Located on the northern edge of Rhode Island, Smithfield was established in 1730. It was named after co-founder John "The Miller" Smith, one of the original six men tapped by Roger Williams to create the Rhode Island colony's first settlements. As the Industrial Revolution took off, Smithfield's prime location amidst a variety of waterways made it a natural hub for the textile industry. Smithfield also produced a strong legacy of social justice activism, from its anti-war Quaker founders to abolitionist and suffragist activists like Elizabeth Buffum Chace.
Nowadays, with a small but youthful population (the median age of a Smithfield resident is 42), Smithfield has blossomed into a beautiful and charming rural-suburban hybrid, hosting Fortune 500 finance companies like Fidelity and pharmaceutical companies like Alexion, the world-class business school at Bryant University, and acres of farms and protected nature areas. Whatever your reason for visiting Smithfield, the key is to find the hotel that best lets you enjoy this Northeastern gem in comfort.
What time of the year is best for traveling to Smithfield, RI?
Like many destinations, summer is a peak time for visitors to Smithfield, but with typical New England highs of 70s and low 80s, it's also a great time for not-too-hot summer travel. Naturally, hotel rates are at their highest in summer, but so is interest in Smithfield's full calendar of summer events.
The fall is also a high time for Smithfield visitors who are drawn by both the famous New England foliage and the town's large number of apple orchards and farms. Autumn is prime season for both apples and fall colors. This means that summer hotel pricing holds more steady throughout the popular fall season instead of dropping off after Labor Day. And speaking of dropping, be warned that the temperatures fall into the 30s by November, so make sure to bundle up!
Winter in Smithfield usually brings with it a reduction in crowds, temperatures, and hotel prices. For those seeking Smithfield less for its apples and lakes and more for its quiet, history, and beautiful natural scenery, this is an ideal time to get a bargain on a room.
But probably the best combination of weather and travel frugality is the spring when temperatures edge up into the 60s, but the local hotels have not yet raised their rates for summer. This is also a beautiful time to visit Smithfield. Just keep in mind that one should check the temperatures before leaving and always pack layers. Another consideration is that Smithfield is so small that many of the best hotel options are not located right in Smithfield proper, but rather in nearby places like Providence and Attleboro.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Smithfield, RI:
Smithfield, RI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Smithfield, RI. Browse these charts to evaluate the least expensive time period to stay in Smithfield for your upcoming travels.
Where are the top luxury hotel options around Smithfield, RI?
4 Star Average Prices: £133.90
The Hampton Inn Smithfield-Providence offers abundant luxury at a decent price. The amenities range from a heated indoor pool to fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies daily in the coffee lounge to a crew of thoughtful and friendly staff often praised by reviewers.
Admittedly in Provincetown but just 6 miles from Smithfield, the Renaissance Providence Downtown is an architecturally stunning building with luxurious rooms and, according to many previous guests, great bathrooms, as well as ergonomically friendly workspaces, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms. It's a great place for those looking to mix their pleasure with some business.
What affordable hotels are worth booking in Smithfield, Rhode Island?
3 Star Average Prices: £122.05
Only a few miles away in nearby Providence is the Hotel Dolce Villa, a good mid-range hotel choice. Easy on a budget, the Dolce Villa boasts memory foam mattresses on both its regular beds and pull-out sofa beds. Its two-bedroom suites feature working fireplaces, and all of the bathrooms contain Jacuzzi tubs.
Just a few miles further down the road gets you a good deal on a room at the Ramada Seekonk Providence. A convention-friendly hotel with 11 meeting rooms, the Ramada also offers a generous and universally praised breakfast buffet, and modern rooms with cable and HBO-ready HDTV flat screens.
2 Star Average Prices: £111.15
What hotels have the best discounts in Smithfield, Rhode Island?
The best combination of low rate, high rating, and proximity to Smithfield is probably found at America's Best Value Inn in Providence-North Scituate. Located a scant 4.8 miles away, America's Best Value is described as "no-frills," but also "clean" and "well-kept." It provides a complimentary breakfast and is an easy 2 miles from the highway so you can easily hit the road to Newport, Providence, and, of course, Smithfield. AARP members can enjoy 10 percent discounts on room rates, and service members, first responders, and government employees also receive special rates.
Slightly further up the road is the Knights Inn in North Attleboro, MA, which offers free breakfast, parking, and WiFi. Guests say that they find the Knights Inn a quick, easy, and clean place to stay overnight, but its affordable room rates make it easy to spend a week there. AAA and AARP members, seniors, and government employees can all enjoy special discounts at this convenient Smithfield-area hotel.
Where can you find the best value when booking a hotel near Smithfield, RI?
