Graduate by Hilton Providence

Graduate by Hilton Providence, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique blend of historic charm and collegiate-inspired design in the heart of Providence. Housed in the former Providence Biltmore, a landmark building constructed in 1922, the hotel is praised for its distinctive aesthetic and prime downtown location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Providence is highly positive, with guests frequently expressing eagerness to return. Review platforms show excellent ratings, including an 8.3 "Excellent" on Agoda, an 8.6/10 on Trip.com, and an 8.2/10 on Expedia from over a thousand reviews. Guests consistently commend the hotel's stunning and beautifully decorated ambiance, comfortable and stylish rooms, and the professional and friendly demeanor of its staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests love the hotel's captivating design, which blends historical features like coffered ceilings and original chandeliers with a vibrant, maximalist, and quirky aesthetic inspired by local university culture and Rhode Island's pop culture. Its central downtown location is a major draw, offering easy access to city attractions and universities. The spacious and well-appointed rooms, featuring plush beds, are frequently highlighted for luxurious comfort. The presence of a spa is noted as an unusual and welcome amenity for a Graduate hotel.

3. Room Quality

The hotel's 294 rooms and suites are described as spacious, immaculate, and thoughtfully furnished, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience. Many rooms offer enough space for multiple guests and feature king-size mattresses, even in configurations with two beds. The decor incorporates strong pops of color, playful patterns, and boutique touches, such as Malin + Goetz bath products. In-room amenities include a 40-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom, free toiletries, a hairdryer, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies in room quality, mentioning issues like bubbling wallpaper, missing mini-fridge doors, and rooms that felt "run down." Noise from the central air conditioning has also been a point of feedback.

4. Dining Experience

Graduate by Hilton Providence offers several dining options. Poindexter Coffee serves daily breakfast, light fare, and lunch sandwiches, and is often described as a delightful coffee shop. For lunch, dinner, and drinks, guests can visit Reiners Bar and Game Room, which provides a sports-themed atmosphere. The hotel also features a full-service Starbucks on-site.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel's staff receives high compliments for their professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Guests frequently mention that staff members are attentive, make them feel valued, and provide excellent information. Requests, such as for a fan, have been met promptly.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Graduate by Hilton Providence boasts a prime, central downtown location at 11 Dorrance Street, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. It is within walking distance of numerous major universities, including Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales University. Nearby attractions include the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence Place Mall, Kennedy Plaza, and the Providence Performing Arts Center. Public transportation at Kennedy Plaza is just 140 meters away. For those traveling by car, the hotel is located within one block of I-95, and self-parking is available on-site for a daily fee. T.F. Green Airport is approximately 9-10 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Positioned as a more upscale option in Providence, room rates at Graduate by Hilton Providence typically range from $301 to $350 per night. While this is higher than the city's average hotel room cost of $201-$250 per night, guests often find the exceptional amenities, stylish design, and central location justify the investment for a memorable stay. Other sources indicate average prices around $196 to $259, with potential deals starting from $155-$160. The value for money is generally rated as good, with scores of 7.7 by Agoda and 7.2 by Momondo.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues have been noted by guests. These include complaints about certain rooms appearing "run down," with specific mentions of bubbling wallpaper and missing mini-fridge doors, suggesting a need for consistent maintenance across all units. The central air conditioning can be loud, which may require earplugs for light sleepers. Additionally, the self-parking garage is not directly connected to the hotel, which can be an inconvenience for some guests.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. hilton.com
3. oyster.com
4. hrs.com
5. fastcompany.com
6. agoda.com
7. expedia.com
8. trip.com
9. booking.com
10. hilton.com
11. dezeen.com
12. forbes.com
13. michelin.com
14. booking.com
15. visitrhodeisland.com
16. momondo.com
17. kayak.com