First Bristol Opens Hampton Inn & Suites Providence

$20 million Project Revitalized the Historic Old Colony Bank Building

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. March 30, 2009

PROVIDENCE, RI, March 27, 2009 - First Bristol Corporation announced today the opening of its new 110-room Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown located at 58 Weybosset Street in the heart of the city's financial district. This $20 million hotel development project revitalized the historic Old Colony Bank building, transforming the property from what was most recently St. Francis Chapel into a world class hotel featuring 37 suites, 32 king rooms, 40 standard rooms, fitness center, business center and conference rooms. The official ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m.

"We're thrilled to open our newest Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Providence," said James Karam, president, First Bristol Corporation, the developers and managers of the new Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown. "Hampton Inn & Suites is a leader in the mid-priced segment. This new property will provide business and leisure travelers with affordable high-quality accommodations directly in downtown Providence. And, considering today's economy, we're opening at the right time and at the right location for the city."

As the first new hotel to open in Providence since May 2007, the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown offers rates starting at $159. The hotel employs 50 full/part-time staff, and provides an extensive list of complimentary amenities including free airport valet service, high-speed Internet access, and full-menu breakfast.

In addition, guest rooms feature hi-definition plasma televisions, iPod-compatible stereo systems, deluxe bedding, in-room microwaves and refrigerators.

In November 2007, First Bristol Corporation commissioned the Providence office of Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. to convert the Old Colony Bank into the new Hampton Inn & Suites. The project called for the complete renovation of the existing 50,000 square foot, 11-story building and construction of a new ten-story, 27,000 square foot addition to compliment the historic structure and streetscape.

The notable former owners are honored on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the new Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown both in name and style. The 450-square-foot Old Colony Room boasts the original ornately-framed mirror above the decadent wood fireplace with traditional crown molding and wood paneling throughout. The 440-square-foot St. Francis Room entertains the antique chandeliers from the former church and has been upgraded with a wet bar area for intimate gatherings.

And while the hotel keeps much of the building's traditions alive, it also meets the demands of an ever-changing economy. All rooms have been upgraded with wireless and wired high-speed internet access, and the meeting rooms offer audio/visual boards and technology. In addition, the building has undergone a series of green initiatives to significantly reduce the amount of energy used to provide heating, air conditioning and electricity throughout the hotel.

Located in the heart of the financial district, Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown sits adjacent to nearby corporate neighbors, including Bank of America, Textron, and Citizens Bank, and universities such as Brown University, Johnson & Wales, and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).