Graduate by Hilton Providence

This historic hotel offers a unique and memorable experience, distinguished by its classic architecture and quirky, artistic decor that blends vintage charm with modern touches. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, event attendees, and university visitors due to its proximity to downtown attractions and academic institutions. Guests are often drawn to the hotel's distinctive ambiance, which provides a departure from more conventional accommodations. While the hotel's character is widely appreciated, prospective guests should be aware of potential challenges related to the building's age, particularly concerning room temperature control. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to inquire about the heating and cooling systems upon arrival and be prepared for off-site parking arrangements.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's lobby is frequently highlighted as a beautiful and impressive space, showcasing the building's historic grandeur. Guests have noted the presence of a fitness center, though some reviews indicate it can be crowded, visibly dirty, or have limited and worn equipment. The elevators, while adding to the historic feel, are often described as slow, rickety, or prone to malfunctions, leading to significant wait times. A spa on the premises has been a point of interest for some, but multiple guests reported it has been closed for an extended period due to maintenance issues. The availability of Wi-Fi is mentioned, though some guests experienced poor signal strength in certain areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and appreciated the comfortable beds and quality linens, ensuring a restful sleep. However, a notable number of reviews reported issues such as stained sheets, peeling wallpaper, worn furniture, and general signs of aging and lack of upkeep. Bathroom conditions are a frequent concern, with descriptions of them being small, dated, having mold or mildew, drainage issues, and inconsistent hot water availability. Noise levels from both street activity and other guests are a common complaint, and the temperature control in rooms is a significant recurring problem, with many guests reporting rooms being too hot or too cold due to an old system that can only provide either heating or air conditioning at a given time.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features a coffee shop and a restaurant with a bar. Most guests found the coffee shop convenient for morning beverages and light fare, though some expressed disappointment with the limited breakfast options and food quality, describing items as pre-packaged or unappetizing. The main restaurant and bar received mixed reviews, with some guests enjoying the atmosphere and offerings, while others noted understaffing, slow service, or limited menu availability. Room service is generally unavailable, which was a point of frustration for some guests expecting this amenity from a hotel of this caliber.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, making it exceptionally walkable to numerous nearby attractions, including the downtown area, shopping malls, and various dining and nightlife establishments. Its proximity to universities like Brown and JWU is a significant advantage for visitors. Access to public transportation, including bus stations, is convenient. However, parking is a consistent point of contention. The hotel does not offer valet parking, and the self-parking garage is off-site, often described as expensive, inconvenient, and not directly connected to the hotel, requiring guests to walk outdoors with luggage, which is particularly challenging in inclement weather.

Staff & Service
The staff helpfulness and customer service received varied feedback. Many guests praised individual staff members for being friendly, professional, and attentive, particularly at the front desk and with housekeeping. However, a significant number of reviews highlighted issues with the check-in process being slow or problematic, and housekeeping services were often reported as inconsistent, with rooms not being serviced or essential supplies like towels and soap not being replenished. The absence of bell service and valet parking was a notable inconvenience for many. Some guests also experienced a lack of empathy or effective resolution when addressing concerns, leading to frustration with the overall service experience.

Additional Information
The hotel's historic charm and quirky decor are consistently mentioned as defining features, contributing to a unique stay. Guests should be aware of a destination fee that is applied, which some found unexpected or unclear. The hotel operates with a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals. A specific photo policy for professional photography in the lobby requires prior booking and a fee, which some guests found surprising and inconvenient. The hotel's older infrastructure means that amenities like ice machines may be out of order, and the heating and cooling systems are often limited to one mode (heat or AC) depending on the season, impacting room temperature control.