The Graduate brand plays on collegiate themes and the hotels are always located near campuses or in iconic college towns. Upon check-in, guests receive a school ID, which doubles as a room key card. My ID for my winter stay in Providence featured David Byrne; the Talking Heads frontman attended the nearby Rhode Island School of Design. Room 916 is a Graduate Premier Suite, a comfortable 725 sq. ft. room with a king-sized bed, kitchenette, and styling as a "post-grad bachelor pad." The room can sleep 4 with a pullout couch. Filled with high-brand amenities, I really appreciate the complimentary Right Water. The suite's seating area can easily serve as a gathering spot for friends and family.
The Graduate Providence is a mix of past elegance and modern creativity. Rooms decorated with classy kitsch open into hallways trimmed with original Biltmore wood and ornate carpeting. In the spacious entry room, where a large staircase leads down from the second floor, lofty ceilings are decorated with brass and chandeliers. Scattered about the lobby area, seating nooks create fascinating gathering spots. The hotel has an in-house coffee shop, Reiners Bar and Game Room, and the Norwich Spa.
Providence is a walkable city. The Graduate's downtown location is directly across from Biltmore Park and Burnside Park, twin green spaces offering year-round activities. In the winter, the City Center is iced over for community ice skating and bumper cars. The half mile surrounding the hotels is filled with attractions and eateries, including the circa-1928 historic Loew's Theater now home to the Providence Performing Arts Center, Trinity Brewery, and the Providence Arcade.
Outside downtown, PVD's neighborhoods offer an eclectic and cultural mix of history, dining, and entertainment. The Italian influence on Federal Hill is seen on the streets, and the sidewalks are lined with eateries, bakeries, and markets churning out a delicious variety of goods. After discovering the sights of Federal Hill with its amazing architecture via a free walking tour provided by Go Providence we returned to Atwells Ave to enjoy fresh seafood—a mainstay of Rhode Island. Other neighborhoods to visit include College Hill, Fox Point, and Hope Street/Summit.
Useful links
Go Providence CVB https://www.goprovidence.com/
Graduate Providence https://graduatehotels.com/providence