What a great place. Chip is a great cook and gracious host. The bed and bath are luxurious, the decor is really fun, and there are lots of little touches like cakes and cookies / nuts / bottled water (sparkling and plain) / wine waiting for the guests.

I was preceded by two big boxes of stuff shipped for my conference. Chip was totally cool about it. When we were leaving, we had taxi trouble and he gave us a ride.

It was a nice walk to the Convention Center in the mornings and easy to get back on the bus at night, or take a taxi for $6-7. The area's a little dicey for walking at night, though a friend said if I'd tried a different route I'd have thought it was fine.

It's the best of both worlds: no need to socialize, like at a hotel; surrounded by great furnishings in a place with real personality, like staying at someone's house. And better food than you usually get in either place.

The garden across the street is the crowning touch--make sure to leave time to go sit by the fountain.

I wish I had more occasions to travel to Providence so I could stay here again soon.