Provindence Biltmore – Providence, Rhode Island
Providence Biltmore / 11 Dorrance Street / Providence, RI 02903 / 1-800-294-7709
This past Sunday morning I woke up with “butterfly’s in my stomach”, anticipating my upcoming review of the Providence Biltmore! I had been so excited to finally experience such a beautiful, historic hotel.
Walking into Providence Biltmore’s lobby you are instantly struck by the hotel’s historic grandeur. It felt as if I was meeting a distinguished local celebrity.
I soaked in the surroundings, grabbed my camera and snapped away! I couldn’t help but take dozens of photos of the chandeliers, dark wood and marble floors. It is an extremely photographic building. Both interior and exterior.
The hotel’s web site describes The Biltmore’s grand opening on June 6, 1922 as epitomizing a year of glitter and glamour.
“The year was 1922. F. Scott Fitzgerald spun tales of beautiful flappers and dashing aristocrats. Crowds danced to the hot licks of cool jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong. Secret Speakeasies and backyard stills sprung up in the wake of Prohibition. Women swooned at the images of Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks on the silver screen. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb gave the public a glimpse of the awesome riches of ancient Egypt. ” ~ Providence Biltmore.
You can read more of The Biltmore’s history HERE.
In 1938, when Providence was flooded by a hurricane, much of the lobby of the Biltmore was underwater. The below photo shows the level of the water which when up to the plaque, eight feet up on the lobby column.
The Biltmore’s external glass elevator climbs 18 floors of the hotel was added in 1979. Unfortunately the glass elevator is no longer operational but it is truly a sight to be seen.
I remember as a little girl driving by the hotel with my parents and looking up at the elevator and thinking how magical it looked!
The Providence Biltmore Hotel has been placed on the National Preservation Register as one of the country’s cherished architectural treasures.
My partner Jennifer and I were in a Jr. Suite, room # 1542, on the 15th floor.
The first thing you notice is the classic wing chair sized for two!
Yes, it is as comfortable as it looks! 😉 Speaking of comfortable, the king sized bed with it’s Sealy Ultra Plush Pillows, was heavenly and provided a perfect night of sleep.
The room decor is traditional yet stylish with it’s 42″ flat screen TV, gothic styled green couch and ceiling fans. There was also a TV in the living area.
Jen and I were both impressed with the size of the room (625 square feet), especially the large, walk-in closet.
Another bonus was the breathtaking views of downtown Providence! Stunning.
We decided to take advantage of The Biltmore’s prime downtown location and walk over to Ri-Ra’s Irish Pub to listen to some live acoustic music.
As we exited the hotel I couldn’t help but notice how the night sky looked up against the Biltmore sign, which has always been one of my personal favorite landmarks in Providence. Hauntingly beautiful!
The Biltmore is walking distance to many area attractions including The Providence Place Mall, Federal Hill’s “Little Italy”, Trinity Repertory Theatre, Providence Performing Arts Center, Westminster & Weybossett Street with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and night clubs. The ice skating rink and Kennedy Bus Station is across the street as is the Convention Center. The train station is also a short distance away.
FAQS:
- The hotel has 292 spacious guest rooms including 138 Junior Suites and 24 Premium Suites, all rooms feature a king or California king beds, plus the largest sleeping rooms in the state with over half the hotel’s rooms averaging 600 sq. ft. in size.
- The hotel provides free Wi-Fi.
- The hotel offers valet parking for $26 per day or you can self park at the lot next door for $20 per day.
- Concierge service is available.
- McCormick & Schmick’s is the hotel’s onsite restaurant. Click HERE for more information.
- Room service is available.
- New England’s largest, and one of the country’s most elegant Starbucks is located at the Providence Biltmore.
- The Spa at Providence Biltmore is a luxurious spa retreat. They offer treatments from all parts of the world and is a perfect destination for day-spa use, bridal services or a simple weekend escape. For more information click HERE.
- The hotel has a full service business center available to all guests.
- The hotel has a fully equipped fitness center.
- Providence Biltmore offers special package deals throughout the year. Be sure to visit www.providencebiltmore.com for more information.
- Providence Biltmore is an excellent choice for your next meeting, wedding reception or banquet with banquet rooms totaling 19,000 square feet. Click HERE for more information and HERE. Catering services are also available.
Gay & Lesbian Factor: The Providence Biltmore has always had a reputation for being gay & lesbian friendly. Not only is it walking distance to many of the area’s popular LGBT bars/nightclubs, it also hosts many special gay exclusive events throughout the year. Recently it was the location for RI’s First LGBT Wedding Expo and Fashion Show! I found the staff to be extremely friendly and the director of group sales, Pamela Baldwin, was an absolute delight to work with as she warmly welcomed Gay Travel Information to the hotel. My partner and I felt extremely comfortable and would absolutely recommend this property. With that said I am hereby “OUTING” The Providence Biltmore as LGBT friendly and worthy of our business.
Everything about the Providence Biltmore lived up to my expectations. It’s grandeur. It’s opulence. The historic vibe……you could truly feel the history.
Providence Biltmore is a classy lady. A lady to be respected and valued.
You absolutely must experience this hotel.
I can’t wait to return!
Desiree Sousa
Owner
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