Westin Providence......A Big Hotel in a Small City
Written: Oct 07 '01 (Updated Feb 27 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Attractive, professionally run property
Cons: Not many really-it is well managed
The Bottom Line: This is arguably the best in Providence. It is fairly new and is well-run. Just beware of the "up-selling" from the staff at the Reception Desk.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: The Westin Providence |
The Westin Providence towers over downtown Providence with a distinctive profile. The gabled ends and brick sheathing give this hotel some measure of architectural merit. Opened in 1994, it is probably the best place to stay in Providence. The location is convenient to most attractions, and Brown University.
Lobby
The lobby is a multi-level affair with lots of dark wood and marble. So much, in fact, that you might imagine you were in an older building if you didn't know better. Registration was swift and painless, with the exception of rather obvious "up-selling" on the part of the desk agent. I fell for it anyway, and landed on the Club Floor.
Club Lounge
Thank you for the obnoxious up-selling, whoever you were at the desk!! The Club Floor here is really nice, with a welcoming lounge on the 24th floor (the building is 25 stories tall). The concierge in the lounge did not really know much about restaurants-trying desperately to steer me to their Lobby Bar, which was doing double-duty that evening as restaurant and bar. After seeing I wasn't buying, she then referred me back to the Front Desk. Ms. UpSell at the desk actually knew her restaurants and found me a very good one in a matter of minutes. By the way, the drinks in this lounge are not free. One is expected to sign a chit, as in a private club, and the charges simply appear on your bill. The evening appetizers were fresh and rather better than I expected (if another place serves me those #(*&^%$@ frozen egg rolls, I shall toss them out the window). The continental breakfast buffet eliminated the need to try the dining room.
Rooms
My room was on the 25th (top) floor and had a great view of downtown. The room was large and fresh, with a mostly beige and brown palette. The bed was very firm and the chairs were good for reading (I like ottomans). The bath was well appointed, but a bit small. Amenities were rather standard, but they did have a robe hanging there.
Pool and Health Club
The pool is not really very large, but is inside and is also heated. There is a nice large glass dome overhead to let in the light. The health club surrounding it can be very ,very busy at 5:30 PM. I think they have an arrangement with a nearby office building. It seems as though every Dagwood in town comes here after work. grab a locker early if you don't want to change by the pool.
Dining
I have chided others for not including details about the dining rooms in their reviews. I must admit that I was unable to try the main restaurant, the Angora, as it was under renovation when I stayed there. I did have a drink in the Lobby Bar, and it was pleasant enough.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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