Hotel description

Boston is justifiably proud of its colonial heritage, and in terms of architecture and design (if not politics) its conservative streak runs deep. There’s plenty of room for some contemporary style — and while we’re not eager to see a spate of anonymous international-style design hotels, Nine Zero is a big step in the right direction.

It’s a new build, not a retrofit, and its 19-story brick-and-glass facade is quietly contemporary, not at all outlandish, doing its best to fit in with its classic surroundings just off the Common. Inside it’s another story, a smart and modern environment, heaping with personality — bold patterns, rich modern materials and clever lighting effects are masterfully handled, with every detail in its place.

There’s more to a hotel than style, of course, and even the most strikingly modern hotel deals, at bottom, in comfort. Here again Nine Zero succeeds, offering king beds with massive headboards and ten varieties of pillow, and futuristic, efficient bathrooms stocked with Mario Russo amenities. 27” televisions and generous work desks with ergonomic leather chairs are standard, and every room is heavily windowed, maximizing natural light and affording extraordinary views.

Service is too often the bugbear of the modern-design hotel, but here it’s quite up to snuff, perhaps something to do with that pervasive New England etiquette. KO Prime is the steakhouse, and it's one that's not at all squeamish about meat — not just the menu but the leather-heavy décor as well are thoroughly bovine-derived.