I stayed at the Providence Biltmore for a weekend ladies' conference. There were 35 ladies from my church, 5 in a room. We stayed on the 10th floor in a Jr. King Suite (2 kings with a sleeper sofa in the living room). The lobby is absolutely gorgeous, with a grand staircase, crystal chandelier and amazing frescos on the ceiling. All the staff were very friendly and knowlegable about local eateries, stores, etc. However, we did have to call 3 times to get more towels and washclothes.

The room itself was nicely furnished. It was the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in. The room had a walk-in closet. There was a large flat screen TV in the bedroom, and another tv in the living room. Everything on the surface was great about this hotel, but when you look a little closer, you see the flaws. This hotel was built in the 20's, but updated in the last couple years. Overall, these flaws are minor, but take note:

There was peeling wallpaper in the bathroom, the bathroom door had a chunk missing from it. Also, there were no overhead lights, except for dim reading lights directly above the beds. This made it hard to see to do your hair, makeup, etc. Also, there was no refrigerator, which is unusual in a suite. The room had air conditioning that cooled the room nicely, but you could not change it. The hotel controls each room, there is no thermostat in the room itself. The hallways were always very warm. There were 4 elevators that moved quickly. I would have liked to use the glass elevator in the lobby, but it wasn't working the weekend we were there.

We looked at going to the McCormick and Shmicks Seafood Restaurant that is in the hotel, but found it too expensive. We ended up going 2 blocks to Joe's Grill. It was wonderful seafood in a cozy atmosphere, with much cheaper prices! It's on the side of Providence Place Mall. There is also a Starbucks in the hotel. The one morning I went there, there were only 2 ladies' working and the line went out the door. They should have had more workers knowing a convention was in town.

Overall, I would stay there again. The flaws were minor compared to the overall atmosphere of this hotel. It's in a great location, 2 blocks to the mall and one block to the Rhode Island Convention Center. You can also catch a trolley tour right outside the hotel.

We took advantage of the Water Fire package and what a great deal it was! My family & I stayed at the Biltimore last year around the same time and knew the hotel was outstanding so I knew when I got two other couples together to go this year we couldn't go wrong. The package stated that the rooms would be on the smaller side which they were but how much time do you actually spend in the room? When we arrived we were given a "goodie bag" to go along with the package which consisted of breakfast for two for the next morning, a disposable camera, flash light & a few other things. How cool is that?
The hotel is in a wonderful area within walking distance to the Water Fires, bands that play on the street corners, bars and if you really need to shop, a four story mall.
My sister in law was even given an upgrade to a suite since her room wasn't ready which totally made her stay as she doesn't get away hardly at all.
Just a wonderful place to stay.

The Providence Biltmore is a gorgeous historic hotel. The lobby, common spaces, and hallways are beautifully decorated in styles of the 1920s. We were worried that the furnishings and the fixtures of the room might be run-down, but they were just a bit shabby -- the high ceilings and big windows more than made up for it. Staff were very nice and helpful, valet parking was speedy, room service was great. Really nice big bathrobes! Altogether, a great experience -- like going back in time.

I chose the Biltmore starting with the proximity to Johnson & Wales University which we were visiting. It was one of several hotels within walking distance. Then I saw the photos on-line at Expedia and they sealed the deal. It was like walking into a movie from the 30's or 40's - it felt like old Hollywood glamour. The lobby is just beautiful and the rooms are comfortable and luxurious. We didn't want to get out of the beds and leave in the morning. The staff could not have been more accommodating or friendly - greeted us like royalty and gave us directions all over town and recommendations for restaurants. We ended up eating right at the restaurant in the hotel, which was great - McCormick & Schmicks. They also have a huge Starbucks right there. I had to wait in the lobby for my daughter to come back from orientation and I watched the staff help a lot of people and they treated everyone wonderfully. You have to pay to park ($22) at any hotel in Providence, but you can leave your car there until 4:00 even though check out is 12. They stored our luggage too. I can't recommend the Biltmore highly enough.