Scene
Old-world classy, with some serious 80s vibes.
Brick wall on one side, shiny steel and glass facade on the other, and a delicate, deconstructionist chandelier hanging in-between. That’s the first thing you’ll notice when you enter the clean-lined lobby of The Beatrice, a four-star hotel in downtown Providence, R.I. Housed in the iconic 1887 Exchange Building, the hotel is named after Beatrice Temkin, philanthropist and mother of hotel managing partner, former Providence Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr.
Aesthetically, The Beatrice nods to more traditional notions of luxury, but travelers will appreciate the very modern tech amenities. Rooms have high ceilings and panoramic views of the city, and Nespresso machines. Dining options celebrate Providence’s small-scale makers and legendary Italian cuisine. Paolino recruited the Cipriani family (of expensive Manhattan pasta fame) to develop Bellini Providence, the hotel restaurant named for the cocktail Giuseppe Cipriani invented in 1948, as well as the members-and-guests-only rooftop bar that looks plucked out of Milan.
Location
Rhode Island’s post-industrial capital city has long had a funky music and arts scene, plus some seriously good eats, thanks in part to its many colleges and universities.
Rhode Island is a small state with plenty to offer, and nowhere is this more true than its posh and grungy capital city. Providence is full of surprises: round the corner and get a face full of weird monster puppets, an urban farm or the house of famed horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. Because you’re staying downtown, make sure to visit Westminster Street, lined with quirky shops and cafés. And if you feel like a glute workout, trek up the hill to check out eclectic ivory towers Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
While you’re at The Beatrice, make sure to:
- Wander the RISD Museum, home to more than 100,000 art objects from around the world, including work from Monet, Picasso and Andy Warhol. While the space feels small, exhibits span from ancient history to contemporary art, and include everything from paintings to costumes and textiles. Save plenty of time for the Granoff Galleries, where you can revel in 20th and 21st century haute couture dresses and designer furniture, like Rietveld’s famously angular Zig-zag Chair.
- Find a quiet alcove to read (or hide) in the Providence Athenaeum, an independent library with romantic two-story stacks.
- Looking for great music and lively nightlife? Dive bar Nick-A-Nee’s has some rocking bluegrass and honky-tonk shows — plus it’s pup-friendly. In the heart of downtown, nonprofit arts space and bar AS220 offers everything from sound bath meditation to punk shows to improv performances.
- Spend time on Westminster Street, where old-school brick sidewalks usher you into local shops and eateries. Craftland’s whimsical, locally-made goods will have you redecorating your entire house. And wander through the Westminster Arcade, the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States, built in 1828 and recently restored.
- For breakfast, savor a chocolate-almond croissant and slice of quiche at Seven Stars Bakery.
- If you are determined to experience old school Mafia vibes and Italian food, pay a visit to Cassarino’s on Federal Hill. Then, grab dessert at Pastiche.
- Rent bikes and explore views of the water along the East Bay Bike Path. Stop to get ice cream at Dari-Bee’s for cycling fuel. If you make it the whole 14.5 miles to Bristol, treat yourself to brunch at the Beehive Cafe.
Rooms
Guest rooms at The Beatrice are elegant and warmly accented, with thoughtful tech and luxurious touches.
Earth tone walls frame large windows with floor-to-ceiling drapes that brush against wood herringbone floors. Furniture — including the Italian-linened bed, tufted teal ottoman and creamy, velvety armchair — is contemporary and comfortable. Bathrooms are cool-weather ready with heated towel rack and bidet toilet with heated seat. Dyson hair dryers (with diffuser attachments) will make curly-haired guests weep with joy. Plus, each room includes a Nespresso coffee station.
Classic King Room (from $229): This room has a king bed and plush end ottoman, armchair, glass side table and floor lamp, TV and dresser, and large closet. The large, glass-sided walk-in shower has Beekind Organic bath products.
Grand Room (from $279): Like the Classic King, with an entryway and a little more room. It comes with a King bed or two Queen beds. An ADA accessible version of this room is also available.
Dante Suite (from $399): Named after the iconic Italian poet, the Dante Suite includes a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, desk, TV and armchair, a bedroom with king bed and desk, two closets and two full bathrooms. Both rooms open onto an entryway, so guests sleeping in each room can come and go without disturbing the others.
The Barton Suite (call for rates): Off of the entryway in the 850 square foot Barton Suite, you’ll find a posh living room with a 53-inch flat screen TV, sofa, lounge chair and a half bath where you can powder your nose. The separate bedroom has a king bed and end ottoman, armchair, glass side table and floor lamp, TV and dresser, large closet and a full-size bathroom.
Amenities
Dining options at The Beatrice lean into Providence’s Italian heritage and artisan foodie culture.
Bellini Providence & Bellini Rooftop
Named after the Venetian cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée, Bellini Providence is the newest location of this small, formal chain from the Cipriani team. The overhead recessed lighting and high gloss paneled walls throw a nod to 80s opulence, while the rounded sofas that cup the circular tables are just plain smart. Try the tagliardi with tartufo nero di Norcia (Black Truffle Cream Sauce … I mean, come on). Before dinner, skedaddle up to the members-and-guests-only rooftop bar, where you can watch the sun set across downtown and slurp up one or two of the restaurant’s namesake cocktails on a royal blue couch.
Hope & Main Downtown Maker Marketplace
In 2014, Hope & Main opened as Rhode Island’s first nonprofit incubator kitchen. Now, the Downtown Makers Marketplace is the first brick-and-mortar location where you can buy tasty goods from local food brands. Buy snacks to take home to your family and friends, and grab a locally-sourced sandwich for lunch.
Gym
The fitness room, open 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, offers standard workout equipment and requires an appointment.
Pets
The hotel is pet-friendly, for a steep price: dogs 35 lbs or less can sleep in their very own in-room doggie bed for $150 per stay.
FAQs
What is The Beatrice hotel’s address?
90 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
When is check-in and check-out at this boutique hotel?
Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
What are the amenities?
The Providence hotel has 24-hour front desk, 24-hour business center, concierge, fitness center, meeting rooms, dry cleaning/laundry services, a front-desk safe, room service, beds with Italian linens, 42-inch TVs, in-room fit kits, bathrobes, designer toiletries and bidets, free wifi/Internet access, air conditioning, hair dryers and blackout drapes/curtains, irons/ironing boards and valet parking.
What is the restaurant in the lobby?
The Bellini Restaurant by Ignazio Cipriani.
How far is The Beatrice from the Rhode Island Convention Center?
The convention center is .3 mile away.