11 Convenient Hotels in Salem Massachusetts for History, Mystery and Fun

Kimberly Miles Avatar
Salem Withc Museum in Massachusetts
A visit to the Salem Witch Museum is a must-do. Photo credit: See Plymouth Massachusetts

One of the oldest cities in North America, Salem is a great place to visit for those who love history, mystery and culture. Located 45 minutes north of Boston, the “Witch City” and best known for the Salem witch trials of 1692. It’s no surprise that Salem is a popular destination for Halloween, with the Salem Witch Museum and House of the Seven Gables among its most popular attractions.

However, Salem is more than ghosts, witches and hauntings. It’s home to the first National Historic Site in the nation, the Salem Harbor (one of the major international seaports in the colonies), as well as the Peabody Essex art museum. It is also just a few miles from Plymouth Rock and the Salem cemetery, where passengers of the Mayflower ship are buried!

Here are our favorite hotels in Salem Massachusetts, whether you’re visiting for its bewitching history, culture or waterfront.

1. Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square West
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-4080

Located in the heart of downtown Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel is self-proclaimed as “Salem’s favorite historic hotel.” If you’re looking for hotels in Salem Massachusetts that provide a luxury experience, classic architecture and great location in one package, the Hawthorne Hotel needs to be at the top of your list!

Set in an historic 1925 redbrick building, the Hawthorne Hotel is located just one block from the beautiful 8-acre Salem Common park, where you can relax with a book, have a picnic or take a leisurely stroll. Just a six-minute walk away is the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first National Historic Site established in the United States.

As a guest at the Hawthorne hotel, you’ll enjoy amenities such as an exercise room, business center, ballroom, meeting space and free access to the local health club. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can choose from two on-site restaurants: one fine-dining restaurant and a tavern serving up casual fare. Back in your room, get comfy with historic, period-style furniture, free wifi and iPod/iPhone docks.

Why the Hawthorne Hotel is a great choice:

  • Excellent location in Salem’s city center
  • On-site fine- and casual-dining restaurants
  • Access to local health club
A suite at the Salem Waterfront Hotel
The Salem Waterfront Hotel. Photo credit: Destination Salem

2. Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites

225 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-8788

Located right on the water, the Salem Waterfront hotel puts you walking distance from downtown Salem as well as other popular area attractions. It is just a two-minute walk from the Pickering Wharf Marina, steps away from the historic Derby Wharf Lighthouse, and a short stroll from shops and restaurants serving up delicious local seafood. This waterfront hotel is also within walking distance to the Peabody Essex Museum and the 17th-century House of the Seven Gables.

Guests at the Salem Waterfront Hotel enjoy a number of perks including free golf cart rides to the marina, a heated indoor swimming pool, gift shop, 24-hour business center with iPad rentals, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Don’t feel up to leaving the hotel to refuel? No worries, there’s also an on-site pub serving daily breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Why the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is a great choice:

  • Convenient location near popular Salem attractions
  • Suites with minifridges and microwaves
  • On-site restaurant
  • Only hotel in town with its own marina
  • Complimentary golf cart transportation to the Pickering Wharf Marina
A room at the Salem Inn
A room at the The Salem Inn. Photo credit: Destination Salem

3. The Salem Inn

7 Summer St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 741-0680

If you’re searching for hotels in Salem Massachusetts that truly emcompass the history and mystery of the town, the Salem Inn needs to be on your list. This historic hotel is a short walk from the Salem Museum and Salem Witch House.

The Salem Inn features unique guest rooms set in three historic homes from the 19th century. Each room is named to reflect a part of Salem’s history, from historical figures to landmark locations. Some are even named after paranormal events that are said to have taken place there.

Guest perks include complimentary continental breakfast and parking, free wifi and guest rooms with fireplaces. Traveling with the family? Choose a family suite and your room will also add a kitchenette for preparing your own in-room meals.

Why the Salem Inn is a great choice:

  • Complimentary breakfast and free parking
  • Rooms with fireplaces and some with jacuzzis
  • Family suites with kitchenettes
  • Pet-friendly, so you can vacation with your furry family member
A dog dressed up for Halloween in Salem Massachusetts
Even the dogs get into the Halloween spirit in Salem! Photo credit: Destination Salem

4. Hampton Inn Salem Boston

11 Dodge St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 414-3100

The Hampton Inn Salem Boston is a great choice for travelers who are looking for casual hotels in Salem Massachusetts that are still in the center of all the action and what Salem has to offer.

