The Boston Harbor Hotel became the 41st Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star property in North America just over a month ago, completing the transformation from a Three-Star property two years ago when Pyramid Hotel Group began managing it.

The famed New England waterfront landmark underwent a $12-million renovation project last year. The goal: Create elegant guestrooms with a residential feel, while reflecting Boston's distinct style and history. All 230 guestrooms were remodeled and the Wharf Room, the largest function space, was overhauled.

The redesign included new marble entrance foyers and bathrooms and the guestrooms were polished with a distinctly Boston flavor (new Frette bed linens, fabric wall treatments, wood carpeting and furniture). An arch was added to many of the rooms, creating a sense of two separate areas in one common space. The arches connect the rooms to the nearby Rowes Wharf grand archway, often called the gateway to the city.

The grand ballroom in the Wharf Room was topped with a multi-sectioned, coffered ceiling with ornate trim, chandeliers and recessed lighting.

Boston-based luxury hotel rehabber Jinnie Kim handled the design of the renovation project.