A boutique hotel in Boston's Financial District offering well-designed rooms in a 1893 skyscraper. Rates dip on weekends making this an accessible mid-budget choice with an excellent Financial District location near the Freedom Trail.
The Ames Boston Hotel at 1 Court Street occupies the Ames Building — a Richardsonian Romanesque skyscraper completed in 1893 that was once the tallest building in New England and remains one of the most architecturally distinguished structures in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ames Building was designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, the successor firm to Henry Hobson Richardson, and its granite and brownstone facade, arched windows, and intricate stone carving make the exterior one of the most admired in the Financial District. The hotel conversion of the upper floors was completed in 2009, and the 114 rooms draw on the building's historic character through exposed brick, reclaimed materials, and an art program incorporating Boston's history. Rooms range from compact Urban rooms to more generous Superior rooms; the building's pre-modern footprint means some rooms have irregular shapes that add boutique character, though configurations can feel more intimate than square footage suggests. The ground-floor restaurant and bar is a Financial District fixture with a warm, clubby atmosphere suited to the surrounding corporate clientele. Weekend rates at the Ames Boston Hotel drop substantially from weekday corporate pricing, making it an accessible entry point into boutique hotel accommodation in central Boston for leisure travelers. The hotel's Court Street address is on the Freedom Trail, adjacent to Government Center, one block from Faneuil Hall, and three blocks from the Waterfront and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. The MBTA Government Center station (Green and Blue Lines) and State Street station (Orange and Blue Lines) are both within a three-minute walk.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Fitness center
- Free WiFi
- Historic building
Location
1 Court St, Boston, MA 02108
Highlights
- Historic Ames Building
- Financial District location
- accessible to Freedom Trail
Tips for visiting
- Book on weekends when business demand drops — rates can fall to two-thirds of weekday pricing at this Financial District property.
- The Ames Building exterior is architecturally significant — examine the Romanesque arches and stone carving at street level before entering.
- The Freedom Trail runs past the front door; join it here to explore Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the North End on foot.
- Government Center and State Street MBTA stations are within a three-minute walk, covering the Green, Blue, and Orange Lines.
- The hotel bar has one of the more atmospheric rooms in the Financial District — worth visiting even without dining.
Accessibility
The Ames Boston Hotel provides ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms, and elevator access is available throughout the building. The historic granite lobby involves a step at the primary entrance; an accessible alternative entry point is available. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel when booking to confirm accessible room availability and entrance logistics.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Ames Building?
The Ames Building was completed in 1893 as the tallest building in New England and remained so for over a decade. Designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, it features granite and brownstone construction with elaborate stone carving. The hotel conversion was completed in 2009.
Is the Ames Boston Hotel convenient for the Freedom Trail?
Yes. The hotel is directly on the Freedom Trail at the corner of Court and Washington Streets. Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the Old Corner Bookstore are all within a five-minute walk.
What types of rooms are available at the Ames Boston Hotel?
The hotel offers Urban, Superior, and Deluxe room categories, ranging from compact standard rooms to more generous accommodations. The building's historic footprint gives many rooms irregular shapes that reflect the original commercial structure.
Is parking available at the Ames Boston Hotel?
The hotel does not have its own parking garage. Several public garages in the Financial District and near Government Center are within a short walk. The hotel's excellent MBTA access — Government Center and State Street stations are three minutes away — makes car-free arrival practical.