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Ames Hotel Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

About your stay

By Rocky Casale, Jetsetter Correspondent

This hotel is Jetsetter verified

Our editors have been here and it has met our standards.

95%

Recommended by 95% of 363 members.

Read 187 member reviews

The 114-room Ames hotel is anchored in thoughtful design. Interiors are a seamless marriage of the building’s original 19th-century craftsmanship and an updated minimalist aesthetic, from the spare but sleek guestrooms to the trendy Woodward. Better yet, the location couldn’t be more convenient: Five-star North End restaurants, Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill and most of Boston’s top attractions are a short walk from the Ames’s sleek lobby.

Ames Hotel Boston

Jetsetter review

Design gurus and novices alike can appreciate Ames’ incredible attention to detail. After all this is a Morgans Hotel Group property — the developer that brought to life gems like the notoriously cool Delano Mondrian Shore Club in Miami.

This 19th-century downtown building, which got a multimillion-dollar interior update in November 2009, strikes a balance between bold, innovative design and classic Boston sensibilities. The 114 rooms are minimalist crash pads that feel more like homey studio apartments than impersonal cookie-cutter units. Award-winning designer David Rockwell led the renovation effort, creating rooms in muted gray and purple tones that give everything an understated elegance. Malin+Goetz amenities and rain showerheads make the bathrooms feel luxurious.

Woodward, the Ames’s bar and restaurant, is one of Boston’s hottest nighttime hangouts. Here, organic or locally sourced produce and meat find their way into uncomplicated yet superbly delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. A bouillabaisse of shrimp, mussels, clams and saffron is one of Woodward’s many scrumptious specialties, executed by chef Mark Goldberg. At the very least, stop by for a handcrafted cocktail, like the Boston Mule, vodka with ginger beer and spearmint.

When you do wander off to explore historic Boston or look for great food and entertainment in the North End, you’ll immediately realize that one of the Ames’ best amenities is its location. Near sightseeing activities, like historic Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail, and close to public transportation (two major subway stops are within walking distance), the hotel is a great base for exploring the city at large. All in all, the Ames is a hotel that raises the bar. The smart, sleek rooms, excellent restaurant and bar scene and unbeatable location make any trip here a pleasure.

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What to do

  • See the Sites. Stroll around historic Boston, right outside the hotel’s front door.
  • Appreciate Art. In the mood for something more classical? Take a break from the Ames’s mod decor and head over to the Museum of Fine Arts to view its encyclopedic collection and the new $345 million Art of Americas Wing.
  • Dance. For eclectic jazz in the city’s coolest venue, hit the Beehive in the South End, where trumpet player Phil Grenadier, who tours with John Scofield, frequently plays. The upstairs restaurant shows silent films, or you can head for the bee-line small room directly in front of the stage.
  • Get Raw. Neptune Oyster in the North End serves excellent fresh seafood, specializing in oysters.
  • See and Be Seen. Trendy nighttime spot Woodward is perfect for rubbing shoulders with locals and sipping on a designer cocktail, like the gin-and-cucumber-foam Model Behavior.

All tips and reviews are available to members.

Member Reviews (187)

First-hand knowledge from members who’ve been here on a Jetsetter trip.

  • What I liked

    The floors

    What I disliked

    Well a problem in the kitchen led to our having to leave building with firefighters called in. We could not eat in restaurant because of it.

    Anonymous User     6 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    stylish, convenient, great service, great room service, great products in the bath

    What I disliked

    there was street work outside late into the night - not the ames fault but maybe give those rooms box fans to drown out the noise

    Bridget F     8 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Everyone was so warm and welcoming. The restaurant was wonderful. Great food- warm staff. Would definitely go back - just without our car!

    What I disliked

    The valet guy stole our handicap card outofourcarwe called the hotel and I have not heard back. Very very disappointing. When I report it stolen to the registry, I will copy the hotel who uses a third party valet company. Perhaps they should give that company a second look.

    Catherine T     5 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    The ambience and the location.

    What I disliked

    The noise. Loud outside and could hear person in room next door?

    Anonymous User     3 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    small vibe, great service.

    What I disliked

    more for those who know the city already as the location is not as easy to get around to major stuff like the back bay.

    Eric L     1 year ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    breakfast

    What I disliked

    shower

    Anonymous User     6 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    They accommodated us with early check-in (8AM) from a red-eye flight on a busy weekend.

    Woodward bar served awesome drinks.

    Hotel room was very modern and comfortable.

    John M     1 year ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Very modern and boutiquey. Great rooms, full of character. Extremely helpful staff. Great location.

    What I disliked

    Not much! Because of location, it was a little loud at night time, but it is in the center of Boston so it's to be expected

    Megan C     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Free upgrade. Great location. Beautiful rooms and view.

    What I disliked

    For a luxery hotel, it felt a little bare, but I think it had to do with it being revently openned. Again, prob just needs more time to figure out what is working and what needs improvement.

    Lauren K     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    It was cute - it had swanky and unexpected details.

    What I disliked

    Concierge gave a terrible recommendation for a place to get my nails done... a seedy location and dirty looking place. Did much better looking on my own.

    The T shakes your room about every 10 mins, but you get used to it pretty quickly.

    Jessica U     1 year ago
    This was helpful

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