Walk down Mathewson Street. You’ll see it. It’s that European-style building that looks like it belongs in a black-and-white film set in Paris rather than the middle of downtown Rhode Island. Hotel Providence Mathewson Street Providence RI isn't just a place to crash after a show at the PPAC; it’s a weird, beautiful, and deeply historic anchor for the city.
Most people book a room because it’s close to everything. They stay because of the vibe. You know that feeling when a hotel tries too hard to be "modern" and ends up feeling like an Apple Store with beds? This isn't that. It’s the opposite. It’s oil paintings, creaky (in a good way) charm, and a level of personality that the big chains just can't replicate.
What’s the Deal with the Location?
Honestly, if you aren't familiar with the Downcity area, you might get turned around. But the Hotel Providence Mathewson Street Providence RI sits right in the heart of the arts district. You are basically neighbors with the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Trinity Rep.
If you’re coming in for a Broadway tour or a concert, you can literally walk out the front door and be in your seat in three minutes. That’s not an exaggeration. It's the primary reason this specific spot on Mathewson stays booked during the winter theater season. The street itself has that gritty-but-charming New England feel—brick facades, narrow sidewalks, and the smell of decent coffee from the cafes nearby.
The Design Isn't for Everyone (And That’s Good)
Let’s be real. If you want glass walls and neon lights, go somewhere else. This place leans into its 19th-century roots. We’re talking about the Westminster and Lederer buildings. They’ve been stitched together to create this boutique experience that feels... academic? Literary? It’s hard to pin down.
The lobby is packed with antiques. There are books everywhere. It feels like the private library of a wealthy uncle who traveled the world in the 1920s and never quite came back to the present day. Some people find it a bit dark. I think it’s cozy. Especially when the Rhode Island wind is whipping off the Narragansett Bay and you just want to hide with a drink.
The Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Character
Here is what most travel sites won’t tell you: the rooms vary wildly. Because they are working within the footprint of two historic buildings, no two layouts are exactly the same.
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You might get a room that feels like a sprawling apartment, or you might get a cozy nook that’s a bit tighter than a standard Marriott. But you get high ceilings. You get actual art on the walls—not that mass-produced floral print stuff.
- The Signature Suites: These are the ones named after famous authors like Keats or Thoreau. They have a bit more flair.
- The Petite Rooms: Good for solo travelers who just need a base of operations.
- The Terrace: If you can snag a room with a view of the courtyard, do it.
The bathrooms usually feature marble, and the beds are heavy. They feel substantial. It’s the kind of sleep where you wake up and for a second you forget what year it is.
Eating and Drinking on Mathewson Street
Back in the day, the hotel’s restaurant scene went through a few identities. Currently, the focus is on Backstage Kitchen + Bar. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a nod to the theater crowd.
The food is solid New American. Think burgers that actually require two hands and cocktails that aren't 90% ice. But the real pro tip? Step outside. Since you're on Mathewson, you are steps away from some of the best food in the country. Providence is a low-key food capital, thanks in part to Johnson & Wales University being right there.
You’ve got FIGIDINI for wood-fired pizza right down the block. You’ve got Bolt Coffee for your caffeine fix. You don't stay at Hotel Providence Mathewson Street Providence RI to eat every meal in the lobby; you stay there so you can stumble home after a five-course meal at a nearby bistro.
The History You Actually Care About
The building at 139 Mathewson Street wasn't always a hotel. Well, parts of it were. The Lederer Building was built in the 1890s. It was a hub for the jewelry trade—something Providence used to be the world leader in.
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When you walk through the hallways, look at the crown molding. Look at the way the stairs are built. This wasn't "fast" construction. It was built to show off the wealth of the Industrial Revolution. In the early 2000s, it underwent a massive $15 million renovation to turn it into the boutique hotel it is today. They kept the soul of the place, which is why it feels "lived in" rather than "manufactured."
Is It Dog Friendly?
Surprisingly, yes. A lot of high-end boutique spots in New England are pretty stuffy about pets. They’ll allow a dog but they’ll make you feel bad about it. Here, it’s different. They have a "Pet Program" that’s actually legitimate. You’ll often see locals and travelers alike walking their dogs right out onto Mathewson. Just keep in mind that the city noise can be a bit much for a nervous pup, as this is a busy downtown corridor.
Addressing the "Ghost" Rumors
Look, it’s an old building in New England. Of course people say it’s haunted.
There are stories about a "lady in white" or strange noises in the hallways of the older wing. Is it true? Probably not. It’s likely just the old pipes and the way a 130-year-old building settles at night. But it adds to the atmosphere. If you’re into the paranormal, it’s a fun talking point. If you aren't, just call it "historic character" and ignore the floorboard creaks.
Why Some People Complain
To be helpful, I have to mention the downsides.
Parking in downtown Providence is a nightmare. It just is. The hotel offers valet, and honestly, you should probably just pay for it. Trying to find a spot on Mathewson or Weybosset Street is a fool’s errand, especially if there’s a show at the PPAC.
Also, because it’s an old building, the soundproofing isn't perfect. If there is a loud group in the hallway, you’re going to hear them. It’s the trade-off for the tall ceilings and the vintage charm. If you need total silence, bring a white noise machine or earplugs.
The Logistics: Getting There and Staying There
If you’re flying into T.F. Green (PVD), you’re only about 15 minutes away. If you’re taking the Amtrak or the MBTA Commuter Rail, the station is a very short Uber or a 10-15 minute walk if you don't have heavy bags.
Hotel Providence Mathewson Street Providence RI serves as a perfect pivot point. You can head north toward the State House and the mall, or south toward the Jewelry District and the waterfront.
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Quick Tips for Your Stay:
- Check the PPAC Schedule: If a major musical is in town, the hotel will be packed and the street will be busy. Plan accordingly.
- Request a High Floor: If you’re worried about street noise from Mathewson, the higher floors are generally quieter.
- Explore the Courtyard: It’s one of the few quiet outdoor spaces in Downcity. Great for a morning coffee.
- Walk to Westminster Street: It’s parallel to Mathewson and has some of the best independent shops in the city, like the Providence Public Library and local bookstores.
The Reality of Staying in Downcity
Providence is a "walking city," but it's also a city that has its quirks. Mathewson Street is safe, bustling, and full of life during the day. At night, it’s vibrant because of the theaters. It feels lived-in. It doesn't feel like a sanitized tourist trap.
Staying at the Hotel Providence gives you a sense of what the city was like a hundred years ago. You’re surrounded by the architecture of the Gilded Age while being steps away from modern art galleries and world-class ramen shops. It’s that contrast that makes the city—and this hotel—worth the visit.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning a trip to Providence, don't just book the first room you see on a discount site.
- Check the official website directly. Often, they have "theater packages" that include dining credits or discounted tickets to shows at the PPAC.
- Call the front desk. Ask which wing your room is in. If you want the more modern feel, ask for the Westminster wing. If you want the full-blown historic experience, stay in the Lederer side.
- Book dinner reservations early. If you’re staying on a weekend, places like Gracie's or Birch fill up weeks in advance.
Ultimately, the Hotel Providence Mathewson Street Providence RI is for the traveler who wants to feel like they are actually in Rhode Island, not just in a generic room that could be anywhere in the world. It’s a bit quirky, a bit old-school, and completely unique to the city’s skyline. Enjoy the creaky floors and the thick velvet curtains—it’s all part of the story.