La Gondola - for lovers, for families, for everyone!
Enjoy an excursion along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers in one of our authentic Venetian gondolas. A gondola trip is a great way to celebrate an occasion, tour the city, or simply enjoy a truly unique night out!
Keywords: gondola, gondolas, gondolari, boat, boats, ride, rides, entertainment, venetian, venice, rhode island, providence, gift, gifts, italian, waterway, waterways, wedding, weddings, trip, trips, tour, tours
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since May, 2007
What is your primary product or service?
We offer trips on our authentic Venetian gondolas along the Riverwalk in downtown Providence. We also have a large pontoon boat, the floating lounge, on which we offer dinner cruises in partnership with Cafe Nuovo restaurant.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I just happened to say the right word at the right time, really. I had joined the crew team at my university the previous school year, and looking for a summer job I happened to mention rowing to somebody who had heard of the gondolas. I hunted around to find the number, called it, and got hired that day. I rowed for my former employers for 8 seasons, and bought the company from them before the 2007 season.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Well, we are the only gondola company in the area, but just in terms of our operation, I would say that what differentiates us is striving for an exemplary customer experience from the moment they call or go on the website to as they are walking away from the dock after their trip. Our whole organization is customer-centered, and I run it with an expectation that we go above and beyond typical service with each and every reservation.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We only have one location now, right in downtown Providence, at the Gondola Landing at 1 Citizens Plaza. We are thinking about expanding to other cities, but do not have firm plans in place at this time.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From Route 95 North or South, take exit 22A, the Downtown/Memorial Boulevard exit. Stay straight through the light at the bottom of the ramp onto Memorial Boulevard. Move into the left lane, which becomes left-turn only. Turn LEFT onto Exchange Street. Take an immediate RIGHT onto Stillman Street (which may not be marked with a sign), and an immediate RIGHT again onto Moshassuck Court (which should be marked with a sign). Turn RIGHT into the parking lot, and as you enter the parking lot, head to the top left corner; the dock is located just off of the parking lot in that corner.
From Route 6 East, take the downtown exit instead of getting onto the highway, then follow the directions above.
From Route 195 West, merge onto 95 North, then follow the directions above.
What type of payments do you accept?
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards, as well as cash. Online reservations are charged automatically; walk-up trips or reservations made over the phone may pay at the time of departure by cash or credit card.
Which areas do you service?
The greater Southern New England area, or anybody visiting it.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Matthew "Marcello" Haynes is the president and general manager of the company.
What are your hours of operation?
10a is the earliest reservation, 10p is the latest during the week (1130p on the weekend), 7 days a week from April until Veterans' Day. We are closed from the second week of November until the first week of April.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That we exceeded their expectations for the trip, or that the experience is something that they will remember for the rest of their lives. I do not know if there is higher praise that we can receive than that.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Matthew 6:25-34 (Remember the lilies)
I have a number of favorite quotes, too many to list here.