History

an iconic, Historic Providence Hotel

The Hotel Providence is a true landmark of the Downtown Providence Historic District, bordered by Washington, Westminster, Empire, and Weybosset streets. The district, comprised of 900 acres and 112 buildings, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

The Westminster building was originally built in 1882 and housed the Westminster Hotel from 1882 to 1912. The building operated as a hotel for 94 years before shutting down in 1976. It re-opened as Bell Hall, a dormitory for Johnson & Wales students before being purchased by Stanley Weiss in the 1990's.

The Lederer Building was built in 1897 at the height of the classic, eclectic commercial style of architecture. It was a luxurious building with a grand staircase that started on the second floor. It was decorated with copper bay windows, intricate tile work, columns, and a first and second story cast-iron storefront. It housed dressmakers, milliners, and musicians, and was a coveted address in the early 20th century.

Mr. Weiss built the Liner Building framing Freeman Park and joined the two buildings in 2004, creating one massive complex. One year later, Hotel Providence opened and was honored at being awarded the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award for luxury boutique hotels.

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Year 1882

The historic Westminster Building opens its doors to the public for the first time, as The Westminster Hotel.

Year 1897

The Lederer Building opens at the height of Providence's real estate boom. This building would served as offices for artists, musicians, and elaborate clothing designers.

Year 1913

The Westminster Hotel becomes Hotel Blackstone, designated as an elegant property, offering "quality and comfortable rooms starting at $1.50 per night."

Year 1918

Hotel Blackstone doubles in size, adding what will eventually become Hotel Providence’s ballroom.

Year 1976

The Westminster Building ceases operation as a hotel.

Year 1990

The Westminster Building opens as a dormitory for Johnson & Wales University, and is called Bell Hall.

Year 1994

Stanley Weiss, an international art and antiques dealer, builds The Liner Building, connecting The Westminster and Lederer Buildings. This building lines Robert E. Freeman Park- a park maintained by Hotel Providence.

Year 2005

Hotel Providence opens its doors to the public, receiving AAA's prestigious Four Diamond Award.

Present Day

Welcoming guests since 2005, Hotel Providence remains an elegant and historic hotel in the heart of the city's theater district. We are still the only AAA Four Diamond luxury boutique hotel in downtown to this day.