Do you need to get away, as the airline commercial asks? Local hotels have created some enticing package deals – none of which require undue removal of shoes. These offers can become an affordable winter getaway and let us keep our dollars working in our own state.
At the new Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown, expected to open in February in the city’s Financial District, a selection of packages will allow guests to experience the city’s restaurants, shopping and even touring some of old Providence’s historic sites.
The hotel on Weybosset Street was the original Old Colony Bank and most recently the St. Francis Chapel. Packages include “Wine & Dine,” which features a bottle of sparkling wine and fresh flowers upon arrival, and a gift certificate to Hemenway’s Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar. The traditions of the city’s charming past will come to life through the hotel’s “Historic Package,” which offers guests a trip down the Independence Trail, the interesting walking tours of the city under the direction of restaurateur and Providence goodwill ambassador Bob Burke of Pot au Feu and Federal Reserve fame. Tours of the John Brown House are also offered. A shopping package comes with a gift certificate to the Providence Place mall. A “Stay & Skate” offer for families includes an ice skating pass and skate rental at the Providence Skating Center, along with reduced-price, overnight accommodations. While these packages will not be available at the Hampton until March, the Providence Biltmore has had a similar offer for the past two winters.
If you really could use a dose of spring, make your getaway during Rhode Island Flower Show week, Feb. 19 through 22. The show has partnered with the restaurant and hotel community to entice foodies and flower fans alike. A dinner package includes an overnight at the Providence Radisson, dinner at Walter’s Ristorante d’Italia on Federal Hill and tickets to the Flower Show. There is also a package that includes a luncheon cooking demo at Geppetto’s on Federal Hill.
Newport has a particular charm in midwinter. Castle Hill Inn and Resort packs into a two-night, midweek package an afternoon tea, a three-course dinner for two and gourmet breakfast each morning overlooking Narragansett Bay, and two tickets to one Newport mansion or the outdoor skating rink in downtown Newport. Sorry, this is not available the weekend of Valentine’s Day. Other tempting packages feature activities from a one-hour personal seminar on wine pairing with Castle Hill’s sommelier to a membership in the Preservation Society of Newport County. Beer aficionados can enjoy an exclusive four-course beer dinner Jan. 24 with Seth Wyman of Long Trail Brewing Company and Castle Hill executive chef Jonathan Cambra. And an educational wine weekend in early March brings winemaker Bob Berthau of Chateau Ste. Michelle, the oldest winery in Washington State.
The new NYLO Hotel in Warwick has offers for lovers and lovers of food and wine. Packages range from an uncomplicated overnight for two with a bottle of champagne, dinner in The Loft – NYLO’s on-premise restaurant and bar – and a complimentary in-room movie, to a wine-tour package including limousine transportation for wine tastings at three of Rhode Island’s historic vineyards: Sakonnet Vineyards, Newport Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards. NYLO’s “Dining Getaway” has dinner and breakfast in The Loft, plus admission to the Culinary Archives Museum at Johnson & Wales University. These winter getaways are affordable and accessible. There are no skis or bathing suits to purchase and certainly no diets to go on beforehand. Best of all, the dollars spent will stay in-state to boost our local economy and our neighbors and local independent businesspeople. •
Bruce Newbury’s Dining Out can be heard Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at noon on 920 WHJJ-AM. His e-mail is bruce@brucenewbury.com.
Seifert Systems Invests in Energy Efficiency to Strengthen Operations
For manufacturers, energy is more than just another operating expense. It plays a critical role…
Learn More
