Where to Stay in Haunted Salem Ma
Looking for a place to rest your weary head in Salem? Whether you prefer your overnight stays with or without supernatural roommates, we've got you covered. Not everyone who loves ghost hunting and spooky tales wants to share a bed with a ghost. Let's explore Salem's accommodations, from historically haunted to peacefully phantom-free.
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Haunted Hotels: For Those Who Enjoy Strange Bed Fellows
The Hawthorne Hotel
The grande dame of Salem's haunted hospitality scene has been serving both living and spectral guests since 1925. The haunted Hawthorne Hotel is located in the heart of Salem Commons, and this elegant hotel boasts more than just excellent service and colonial charm.
Room 612 deserves its reputation as the hotel's supernatural hotspot. Guests report phantom hands, unexplained noises, and the occasional maritime visitor who apparently missed the memo about check-out times. The sixth floor corridor has become something of a ghostly runway, with frequent sightings of a woman in white practicing her ethereal catwalk.
Despite (or perhaps because of) its paranormal reputation, the Hawthorne Hotel offers first-class amenities, an excellent restaurant, and a location that can't be beat. Just don't be surprised if your room key mysteriously relocates itself – the spirits here apparently enjoy a good practical joke.
During Salem’s Haunted Happenings festivities, this historic hotel hosts the Halloween Ball with costume contests and three floors of partying and spooky shenanigans. But be warned, the hotel is always sold out on the weekend of the event!
The Salem Inn
This historic haunted inn encompasses three restored homes. The Captain West House (built 1834) is the oldest structure on the property and takes the crown for paranormal activity. Descendants of the Salem witch trial judge, Jonathan Corwin, built the Curwen House in 1854. The Peabody House was built by wealthy merchant Joseph Peabody in 1874.
Room 17 of the West House is particularly popular with the spirit set, featuring a ghostly woman who ignores the Do Not Disturb door hanger.
The Salem Inn combines modern comfort with historic charm, though some of that charm might whisper in your ear at night. Breakfast is included, but there is no guarantee that a ghost won’t try to steal your bacon.
The Merchant
This newly renovated luxury boutique hotel occupies the former home of sea merchant Joshua Ward. The Merchant‘s building has been tied to the witch trials because Ward was related to multiple prominent figures at the time, including Sheriff George Corwin. The structure also served as an early jail for Salem and held witch trial victims.
It’s rumored Corwin tortured the accused in the basement of the Ward House, but there is no evidence of this. The current structure sits on the foundation of the original home of George Corwin.
Expect gorgeous rooms, modern luxuries, and the sounds of a weeping woman to lull you to sleep. Some witnesses claim to see the ghost of Giles Corey, who was pressed to death for not confessing he was a witch. I would haunt someone too if they used rocks to slowly kill me!
Non-Haunted Hotels: For Those Who Prefer Their Sleep Undisturbed
Disclaimer: I can’t guarantee 100% that an errant ghost doesn’t stop by your room or follow you back from a ghost hunt, but these properties do not have any reported hauntings.
The Hotel Salem
For those who'd rather not share their room with residents from past centuries, The Hotel Salem offers a gloriously ghost-free modern boutique experience. Housed in a former department store on Essex Street, it features a mid-century modern design and Salem's only rooftop bar. The only spirits here are the ones served in glasses.
Rooms range from cozy “micro” chambers to spacious suites with decidedly contemporary amenities. The location puts you steps away from Salem's attractions without the added attraction of uninvited ethereal guests.
Coach House Inn
Tucked away on a quiet street, the charming Coach House Inn offers comfortable rooms and tranquil gardens. The only historic presence here is in the architecture and decor, making it perfect for those who want Salem's ambiance without its apparitions.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Looking for harbor views without historic hauntings? The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a peaceful night's sleep. The biggest splash here comes from the indoor pool, not spectral activity. Its location near Pickering Wharf provides easy access to shops and restaurants, plus wonderful water views that come without centuries of maritime ghost stories.
Hampton Inn Salem Boston
The contemporary Hampton Inn features well-appointed rooms with amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and microwaves. You'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Salem's rich history, with the Peabody Essex Museum just steps away and the Witch History Museum even closer.
The hotel's central downtown location puts you within easy walking distance of Salem's best restaurants. A complimentary breakfast starts your day, and over 15 restaurants lie within walking distance, ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments. The Hampton Inn is a solid choice if you don’t want a spectral bedmate but want modern conveniences.
Planning Tips and Tricks
Book well in advance for October stays – rooms in Salem become scarcer than black cats during Halloween. Many hotels require minimum stays during peak season, so check the fine print carefully.
For haunted hotels, request specific rooms if you're hoping for (or hoping to avoid) paranormal activity. The staff are usually well-versed in their property's supernatural history and can guide you accordingly.
Most historic properties have been modernized enough to offer WiFi and current amenities, though room sizes might be cozy by contemporary standards. Consider it part of the authentic colonial experience.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're seeking a supernatural sleepover or just a comfortable bed, Salem's accommodations offer something for everyone. October bookings require planning months in advance, and the more historic the property, the higher the chance of sharing your space with some long-term residents.
After all, in Salem, some hotel guests checked in centuries ago and liked it so much they decided to stay. Forever.
Most historic properties have been modernized enough to offer WiFi and current amenities, though room sizes might be cozy by contemporary standards. Consider it part of the authentic colonial experience.
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