This tugboat is a little gem in the heart of Providence. My wife and I spent two nights on the Aulneau and had a fantastic time! It was such a unique experience and Daniel was the perfect host. He was pleasant, easily reachable and responded within minutes whenever we had a quick question. The tugboat has its little quirks, but that’s what makes it so special. You have to appreciate the history of this vessel, and once you do, maneuvering around (like ducking while using the stairs) won’t seem like a big deal. The location was also ideal. We had a gorgeous view of the river and the I-195 bridge, which looked cool at night while relaxing on the tug’s deck. One of our nights was a bit stormy with thunder and lightning in the distance, which was neat to watch from the tug’s deck or porthole.
We loved that the city and all that it has to offer was within walking distance. We parked our car in the nearby free overnight parking lot next to the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and didn’t drive again until we left to head home. There’s also a really cool, newly built pedestrian bridge nearby with several food trucks.
There are a couple of busy restaurants/bars next to the marina with lots of outdoor seating that’s visible from the tugboat. They bring a sense of nightlife to the area, but the mornings are very quiet for enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck and watching the mother duck and her ducklings paddle around and the cranes fly by or even swoop down to perch on the boats in the marina.
If you’re planning a trip to Providence and you’re looking for a different kind of experience that will wow your family and friends, I would suggest a stay on the Aulneau.