A few weeks ago, while touring wedding venues across RI, I got reacquainted with The Biltmore in PVD. (Their ballroom is one of THE top spots for a black tie wedding in the OS btw.) That's when I heard something about a new drink service they were planning on rolling out, in conjunction with popular fixture McCormick & Schmick's, the restaurant on their ground level, which would be laser focused on their lobby area. Lobby as lounge, if you will. Now, if you haven't been in a while, let me tell you that both the gift shop and the media center (Who needs a media center when you have an I-Phone?) are gonesville, replaced with an updated, more spacious floor plan that completely gels with the historical feel of the hotel and has a warm, welcoming energy. But I digress. Back to the cocktails. And apps. I stopped by last night with one of my favorite contributors to the blog for a few beverages and we had a blast! Such a fantastic time, in fact, that we put together this list of the 10 reasons why you need to frequent the Biltmore lobby for drinks and clinks:

1. Walking distance from the train station. Because after a train ride, you should always indulge. Treat yourself to a cocktail and a plate of truffle fries. (We had some fries last night. They were crispy nirvana. Other favs include the cheese and charcuterie boards.)
2. Ever try to get in somewhere on a Monday? So many bars and restaurants are shuttered. No worries - Go here! They're open M - Saturday, 4:30 to 9:30. 
3. Valet. I'm not gonna sugar coat anything here. Parking Downtown can be a P.I.T.A. Valet allows you (and me) to hand over the keys to a third party, without starting off the night stressing over finding a space, having to parallel park. (The fee is also significantly lower, something like $7, if you're there to eat and drink in the restaurant or the lobby.)
4. There are lots of cozy spots where you can kick back, including a 'hidden' lounge area, set back and featuring a lovely flat screen telly.
5. If you're at all like me, then I'm guessing your phone is forever in need of charging. Last night, we counted beaucoup power outlets. So, no more agonizing over your phone dying. And you can snap tons and tons of drink and food pics. Or selfies. Whatevs.
6. Elegant and intimate destination for drinks after work, if you actually want to be able to see and hear the other person or people. You can have a serious, or frivolous (Up to you!), conversation, without any annoying distractions. Enough activity to keep things interesting, without overwhelming you and your besties. 
7. Not a meat market. (I'll just leave this here.)
8. But...we did notice some Shep's here and there. #justsayin
9. Two new signature cocktails that the good peeps at McCormick & Schmick's have mixed up especially for The Biltmore PVD - The Bacchante, a pink chic concoction (made with pearl cucumber vodka, fresh squeezed lime juice, Monin Watermelon, and club soda), named for The Bacchante girls from back in the 1950's, and The Falstaff, a spiked root beer (made with Not Your Father's Root Beer and Stoli Vanil Vodka), named for the old Falstaff Room of yesteryear. #cheers
10. If you get drunk, you can book a room and stay. Then, the next morning, continue your Sober Up Tour 2016 over at The Spa. (Had a pedi there recently and not only did they treat me like a Superstar, but the pedi also held up so well.)

     

    Ciao For Now,

        Patty J

Photo Credits: Thumbnail photo of gin & tonic is courtesy of Getty Images for SquareSpace. All other photos courtesy of PattyJ.com.