Head to Providence for a more compact take on an American city – it’s quirky, charming and friendly.
Graduate Providence (Photo: Booking.com)
Whereas most things in the United States are big – think portion sizes and pick-up trucks – the state of Rhode Island is a bit more compact. This is the smallest state in the US (covering an area of 1,214 square miles) and its capital Providence can feel like a locally town compared to the country’s big cities. Voted one of the quirkiest towns in America, Providence is a friendly place with a community feel, boasting great food and a blossoming arts scene. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few days and the selection of great luxury hotels takes the fuss out of any visit.
Graduate Providence
With a great location in the heart of downtown, within walking distance from the major universities, this four-star hotels wows as soon as you walk in. It’s opulent, tasteful and unique, part Great Gatsby with a dash of The Grand Budapest Hotel – this really is something special. The rooms have an old school charm but nicely updated, with clean, contemporary interior design and all the mod cons. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, even by American standards, and it’s all spotlessly clean and well presented. A top pick. From $205.
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Hotel Providence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hotel Providence (Photo: Booking.com)
This large boutique hotel, also located in downtown, mixes European flair and New England charm. Dating back to the 19th century it is filled with old-world elegance, as well as more modern updates such as the grand bar that fuses Art Deco pizazz with an industrial twist. It’s all beautifully thought out, with rooms and common areas packed with charm and sophistication, from the elegant marble flooring in the private bathrooms to vintage furniture and works of art. The rooms even have a few classic novels for further enhancing the sense of history. The location couldn’t be better – just a few feet away from theaters and award winning restaurants. From $225.
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Dye House
If you prefer more of an aparthotel-style accommodation, Dye House is worth a look. Built in 1880, Dye House was once part of the Weybosset Mill Complex, one of the country’s main manufacturing centres for worsted wool, before hosting furniture making and pottery. Now it is a five-star hotel, although with a more interior-design led approach – white walls, pops of colour and exposed wood – it is a little different from other top end hotels. What you get is spacious, modern rooms with a desk for working. Some also have a patio. Dye House is ideal if you like to stay somewhere that’s a bit different from the rest. From $157.
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