At least one good value can be had right in town at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Smithfield-Providence. The hotel combines Holiday Inn's famous efficiency and consistent standard of care with business traveler friendly amenities. Among these are complimentary newspapers and coffee makers, in-suite conveniences like a microwave and refrigerator, and additional thoughtful touches like a separate hanging closet for keeping your finery wrinkle-free. The All Seasons Inn & Suites features a similar mix of efficiency and comfort, offering a gorgeous outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, as well as an in-lobby computer center and pet-friendly rooms.
Another great stay for not-so-much pay is nearby Providence's Dean Hotel. The Dean Hotel has been praised in numerous travel publications from Conde Nast Traveler to the Wall Street Journal to London's Daily Mail as one of New England's top boutique hotels. This historic building, which started out in the 1920s as a run-down club, has since been transformed into an architectural showpiece. Decorated with the work of local artists, the Dean has a free bike-share program for guests, an artisanal coffee bar, and a karaoke lounge!
What are the best things to see and do near Smithfield, Rhode Island?
Anyone stopping through Smithfield is bound to run smack into its storied history — and indeed the town invites you to do just that. The centerpiece attraction is the Smith Appleby House, built in 1696 by founder John Smith's grandson Elisha. It is now home to the Smithfield Historical Society, where for many events, locals dress up in Colonial garb and offer tours and historical interpretations. Another memorable way to experience Smithfield history is at one of the town's famous mills. Georgia Cotton Mill was built in 1830 but has been preserved until today in good working order. It offers an inside look at how mills worked and how crucial they were to the local and national economy.
Of course, one of the biggest draws in Smithfield is its wealth of pick-your-own orchards and farms. Although apples are the crown jewel, these hands-on, family-friendly places also offer peach and pumpkin-picking, as well as seasonal favorites like homemade pies and cider. The hayrides shouldn't be missed either! The largest orchard to visit is Steere on Austin Avenue, but there are many others to choose from, like Knight Farm, Jaswell's Farm, and Appleland Orchard. Please be advised that you may need to visit during certain hours or by appointment, so it's often best to call ahead.
Another way to explore the great outdoors is by visiting one of Smithfield's numerous nature conservation areas. Mowry Park and Connors Farm are popular among Smithfield locals, and both are easily accessed from simple walking paths by foot or bike.
Although admittedly not much of a shopping town, Smithfield does offer some unique gift and decor-buying opportunities at Flaunt's Boutique. Located inside Conti's Plaza, Flaunt's Boutique sells the work of local Rhode Island craftspeople as well as national brands, with everything from purses to baby clothes to collectible trinkets. The boutique is also conveniently connected to Ephraim Doumato Jewelers, a great place to pick up bejeweled creations for reasonable prices.
After burning off all those calories, be sure and check out one of Smithfield's many family-friendly eateries, like the Greenville Inn or Tavern 743 (which also features Karaoke Night on Wednesdays). Grab a beer and take part in the revelry at Blackie's Bull Dog Tavern. Or enjoy a more intimate meal for two at the small, family-run Parente's Restaurant. And no trip to Smithfield is complete without a visit to legendary Rhode Island institution Del's Lemonade. Use its drive-thru or walk-up window to get a cup of its famous frozen lemonade.
No matter whether it's history, nature, or a red delicious you want to sink your teeth into, Smithfield's got a little "taste" of something for everyone. And just as important, it has a bounteous orchard of places to rest your head afterward.
FAQs about hotels in Smithfield
Verified reviews of the city of Smithfield
Below are reviews of the city of Smithfield, RI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Good Location Near Dining and the Highway"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of places to eat and close to the highway. We also had family close by.
Irene J., from 20-Jun-2024
"Great Staff"
Score
4.0 / 5
Steve at the front desk was GREAT!
Vincent B., from 30-Dec-2023
"Close to the Casino & Events"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to the casino which is great to see events
Lisa E., from 18-Feb-2023
"Close to the casino."
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to casino.
Laura M., from 09-Oct-2022
"Great restaurants and not too far from home but feels like home still!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great restaurants and not too far from home but feels like home still!
Brendan C., from 24-Nov-2021
"Welcoming"
Score
4.0 / 5
Stayed near a convenient friendly little place called Parente's, a sports bar sort of place servicing, what else? Italian food. buffet style for all to enjoy. I had time too kill on Christmas Eve and stopped down the street at this restaurant; although everyone seemed to know each other they were welcoming to this stranger.
Jayne S., from 26-Dec-2015
"Great Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Near a convenient friendly little place called Parente's. a sports bar sort of place servicing, what else? Italian food. buffet style for all to enjoy. I had time too kill on Christmas Eve and stopped down the street at this restaurant; they were welcoming to this stranger, tough everyone else seemed to know one another.
Jayne S., from 26-Dec-2015
"Friendly and Welcoming"
Score
4.0 / 5
Went to the city to visit Bryant University. Great school and people.
Ray S., from 11-May-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Smithfield, RI shown above is
4.1 out of 5 based on 8 reviews