The Ames & The Woodward

So, some of you may know that I am a full time Mom and Event Planner in one. The Mom part can be a tad boring so it's always fun to escape to Boston and check out awesome places. When Amanda Barbuto from The Morgan Hotel Group asked me to come out to The Ames Hotel, I thought, excellent - trot, trot to Boston! So, Garmin gets me to the State House but, I missed the front door of The Ames because they do not have a neon sign shouting "THIS IS THE AMES!!!". Hmmm, a bit mysterious. While circling City Hall, I call in to the front desk for direction and when I got back around front - a spot out was cleared for me to pull right in. I walk through the fantastic front entry into the contemporary vista of a lobby. Hanging artwork and bright colors - so different than the typical hotel lobbys I have grown accustomed to. I check in at the desk to annouce my arrival and head over to the Woodward Bar when I am greeted by the hostess - by name. Ok, a bit creepy but really, really cool. I was feeling that this place was only for me and they were my staff. Unusual and me likey. So, I pass straight through the Woodward because I see this incredible garden patio in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Fanuel Hall tourist crowd - awesome, people watching - my favorite!!! Amanda greets me and we start out in the lobby where I find out that the original owner is from my home town of Easton - where he had his summer home and a shovel factory. A neat historic connection! We tour the lobby and I find a cool mix of original mosaic tile and an electric foil mobile style artwork hovering above us. Inside the Woodward Tavern we pass a great display of artifacts and modern art as we walk to the second floor. With its dark banquettes and white accents - the room is perfect for intimate events - rehearsal dinners, private parties and small wedding receptions for those who think outside the box. Every window has a Boston view with a mix of history and modern architecture. We head over to the check out the rooms and that's when I had to break out my cell for photos. The rooms are WAY different from the hotel rooms I am used to seeing. No poly bed linens here. Platform beds, minimalist but practical and totally cool accents. I have never seen such a mini bar stocked with Red Bull, jelly beans and even a sensual kit! I can't even say enough about the penthouse - full living room, dining area and bedroom with peek-a-boo shower! I can't even tell you everything - cool lighting tricks in the walls, leather padded elevator, awesome things to just look at (which I love to do). This place was defintely too much! My thought is, The Ames & The Woodward are absolutely perfect for: a small wedding (under 60) with out-of-town guests who are looking for a ceremony within walking distance of everything and in the middle of it all. On top of that - the food and beverage minimum is AFFORDABLE - yup. Once again, I wish I were getting married but alas, been there, done that. So, Please, love, come find me! I have the perfect place for you!! Check it out!