Salem, Massachusetts is best known for the historic witch trials, and there are still many ways to learn about this early American settlement when you visit the town’s museums and other attractions. People also travel to Salem to see the colorful fall foliage, small-town charm at Halloween and to explore its shops and waterfront culture. To help you feel right at home in Salem, here are the top hotels and bed & breakfasts to book for your trip.
Hawthorne Hotel
There are spacious rooms at the Hawthorne Hotel that are charming and filled with history. It’s in the heart of downtown Salem and named after novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. For onsite dining, there’s Nathaniel’s Restaurant for breakfast and dinner and also Tavern on the Green for New England pub-style food. This hotel is also a popular Massachusetts wedding venue. This hotel has six floors and some guests say it’s haunted – a couple of rooms are actually notorious for hauntings! From the hotel, you can walk to all the museums and restaurants that Salem has to offer. This privately-owned hotel welcomes pets and even has a dog room service menu and special pet amenities when you pay the $50 per night pet fee for up to two pets per room. There’s small workout room onsite or ask the front desk staff for a complimentary YMCA pass for a larger gym.
Salem Waterfront Hotel
The Salem Waterfront Hotel is a popular Salem hotel that’s on the historic Pickering Wharf and walkable from downtown Salem. The Regatta Pub is popular for onsite dining, while Pickering Wharf has lots of restaurants and boutiques. When you stay here, you’ll be by the marina and also have access to the hotel pool. Stay here for a touch of coastal charm and amazing views. The hotel also offers seasonal transportation in a Polaris GEM vehicle to take you to the shops and restaurants of the wharf. Various package deals are available for guests that include breakfast vouchers, family getaways, and romance packages.
The Hotel Salem
The Hotel Salem is a popular downtown getaway hotel that is in a former high-end clothing storage space. It has vintage touches to complement the mid-century modern décor and funky details from the 1950s and 1960s. This is a boutique hotel with everything from micro-rooms to loft-style suites for extra space. This hotel is also home to the only seasonal rooftop bar in town for cocktails, a raw bar, and tacos. Since you’re in the middle of town, guests find it easy to visit the local witch trial sites and other attractions. If you want to stay for a month or longer for an extended trip, there’s an extended stay package available at the Hotel Salem. Amenities offered include in-room refrigerators, free Wi-Fi, robes, daily housekeeping, and room essentials like wine glasses and hairdryers.
Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast
The Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast is a B&B in an 1808 restored Georgia Federal home that is owned and operated by a Salem native. It’s located in a quiet area near the Salem Harbor and across from the House of the Seven Gables. Book your stay for the Elizabeth Howe Room, Rebecca Nurse Room, or Sarah Good Suite. Breakfast is served daily and includes delicious breakfast plates, coffee, cheese, bread, yogurt, granola, and more options.
The Merchant
This boutique Salem hotel is downtown and has luxurious guest rooms and complimentary breakfast for guests. You’ll enjoy the happy hour mixer bar for BYOB cocktails, outdoor second-floor deck, and guest lounge here. The hotel also offers robes, daily housekeeping, and free Wi-Fi. If you stay here for a month or longer, you can get discounts with the extended stay package. This hotel is not ideal for young children, but kids age 12 and up are welcome here.
Northey Street House Bed & Breakfast
The Northey Street House Bed & Breakfast is another B&B where you can feel like you’ve traveled back in time. It’s an 1809 home that has been renovated with modern comforts of home. This hotel is about a 10-15-minute walk to downtown and offers a quiet place to stay. It’s also about seven minutes to the beach from here. Guests start each day with a gourmet breakfast and have a 24/7 snacks and beverage center available too.
Amelia Payson House
Amelia Payson House is a historic B&B that was built in 1845 and accommodates guests in Salem in three rooms that have their own private bathrooms. You’ll love the homemade breakfasts served family-style daily and spending time outside in the manicured gardens. There’s a guest lounge with a TV here, as well as a covered deck with a gas fire pit, and onsite parking. Children over age 12 are welcome to stay here with their families. The Amelia Payson House has been highlighted in several magazines and websites for being one of the best places to stay in Salem.
Daniels House Bed & Breakfast
There are many wonderful bed and breakfast accommodations in Salem, including the Daniels House Bed & Breakfast. This historic home was built in 1667 and is the oldest B&B in the U.S.! It pre-dates the witch trials and has a rustic pioneer feel to it. There are four main guest rooms that you can book. It’s a family-friendly B&B that offers free Wi-Fi, cable TV, free parking, continental breakfast, and a common area refrigerator. There’s a fireplace here, as well as a private garden too. Delicious breakfasts are served daily, and the house is also used for weddings and other private events. House tours are also offered to the public.
Coach House Inn
Coach House Inn is a Victorian B&B in Salem that was built in 1879 that you can book for your vacation. It’s in a historic area and two blocks from the harbor. The list of amenities at the Coach House Inn includes continental breakfast delivered to your room, free Wi-Fi, onsite parking, coffee machine, air conditioning, cable TV, and hair dryers. One-room suites and two-room suites are available here. The rooms have colorful wallpapers and antique furnishings to help you celebrate the history of Salem. Pets are not allowed at the B&B.
The Salem Inn
You can also stay in this unique boutique hotel that offers complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and free parking. Kids and pets are welcome here, and many of the rooms have kitchenettes, whirlpool baths, and fireplaces. In total, the inn has charming rooms and suites in three historic homes: West House, Curwen House, and Peabody House. There is not a restaurant onsite but many in the area to check out during your stay.
Hampton Inn Salem
Hampton Inn Salem is a Hilton-brand hotel that’s in walking distance of all the downtown attractions and that offers free hot breakfasts daily. The hotel also has an indoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a business center. Pets are not allowed at this hotel, and valet parking is available.
Clipper Ship Inn
A budget-friendly place to stay in Salem is the Clipper Ship Inn, which offers spacious rooms that are near museums and other landmarks in town. This motor lodge has a garden and picnic area to accommodate families and business travelers. There are spacious rooms and suites here, as well as Wi-Fi access, vending machines, and complimentary onsite parking. Come for an efficient and affordable place to stay. There are four types of rooms to choose from, and the suites have microwaves and refrigerators. Up to two pets per room are allowed here for a $100 cash deposit and $10 fee per pet, per night.
