Curio Local Guide

Boston
Where to Stay: Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Authored by James Carpenter

James Carpenter

Freelance Photographer & Graphic Designer

We sent James Carpenter to the amazing Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in the heart of downtown to experience the property, shoot some photos and create a Boston Travel Guide. It’s full of unique tips and local secrets, just for you.

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You can walk in the same steps that so many historical figures have walked before. Also, the size of the city is great. You are able to walk from one end of the city to the other, which makes everything accessible.

My Perfect Day

What to do in a place like this if you only have 24 hours?

Frank Gehry Architecture

Boston Public Library

A perfect day in Boston for me starts with enjoying a cup of coffee outside from Tatte Bakery and getting some fresh air. Then, depending on the weather, I would explore the North End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods and take pictures. A weather change always makes me excited, it is New England after all! We are always embracing the unexpected and the constant change of weather throughout each season. I would get a sandwich to-go from Sam LaGrassa’s and enjoy it in the beautiful Boston Public Garden. I would take a stroll through the South End viewing the beautiful Victorian style homes and then head over to my favorite place to be for sunset, the Charles River Esplanade, taking in the city skyline.

James' Favorites

Breakfast in the Library

Cultivar

Food & Drink

Beacon Hill

Shop

Charles River Esplanade

Activities

Where to Stay

Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Arriving at the Ames Boston Hotel was an incredibly welcoming experience. The Team Members here are great! After checking in and taking the elevator up to our room, we walked into one of the most beautiful hotel spaces I have ever stepped foot in. Our room had huge round windows that opened up to the busy downtown streets bustling with cars and people. The hotel is contemporary and hip but they preserved elements of the historic building which, in my opinion, captures the essence of Boston.

Breakfast in the Library is a delicious breakfast spot located in the hotel; and the dinner at the attached restaurant, Cultivar, is to die for. Cultivar has craft cocktails mixed with some of the freshest and tastiest fine-dining in Boston. (Try the Pride Tai Cocktail!)

The Bobby Orr Suite dedicated to Orr fans, Bruins fans, and hockey devotees was amazing. Be sure to check it out!

I loved the classic architecture of the building and the contemporary comforts. When we explored the hotel we would walk from room to room, space to space and light would constantly pour in from the giant windows that overlooked the busy Boston streets. While my room had the giant round windows that overlooked the Custom House Tower, I was equally amazed by the views on the other side of the building. When exiting the building, you were positioned right in front of the old Massachusetts State House, a historic brick building that is actually a stop on the Freedom Trail (a path, well worth exploring that brings you to the most historic sites all over Boston). The hotel’s architecture, grounds and design all hold qualities that are related to Boston and the Ames really pays homage to the city.

There are so many different types of people. Boston is filled with college students, business professionals, artists, scientists, doctors, and of course, the hardcore sports fans. The people here are incredibly hard working, persistent, committed to their passions, and protective of their hometown.