Author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin could weave a chronology of American history just by digging into the rich past of Boston’s Ames Hotel.
Built in 1893, the Ames Building was Boston’s first skyscraper, and home to the Ames shovel company. The Massachusetts-based tool company, established in the 18th century, grew to become an industrial leader, and a valuable supplier to the US Army. Ames provided shovels for US troops in every armed conflict from the civil war to Vietnam.
Their iron shovels were also used to construct many fixtures in America’s list of early achievements: the B&O Railroad in Baltimore, the search for California gold in the 1840s, the Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore, and America’s interstate highway system.
The Boston building has changed hands a few times; in 2007, it was fully restored and turned into a luxury boutique hotel.
The hotel could play up its pedigree a bit more. With many visitors in town for the history, the chance to read about, and perhaps see some archive images of Ames’ contributions to the foundation of modern America seem a natural fit, and a unique selling point.
Interiors painted in stark steel and white pay homage to the building’s original inhabitants. The simple decor avoids any distraction from the floor to ceiling views, particularly special at night with the twinkling lights of the city.
Breakfast is served in an airy library setting with a very practical buffet. Packages of yogurt and fruit salad are in an accessible glassed refrigerator, making it easy to eat on the run, or take back to the room.
Service is friendly and relaxed, with all of the warmth of a small, boutique property. Brush up on your history before you arrive to best experience this historical, but hip hotel.
