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Whenever I go back to New England, everyone assumes I'm staying in Providence.
It just would make sense because I spent 21 years in the city and then another 20 living in the suburbs of Providence. My husband and I owned a restaurant there, so we were in and out 7 days a week. My family history is woven throughout the city, and every trip seems to uncover another memory. I love wandering Federal Hill, revisiting old neighborhoods, and discovering what's new while reconnecting with what hasn't changed.
But when it's time to call it a night, I head to a hotel that's definitely not in the city.
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Just fifteen minutes outside Providence, tucked along the Pawtuxet River in Warwick, is The Loom Hotel, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, and it's become my Rhode Island home away from home.
I've been staying here for years, long before Hilton took over the property when it was known as NYLO. I loved it then, and somehow I love it even more now. The renovations have polished what was already a beautiful property while preserving everything that made it unique in the first place.
Unlike so many hotels that try to recreate history with exposed brick and vintage décor, The Loom doesn't have to pretend.
It's history.
The hotel occupies an authentic 19th-century textile mill, and you feel that the moment you walk inside. The soaring ceilings, concrete walls, oversized windows, and industrial architecture aren't just decorative touches to make the hotel feel hip. They're original features that have been thoughtfully preserved. And, instead of fighting the building's past, it is a thoughtful tribute that feels both sophisticated and deeply connected to Rhode Island's industrial heritage.
A Deeply Rooted Piece of Rhode Island History
This mill has stood along the Pawtuxet River since the early 1800s, when Rhode Island was at the center of America's textile industry. During the Civil War, the mill produced fabric for Union Army uniforms, and generations of workers kept the looms running long before anyone imagined travelers would someday be checking into luxury guest rooms here.
It's that history that is celebrated throughout the hotel.
The artwork pays tribute to weaving, spinning, fabric, and the machinery that once filled these walls. Walking through the hallways, I found myself slowing down to look at the pieces because they don't simply decorate the space. They tell its story. If you know Rhode Island's textile history, you'll recognize connections to mills that supplied companies like Fruit of the Loom, whose roots trace back to this remarkable manufacturing heritage.
History is everywhere here, but it doesn't have a museum feel at all. It has definitely got a more hip vibe.
Industrial Charm Meets Thoughtful Comfort
Our most recent stay happened to be in one of the accessible guest rooms, which meant the both, the bedroom and bathroom were exceptionally spacious and easy to navigate. That said, I've stayed in several standard rooms over the years, and one thing I've always appreciated is how generously sized they are. The rooms never feel cramped, something that's becoming increasingly rare these days.
As someone who almost always ends up working while traveling, I especially appreciate how functional the rooms are. There's a large desk that actually gives you room to spread out, plenty of conveniently located outlets for charging everything from laptops to camera batteries, excellent lighting that makes working easy, and reliable Wi-Fi that lets me file stories without hunting for a coffee shop.
The rooms also include a coffeemaker, refrigerator, comfortable seating, and large windows that flood the space with natural light throughout the day. The bathroom lighting deserves its own mention because, unlike so many hotel bathrooms where you're putting on makeup in near darkness, The Loom gets it right. Bright, flattering lighting makes getting ready so much easier.
It's those little details that tell me the hotel understands how people actually travel today.
A Relaxed, Historic Vibe Outside the City
One of my favorite places on the property isn't inside my room at all. It's the outdoor terrace overlooking the Pawtuxet River.
After a full day exploring Providence, I'll often grab a drink and head outside just to sit for a while. There's something peaceful about watching the river while the sun begins to set. Even though you're only minutes from downtown Providence and T. F. Green International Airport, it feels like you've escaped somewhere much farther away.
The Loft Kitchen & Bar serves seasonal New England-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting, and whenever the weather cooperates, I always ask to sit outside by the river. Breakfast is equally enjoyable, offering a leisurely start to the day before heading back into Providence for another round of exploring.
Every visit seems to begin with a conversation at the front desk. During my most recent stay, the hotel was filled with soccer fans who had traveled down from Massachusetts during the World Cup. The lobby buzzed with excitement, yet despite the crowds, the staff remained warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help everyone who walked through the door.
I still spend most of my days in Providence whenever I'm back in Rhode Island. That's where the memories are, where I eat, where I explore, and where I reconnect with the city that helped shape my life.
But every evening, I'm grateful to return to Warwick. There's something special about ending the day inside a beautifully restored mill where history surrounds you, the river quietly flows past your window, and everything feels just a little more relaxed.
For more information or to book your stay, visit The Loom Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
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