Viwanu's place was perfect for us, traveling with two small kids. 2 bedrooms so we could put kids to bed and then hang out in the living room after. Check-in and out were ultra easy. The kitchen was really nice; we didn't cook, but the coffee-maker and bin of Maxwell House was perfect for 5:30 am little kid wake ups. And the parking spot is right by the back door so loading and unloading was convenient. We were really only at the house for like 12 hours so can't speak to longer stays. It was comfortable for us.
The location is great for checking out Providence assuming you don't need to be right downtown or near campuses. Nothing was more than 10 minutes away. The neighborhood itself seemed solid--not gussied up, just residential. The location is a block or two off a main drag with convenience stores and fast food. There was a bit of road noise until 10 or 11, but we were there on a Friday night. It didn't keep anyone awake.
Quick recommendations: Seven Stars bakery (on Broadway) is a mile away. Really really good coffee and pastries. We had dinner at Al Forno which is not some secret but was about the best food we've ever eaten. Also, it's fancy, but not stuffy; they have pizza and our waiter grabbed a Darth Vader head from under our table.
For kids, we did the Children's Museum, the Providence Atheneum children's room, a Tour for Tots at the RISD museum, a walk across Brown's campus to food on Thayer St, and the Zoo (warmer day). All wonderful.