We 're gonna join my sister's family and their friends for the Holidays. Emailed Mr Farrell with our plans, and right away he responded, offering a variety of options. (We were gonna be 4 the first night then 2 or 3 the nights to follow.) We got our favorite space "the loft" which has its own living room, bathroom and soon to be finished kitchen on the 3rd floor. We were given our own keys to let ourselves in late at night. The rooms are spartan but immaculately clean. The beds were so comfortable, I didn't even realize I was sharing the bed. (Mom decided to put the snorers in one room by themselves!) My sister lives walking distance in a house she designed so we were quite cormfortable even at night in a neighborhood that changing upwardly. If one likes SE Asian food you are in the perfect place, Apsara restaurant is just a couple of blocks away. We are looking forward to next stay!

Inexpensive and unique accommodation. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The place is super clean with spacious rooms and bathrooms. Location isn't in a great neighbourhood, but isn't far from downtown either.

The owner gave us directions (and offers to pick you up at the airport/bus station)...It was in a poor neighborhood, but not scary. The house itself is an old gothic house that the owners, a couple, are renovating slowly, so I felt that my dollars went to a wonderful project! There are maps, books, a piano, a fridge and several lounges open to the guests. It's best if you have a car so that you can drive (not walk through the neighborhood---it's far to walk to fun touristy stuff) to visit the rest of Providence. A great place to crash! No food/drink allowed in the rooms. There's no A/C. It was soooo pretty with the fresh air and high high ceilings and minimalist decor. Clean. well-cared for. Pretty. Airy. A fresh way to travel.

As I was preparing for my holiday in Providence, the rate of the Gothic Guesthouse immediately caught my eye. $55? The reviews were pretty good, so I called for more information and, boy howdy, I got it! James, co-proprietor, promptly returned my phone call and answered all my questions respectfully and honestly. He then went on to describe the Guesthouse, the neighborhood, and Providence in vivid detail. I was impressed and remarked that I called, "looking for the catch." He assured me there was no "catch" and that "we just wanted to offer a place to stay that we would like."

We stayed in one of the 2nd floor rooms (the Mary Ella) which shares a small bathroom with another room. Quite literally, as it is tucked between the rooms. So, no going in the hall and if you lock the other room's door, It's just like a private bath. The bathroom is small but perfectly clean, with new fixtures and well-lit. 1 fluffy Bath, hand and finger towel were provided each to me and my boyfriend and there was a hair dryer.

The room was huge and awesome! The bed was quite large and firm with soft cotton sheets and a lovely cotton comforter. It is spare (nightstand, table, desk , small closet) and definitely ready to renovate, but it's like a clean blank slate. Leave the lube at home, though. they have a "no non-human goos in bed" policy. The only problem was the extra-super fluffy pillows. I was almost in a sitting position. I should have asked for an alternative,though. I'm sure it would have been accommodated.

Which brings me to the inn-keepers. They are just unbelievably friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and pleasant. They appear to just LOVE their job. We did not have a car, so James gave us instructions on where to take the airport bus to be picked and given a ride to the Guesthouse. He included a brief tour of the mansion-filled neighborhood for fun. He then filled our map with all his recommendations for fun and eats and bookstores and sights. His knowledge of Providence and energy knew no bounds.

The Guesthouse itself is like the room: giant, simple, clean and down to the hardware. It's very warm and inviting. The exterior is kind of a weird, sooty-color. It's a little menacing!

So.The neighborhood. It cost the Guesthouse a star from me. I take comfort in busy streets with a pleasant commercial bustle. Broad Street is just noisy, with noises like shouting and honking and LOUD music. James did take care to tell me, "Well, we live in a city. It's an urban area. But nobody's ever been physically assaulted or mugged." It *is* an urban area, in the liquor store, check-cashing, people-just-milling around vein. During our initial tour, it was evident that this is a community in the midst of an urban renewal effort, with a lot of the Grand old houses (Like the Guesthouse) being prettified and turned into condos. That generally means an adequate cop presence. I trust the owners' opinions that that the risk of physical danger are low, but I like to feel somewhat relaxed when I'm walking around, not guarded and ready for a hassle. It seems stupid to pay for a cab when the Newport Ferry dock is about 10 blocks away, but at 10pm I gave it some thought. I wouldn't even worry too much during the day. But I, personally, wouldn't walk around by myself at night without a buddy. Three final points to note on this topic: 1. There are cops around at night. 2. There are tasty-looking restaurants in the neighborhood3. My boyfriend remarked, "The bums here are REALLY polite!"

In summary: Gothic Guesthouse is serious bargain that certainly doesn't feel like one!