The Providence Marriott is now a “Key to Rhode Island Treasures.”
The hotel is displaying Rhode Island history. Pieces from the Rhode Island Historical Society are in the hotel lobby and local works of art by acclaimed Rhode Island artists like Maxwell Mays and Michael Bryce that depict popular areas in the state hang throughout the hotel; plaques that explain the history behind them now anchor the names of banquet halls in the hotel.
Guests can also purchase packages where they tour parts of the state to learn about the state’s history or to experience different destinations.
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Over the past year and a half, the hotel has formed partnerships with businesses, museums and art venues across the state to create its new “Key to Rhode Island Treasures” theme. Hotel employees at all levels, from the front desk to housekeeping, took one-day training sessions to learn about Rhode Island history and destinations as it pertains to their position, and all wear key-shaped pins on their lapels so guests know who to ask about the state.
The new campaign is part of the hotel’s effort to distinguish itself in the shadow of competition in the city.
“A bed is a bed and a hotel is a hotel. We needed to find a way to differentiate ourselves,” said Marriott General Manager Dan Peterson. “We trained our staff to know about the state so they can help our guests have the best possible experience and to help them remember the state.”
The hotel also created a new position, the Destination Experience Specialist (held by Jennifer Dahler), who customizes itineraries for guests before they arrive. Dahler calls guests before their trip to find out what they would like to do during their visit and she arranges a package for them. The hotel’s partners give special rates and gifts to the hotel guests.
There’s the Discover Rhode Island Treasures Experience one- or two-night package for two – starting at $179 on weekends, $229 per night Sunday through Thursday – which includes a tour of the State House, the Providence Arcade for shopping, Roger Williams National Park, historic Benefit Street and admission to the John Brown House Museum.
The Treasure in Romance Package starts at $165 per night on weekends, $225 per night Sunday through Thursday. A chilled bottle of champagne is waiting in the room with a king-sized bed, local Sweenor’s chocolates samples and a breakfast buffet at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Bluefin Grille is part of the package. For a bit extra, a gondola ride on Providence River, a carriage ride in downtown and other special arrangements are also made.
The Kids, We’re Going to Providence Experience for four starts at $189 per night on weekends and $219 per night Sunday through Thursday and includes four day passes for the Providence Link Trolley, IMAX Theatre and Roger Williams Zoo tickets and Dave & Busters Power Cards.
