your furry family!
Pets get special treatment here. You’ll get a complimentary care kit complete with a bowl, treats, pet toys, and a bed for your dogs.
As for the human perks, the guest rooms feature simple, contemporary furnishings with pop-art accents. The Aloft Suite, in particular, has a complete sitting area with contemporary couches – an ideal way to catch your breath after a day packed with museum and gallery visits.
The bathrooms all feature relaxing rainfall showerheads, and we especially appreciate the special touch of custom Drybar amenities to help you stay fresh during your entire trip. Plus, you can keep up with work with the complimentary high-speed internet and comfy workspace.
The river views here are the best and unique among the many downtown hotels in the area, and you can enjoy them from the picture windows in every room.
The gym is a real highlight – say no more to cramped and windowless exercise rooms! The Re:Charge gym is spacious, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with a lovely street view, perfect for an early morning session.
11. Omni Providence
The Omni Providence offers a classic upscale hotel experience in a great location. The hotel is connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, and Providence Place Mall, making it ultra-convenient for business and pleasure.
Rooms have an old-school feel, featuring plush carpets, upholstered armchairs, and a classic color palette. Make no mistake, though, as the amenities are firmly modern. You’ll find updated flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a wet bar in the suites and luxury rooms, which we’d definitely recommend if you’re planning a stay at the Omni.
These unique rooms are ultra-spacious and exude classic glam and amazing amenities. The Luxury Presidential Suite features a sauna and whirlpool tub inside the massive bathroom. Plus, it’s located on the top floor of the hotel, so you’ll have stunning city views.
Other hotel amenities include an amazing indoor pool and hot tub flooded with natural lighting from the dome ceiling and wall-length windows, so you can soak in style on a cold Providence day.
12. Courtyard Providence Downtown
The Courtyard Providence Downtown has a great location. It’s a short walk from the Amtrak and downtown, so you’ll find this a convenient and comfy home base to explore Providence from.
The rooms are spacious and include work desks, sitting areas, and complimentary in-room coffee. You’ll love how the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and the decor is clean and classic. Plus, you’ll have plenty of space to unwind and watch a movie on a night in.
Hotel amenities include a bistro and 24/7 gym, but you’ll have plenty of dining and lounge options in this central location, too! Conveniently, there’s a Starbucks right downstairs and on-site laundry services and business facilities.
From Courtyard Providence Downtown, there’s easy access to Providence’s coolest spots. The hotel overlooks the canal and WaterPlace Park. Be sure to check out the iconic WaterFire art installation if you’re here in the summer!
That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in Providence, Rhode Island! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Providence? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The new Aloft Providence Downtown features a hip industrial vibe, a perfect match for its location in the Innovation and Design District. Plus, it’s the most pet-friendly hotel in town, making it one of the coolest hotels in Providence if you’re traveling with your furry family! Pets get special treatment here. You’ll get a complimentary care kit complete with a bowl, treats, pet toys, and a bed for your dogs.
The Omni Providence offers a classic upscale hotel experience in a great location. The hotel is connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, and Providence Place Mall, making it ultra-convenient for business and pleasure.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence provides a reliable and spacious hotel experience in an ideal location right in downtown Providence. This is one of the best Providence hotels if you’re in town on business or planning on a longer stay. The suites offer a great view of downtown Providence. Brown University and the Rhode Island Convention Center are less than half a mile away, and you’ll be within walking distance of Providence’s most iconic attractions.
The Beatrice Hotel is one of the best hotels in Providence, Rhode Island, and is steeped in modern luxury and elegance. One of the best perks The Beatrice offers is access to the Bellini Rooftop, a private rooftop lounge. The lounge serves an exclusive menu of classic Italian fare and hosts social events throughout the year – this place is definitely not to be missed during your visit!
At Graduate Providence, you’ll get all the charm of a historic venue with the fun, stylish decor of a modern boutique hotel. It’s also perfectly located in downtown Providence, so the location can’t be beat! This hotel offers some great perks, too, including a full-service spa and a sports-themed restaurant for all your pampering and dining needs. The Graduate Providence also offers complimentary bike rentals so you can explore Providence at your own speed.
Sorry but the Dean Hotel is in no way a luxury hotel. It’s adequate with dark Goth style interiors, ( think Amityville Horror)an antique elevator that is very small and difficult to use for anyone with mobility problems and inadequate lighting in the corridors. No breakfast available. It has the feel of a college frat house, self-consciously hip. I think a young crowd might enjoy it,but I didn’t.