Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Katrina
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a blight upon early American history, but the modern town of Salem, Massachusetts has managed—with great success—to both satisfy travelers’ curiosity about those dark events while also embracing the mystery of the supernatural. Especially during the Halloween season, the best hotels in Salem offer up plenty of spooky vibes.
Just 16 miles north of downtown Boston, Salem bustles with visitors every autumn, thanks in part to the creepy history but also for annual events like costume balls, a Haunted Happenings festival, and a psychic fair. Year round, though, you can delve into the town’s history at sights such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Salem Witch Museum, walking tours, and the Salem Wax Museum. The town is also home to a historic waterfront, the House of Seven Gables that starred in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, and the Peabody Essex Museum, the nation’s oldest continuously operating museum.
Staying downtown can offer walking distance access to some of the biggest sights, but keep in mind that parking your car around here can be a challenge (or just costly), even when you’re a hotel guest. Here are five hotels that offer easy access to the sorcery of Salem.
Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W; 978-744-4080) Downtown Salem
This 1925 hotel and tavern was named after former Salem resident Nathaniel Hawthorne. According to Travel +Leisure, it is still a “popular pick, with its central location, two on-site restaurants, and elegant accommodations.” The aesthetic is Early American, and a Google reviewer writes that “the historical elements of the building were exceptional,” but that also includes “a premium cost for a tiny room. The Witch Museum across the street is a spectacle to behold after dark. Parking was not a problem.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Salem Inn (7 Summer St.; 978-741-0680) Downtown Salem
A member of the National Register of Historic Places, this 40-room hotel is comprised of three historic homes from the early 1800s. Travel+Leisure likes that it’s in “the heart of downtown, and two of the three buildings have outdoor courtyards and gardens. Take your stay to the next level by springing on a room with a Jacuzzi tub.” A Tripadvisor user who “can’t recommend this place enough” stayed in the inn’s Peabody House section and liked the “very spacious room, with modern touches to a historic classic design. Every morning we had a substantial complimentary breakfast in the main building.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Hotel Salem (209 Essex St.; 978-451-4950) Downtown Salem
This 44-room boutique hotel on Essex Street’s pedestrian mall reflects a little modern history. It is housed in a former department store building about a half mile from the Salem Witch Museum. According to Travel+Leisure, the hotel “features funky suites with pops of color plus an eclectic mid-century modern aesthetic.” One Tripadvisor reviewer calls it a “beautiful boutique hotel located on pedestrian area of Essex Street” and notes that rooms have “high ceilings and nice lighting.” Another guests likes the “fantastic location—and while it does not offer parking there is a paid parking garage right across and down the street.” >> Book this hotel for less
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (225 Derby St.; 978- 740-8788) Downtown Salem
You’ll find “the only indoor heated pool in Salem” at this 86-room hotel “right on Salem Harbor,” according to USA Today, which adds that “the hotel has a quaint, maritime decor complete with a ballroom that has a classic chandelier.” The hotel is less than a half mile from the Witch Museum, and a Google reviewer writes that “it served as the perfect home base for us to walk around Salem rather than drive.” They add that “the rooms are a little dated but very comfy, and they have fresh lemonade in the lobby daily.” >> Book this hotel for less
Hampton Inn Salem Boston (11 Dodge St.; 978-414-3100) Downtown Salem
If you get too spooked in older hotels, this 113-room Hampton Inn, which opened in 2020, offers 21st century perks and is still just a quarter mile from the Salem Witch Museum. “Hotel is an eight-minute walk from train station and within short walks of all major sights,” writes a Google reviewer. “The breakfast was good quality and variety, with several gluten-free options.” A few online reviewers complain about the hotel’s parking situation. “They have valet parking garage for $22 a day,” writes a Yelper, “but we were lucky to find a meter outside in front of the hotel.” >> Book this hotel for less
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