Paolino Properties has revealed the upcoming opening of The Beatrice—a new boutique hotel located in downtown Providence’s bustling historic district, scheduled to open in late summer. Set in the 1887 Exchange Building, the 47-room hotel will introduce a destination for sophisticated travelers within steps of the city’s celebrated attractions, along with a world-class culinary hotspot with the debut of Ignazio Cipriani’s first Bellini Restaurant and private rooftop Club in the New England region.
Developed by Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., managing partner, Paolino Properties and former mayor of Providence, The Beatrice is inspired by his mother and lifelong Rhode Island resident, community leader and philanthropist, Beatrice Temkin. Beatrice was known for her quick wit and attention to detail. As you walk through the hotel corridor and rooms, Beatrice’s impeccable taste is hard to miss for those who knew her well. Even for perfect strangers, The Beatrice is built to feel like home (if only your home was outfitted with Mascioni sheets and a world-renowned restaurant downstairs).
Designed by ZDS Architecture & Interiors, The Beatrice’s timeless interior showcases the rich character of the property’s 19th-century bones, complemented by sophisticated decor and tasteful accents. An eye-catching atrium centered around a grand chandelier welcomes guests when they arrive, flooding the lobby with natural light, contrasted by brick stone accents and warm neutral tones.
“In designing The Beatrice, we wanted to showcase the building’s storied past by highlighting the stunning architectural detail of the property throughout the interiors of the hotel,” said Managing Principal/Founder of ZDS Inc. Eric Zuena. “This can be seen from the moment guests arrive through the lobby’s atrium which showcases the original brick exterior of the building, along with the new venues introduced such as the private rooftop. This main atrium was originally a historic exterior street between two buildings built in the late 1800s. The structure of the skylight, and the green wall at reception, were designed to create a circulation space that was a subtle nod to the atrium’s original historic use.”
Providence is home to one of the top culinary scenes in the country and in opening The Beatrice, Paolino Properties wanted to introduce a restaurant that adds a new dimension to the city’s dining landscape. Fourth generation of one of the leading family-run hospitality groups in the world, Ignazio Cipriani’s Bellini brand was a natural fit that will introduce a fresh, upscale, and modern Italian dining experience to the city for visitors and locals alike.
“Providence has a bustling culinary scene and Paolino Properties partnered with Ignazio Cipriani to introduce a high-end dining experience you can’t find anywhere else in the city, including its first private luxury rooftop club,” Zuena said. “Both Bellini restaurant and the private rooftop club boast a sophisticated ambiance, bringing together warm neutral tones, rich wood textures and timeless decor accents that pay tribute to the Bellini brand’s Italian legacy. Additionally, for the rooftop, we wanted to showcase the stunning views it provides of the city and introduced a layout that allows for guests to take in breathtaking views from every seat in the venue.”
The Bellini Restaurant will open alongside The Beatrice in late summer. Conceptualized by Ignazio Cipriani, Bellini will take guests on a flavor-driven journey through a diverse Italian landscape, featuring an ever-changing menu that places a modern spin on the country’s many specialties and classic dishes. Atop the hotel will be the rooftop Bellini Club, a private members-only experience that will also be open to hotel guests. Overlooking Kennedy Plaza, the club will boast dramatic views of the city and will offer an intimate gathering place for members to unwind and socialize. It will offer an exclusive menu from Bellini, hand-crafted cocktails and host a selection of events throughout the year. The Bellini Restaurant will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Paolino Properties appointed Jennifer Curtin as general manager of The Beatrice to launch the new hotel and create an experience for today’s modern traveler. A fierce female leader who started her career in hospitality just steps away at Johnson & Wales University’s Providence campus, Curtin has worked at some of the top hotels in the country. She played a pivotal role in the opening of the property and developing its onsite experience.
Accommodations provide a stylish city retreat for guests to truly unwind and relax. Rooms and suites range in size from 300 sq.-ft.-805 sq.-ft. and are outfitted with deluxe amenities including Mascioni linens and towels crafted in Milan, Dyson hair dryers, organic BeeKind personal care amenities, heated towel racks, Nespresso coffee makers and more.
A collection of curated amenities elevate guests’ stay with a personal twist. This includes in-room Fit Kits, Bea’s Book Bags with a rotating selection of books for guests to read during their stay and mobile itineraries to experience the best of Downtown Providence.
The hotel features the latest innovations for guests’ comfort including contactless check-in, keyless entry and on-demand text request concierge service. The hotel is also equipped with enhanced health and safety measures and offers services for guests including complimentary on-site COVID-19 rapid testing.
“The Beatrice is the first boutique hotel to open in Providence in nearly a decade,” Zuena said. “COVID-19 impacted the hospitality industry greatly and we were honored to work with Paolino Properties on this project and design a destination that truly captured the essence of Providence—from its storied history, artistic spirit as the Creative Capital to its award-winning culinary scene.”
