We spent a week at Ames and did not regret our choice for a bit – one of the best hotels we stayed ! The hotel is well located, walking distance to most attractions and the harbor pier where all cruises depart is 5 min down the State street.
We were lucky to get a taxi driver who knew where the hotel is. Many reviewers note that there is no visible sign, and that is true. The name of the building is carved on the wall, not so easy to see from street level. My tip will be to tell the driver that the hotel is located on the corner across the street from the Old State House - this is one of the major attractions in Boston and they ought to know it. There is a restaurant at the ground floor and they have an outdoor terrace.
If you choose the metro - the station with direct connection from the airport is across the street in Old State House ( Blue Line, station 'State'). The Airport metro station is not located at the airport, there are free shuttle busses between each terminal and the metro station.
The hotel is very modern, we loved the high ceilings, the bare hard wood floors in the rooms – no wall to wall carpet ! - and the modern furniture. The cleaning is impeccable and the staff very friendly and always ready to help. Glass wall between bathroom and room is very special, the Malin and Goetz cosmetics are fantastic (can be purchased at Barneys New York at Copley Place ).
Continental breakfast is very nice, plenty of fresh fruit, organic yoghurts, nice pastries and very good coffee. My only comment is related to the bread toaster – they only have one, normal size bread toaster , taking two slices at the time..so people had to stand in queue for a while. I think they could bring 2 or 3 toasters, it's a small thing that would make a difference.
We had dinner at the Woodward restaurant couple of times, it's nice easy food and good cocktails. Stay away of the Oceanaire restaurant close to the hotel.
The shopping options around the hotel are fine, from Macy's down Washington st, TJ Max and upscale Allen Edmonds within walking distance. Quick shop at CVS close by also on Washington st. Couple of Starbucks around.
Staying at Ames was a great experience and we highly recommend it !
hotel reviews