The Cranston center point is approximately 1 mile west of Roger Williams Park Zoo and 2 miles southwest of Big Blue Bug.
The best months to visit Cranston, Rhode Island, are May through October. During these summer months, you can expect temperatures to range from a pleasant 60 degrees Fahrenheit to a sweltering 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation like hiking, swimming, and horseback riding, this is the best time of year to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Of course, there is an increase in tourism during this part of the year. It's best to plan ahead and book your hotel early if you intend to visit Cranston during the summer.
Although the summer is the best time to visit, the months from October through April are still a good time to travel to Cranston. You'll be able to get better deals on hotels and flights during the off season, and, with a little bit of preparation, the colder weather won't be an obstacle to having a great time. You can find top-tier ski parks and ice skating areas within half an hour of town, and some of the local hiking trails are at their most beautiful when the trees are covered in a blanket of snow.
One great thing about Cranston is you don't have to worry too much about bad weather. While late summer can be humid and the winter naturally brings snow accumulation, there's rarely more than a 25 percent chance of precipitation in any given month. You should always be prepared for inclement weather, but chances are that a holiday in Cranston will reward you with clear skies and the chance to get outside.
Plan your visit to Cranston in advance to take advantage of the discounts offered by some hotels. For example, the Hilton Garden Inn Providence offers AAA members a 10 percent discount. This can be especially helpful if you're traveling in the summer months when rates are higher. The Hilton Garden Inn features rooms that overlook a harbor-side park. Open your room's doors and luxuriate in a cool breeze from the water, or visit the hotel's game room to watch a movie or play a board game or video game.
Members of AAA can also enjoy a 5 percent discount when booking rooms at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel. As its name suggests, this hotel is located in downtown Providence. You'll have access to both that city and Cranston while staying here, and you're sure to enjoy the hotel's unique design. Here, a modern aesthetic is paired with neoclassical architecture like big marble pillars and lavish bath amenities.
The Courtyard Providence Downtown hotel is operated by Marriott, and it's here that military members will get the best deal. Make sure to specify your military or government association when making a booking. The hotel itself features a beautiful exterior, clean and spacious rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center with a variety of exercise machines. The hotel is located near a number of good restaurants, so you can spend the money you saved with your discount by treating yourself to something extra at dinner.
If you're looking to strike a balance between luxury and budget hotels, consider the Newhall House for some of the best value in the area. This delightful bed and breakfast is one of the few hotels actually located in Cranston itself, and it consists of two different houses: Newhall House and Edgewood Manor. Edgewood Manor features more luxurious appointments; Newhall House is equally comfortable but slightly less formal. Whichever option you choose, you'll have access to a home-cooked breakfast every day. The B&B is located near the Roger Williams Park and Zoo.
Another good value option is a colonial-style bed and breakfast called The Albert House. This is another option right in the heart of Cranston, surrounded by Victorian-era homes and situated just a few minutes from the airport and historic Pawtuxet Village. The Albert House features rooms with queen-size beds, private baths, and fireplaces. You can also choose to relax in the B&B's private garden, designed in an English style to evoke the colonial atmosphere for which The Albert House is known.
After you've picked out a hotel, you still need to decide what activities you're going to do in the Cranston area. Luckily, there are plenty of options. Visit the Neutaconkanut Park if you're looking to get outside and do some hiking. The park comprises 88 acres of forests, fields, and meadows full of wildflowers. If you're lucky, you might even spot some deer, fox, or wild turkeys while hiking along one of the park's many trails. The park is managed by the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, and there are some fun events scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Any hotel in the Cranston area should also give you easy access to the Roger Williams Park and Zoo. The park is a 427-acre public area with seven lakes, a botanical center, Japanese gardens, Victorian rose gardens, and more. The zoo will you give you a chance to see popular exotic animals like anteaters, bears, cheetah, elephants, snow leopards, red pandas, and more. The zoo is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending upon the season.
Wherever you've chosen to stay in Cranston, you'll have a lively historic community at your fingertips. With plenty of outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping available, a good hotel in Cranston is the basis for an excellent vacation or business trip.
Below are reviews of the city of Cranston, RI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Cranston is a wonderful city.
Variety of good restaurants!
Close by the hospital to get the things I needed to recover.