Aloft by Marriott Providence Downtown

The location was good, and valet was a bright spot. Jason and Danny were attentive and nice, and our car was ready whenever we asked for it. The room layout felt odd. The bathroom is partly open, so if someone is showering, anyone coming in to wash their hands can see quite a lot. Closet space was very limited too.

Keep your room key with you, since you need it to get around the building. I couldn’t tell whether that’s an RI thing or something particular to Aloft. The bathroom was surprisingly roomy, with a huge shower, but I didn’t like having one master switch control all the lights. In my room, the toilet paper holder was broken and hanging off the wall. The staff were attentive, and the modern interior was nicely laid out. The bed and pillows were a letdown for me: the pillow width felt short, and I had to keep adjusting to get comfortable. Still, it was a decent stay and I’d consider coming back.

At this price, I expected more. The flooring looked like cheap click-together material from somebody’s finished basement, and the mattress was so thin and uncomfortable it brought back memories of the cot my parents once got for me in a hotel room as a kid. There wasn’t a continental breakfast. Instead, there was a paid grab-and-go option that looked unappetizing and wasn’t anything I’d eat. I won’t stay here again or recommend it.

The staff were wonderful and courteous, and the room was quiet, clean, and comfortable for our one night. I’d stay again. Just know the bathroom is divided from the room by a curtain and a thin wall. The toilet has its own door, so the privacy issue is really about showering. It was fine for me and one other person for a night. Parking costs $40 per night, with an additional hourly rate.