AMES

With it's signature flare for flamboyance, Morgans Hotel Group has transformed the Byzantine-Romanesque Ames building; originally built in 1893 as the headquarters of the Ames farm equipment empire; into a 114 room, 14 story boutique hotel gem- opening in November 2009. Located at the historic intersection of Court, State, and Washington Streets, Ames is just steps to the major office towers of Boston's Financial District, fabled Boston Harbor, historic Fanueil Hall Marketplace, posh row homes of Beacon Hill, glamourous nightlife and shopping, and Boston Common. With more than a cursory nod to history, Ames showcases striking original architectural elements such as mosaic tile ceilings, ornately detailed staircases, 12-14 foot guestroom ceilings, intricately carved white marble fireplaces, and dramatic windows- juxtaposed against clean modern finishes, uber sexy glass showers, mirrored chandeliers, and interpretive illusionary art installations. Appropriate to it's latter-day incarnation, Ames features leading-edge fitness and business centers, 46" LG plasma televisions, and (BOSE) audio equipment. The Ames building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.