What to know about Providence: Big Blue Bug, State House dome, Benefit Street
Fun fact: There are more donut and coffee shops per capita in Providence than anywhere else in the U.S.
Two Rhode Island hotels were among only six U.S. hotels included on Forbes’ new list of Hotel Icons, which recognizes the world’s “most legendary five-star hotels.”
Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn, sister waterfront hotels in Westerly, were two of 23 hotels that made the list, published Nov. 18. Forbes chose hotels based on a history of over 100 years of continuous operation under the same name and a Five-Star rating.
“In an era when luxury hotels open and close like umbrellas, longevity in the hospitality world seems almost impossible,” Forbes said. “Yet scattered across the globe, dressed in their finest holiday splendor each December, just as they have for generations, stand remarkable exceptions—hotels that have not merely survived but thrived for more than a century.”
These are not the hotels’ first honors: Earlier this year, Ocean House was named one of the best resorts in the country by U.S. News and World Report
Other Forbes honorees include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
Why did Forbes choose Ocean House?
Here’s what Forbes said about Ocean House:
“When wealthy New Englanders needed somewhere to ‘summer’ in the late 19th century, many found their way to this Rhode Island resort. Though time took its toll on the original Victorian structure, a new building was erected in 2004 that had a similar exterior and the same interior character. Today, 69 rooms and suites are adorned with custom wood furnishings and coastal-cool hues, a spa provides Five-Star pampering and Five-Star Coast restaurant offers the same spectacular waterfront views that first drew vacationers more than 150 years ago.”
Why did Forbes choose the Weekapaug Inn?
This is what Forbes said about the Weekapaug Inn:
“Rhode Island-born Frederick Buffum and his wife, Phebe, opened this small inn in 1899. The property remains intimate, with just 33 accommodations. On the picturesque Atlantic Coast, surrounded by a salt pond and overlooking a barrier beach, the hotel has always been a nature haven with an on-staff naturalist leading beach walks, boating excursions, bird watching and more. Weekapaug Inn guests also have access to amenities at sister property Ocean House.”
How to stay at the top-rated Rhode Island hotels
Ocean House is located at 1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, Rhode Island. You can book a stay online or over the phone.
Weekapaug is at 25 Spray Rock Rd in Westerly. You can book your stay online.
What other US hotels made the Forbes list?
Besides the Rhode Island hotels, four other U.S. hotels made the Forbes list.
They are:
- Chatham Bars Inn, Massachusetts
- Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Massachusetts
- St. Regis New York, New York
- The Broadmoor, Colorado