When you’re ready to get out and explore, you’ll be less than a 10-minute walk from the Salem train station and also a short walk from the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables. Just a couple of miles away is Winter Island/Waikiki Beach and Salem Willows.

Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, free wifi, fitness center and indoor pool. Back in your colorful room, you’ll feel right at home with free wifi, flat screen TVs, microwaves, minifridges.

Why the Hampton Inn Salem Boston is a great choice:

  • Walking distance to the Salem train station
  • Complimentary hot breakfast
  • Walking distance to several popular downtown attractions
  • Pet-friendly rooms and connecting rooms available
Salem Witch Trial documents.
Salem Witch Trial documents. Photo credit: Kim Fox for Destination Salem

5. The Merchant

148 Washington St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-8100

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to stay at the same hotel as a U.S. President, you’ll have your chance at the Merchant. Set in historic downtown Salem, this 18th-century boutique hotel hosted President George Washington in 1789!

The Merchant is just a short stroll away from popular attractions such as the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Witch House and Salem Witch Museum, and minutes away from the Salem Harbor, House of the Seven Gables, and Singing Beach. With a location walking distance to several shops, restaurants, witch trial sites, sailing and nightlife, you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay.

Guests at the Merchant will feel cozy and comfortable in their spacious rooms with free wifi, minibars, fireplaces, smart TVs, bluetooth radios and iPad/iPod docks. There’s also heated bathroom floors and plush linens, taking the comfort level up a notch. There’s also a lounge with terrace and daily light breakfast.

Why the Merchant is a great choice:

  • Five minute walk from Salem train station
  • Guests receive exclusive discounts at nearby restaurants
  • Gas fireplaces in every room
  • Daily housekeeping and personalized concierge services
Exterior of the Salem Witch Museum.
Salem Witch Museum is within walking distance of the Clipper Ship Inn. Photo credit: Destination Salem

6. Clipper Ship Inn

40 Bridge St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-8022

For travelers who will be visiting Salem with the family, the Clipper Ship Inn is one of the best hotels in Salem Massachusetts to choose for your stay. Convenient to the Pickering Wharf Marina and some of Salem’s most popular landmarks and attractions, the Clipper Ship Inn offers a big hotel experience at budget-friendly prices.

The Clipper Ship Inn is located less than a mile from the Salem train station and Salem Witch Museum and just a little more than a mile from the House of the Seven Gables. The Custom House and Salem Maritime National Historic Site is also less than a mile away. 

Back in your relaxing room, you’ll enjoy free wifi, and flat screen TV with cable. Other amenities include a picnic area and free parking. And when you’ve worked up an appetite after a day exploring the area, you’ll have your choice of several delicious restaurants just a short distance away!

Why the Clipper Ship Inn is the best choice:

  • Family-friendly and budget-friendly hotel
  • Microwaves and refrigerators available in guest suites
  • Less than a mile from the Salem train station as well as several local attractions
  • A short distance from several popular Italian restaurant

7. Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston-Peabody

57 Newbury St.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 536-5050

Just a short drive from the Boston Logan Airport and downtown historic Salem, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston-Peabody is one of the best hotels in Salem Massachussets for travelers looking to get the biggest bang for their bucks. Centrally located near Boston and the North Shore, you’ll be just minutes from all of the area’s most popular attractions.

You’ll feel like you’re at a mini-all-inclusive resort with several free perks such as daily complimentary breakfast, complimentary light dinner during the week, complimentary evening reception, free grocery shopping service and free shuttle service. There’s also a convenient store, fitness center and indoor pool on site for your use. Back in your one-bedroom suite you’ll enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen for whipping up your own meals as well as free wifi, flat-screen TVs and premium cable channels.

Why the Homewood Suites Boston-Peabody is a great choice:

  • Complimentary shuttle within a five-mile radius
  • Complimentary hot breakfast with some Japanese specialities
  • Complimentary light dinner and drinks during the week
  • Convenient store and free grocery shopping service
  • Pet-friendly rooms
The House of the Seven Gables in Salem Massachusetts
The House of the Seven Gables is close to Daniels House B&B, America’s oldest bed and breakfast. Photo credit: Destination Salem

8. Daniel’s House Bed & Breakfast

1 Daniels St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 594-8757

As America’s oldest bed and breakfast, the Daniel’s House Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay for travelers who want an authentic Old New England experience. It is located just a short walk away from the House of the Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum.

Built in 1667, this historic bed-and-breakfast has a charming colonial feel with antique architecture and furnishings such as open hearth fireplaces and exposed beams. Its four main guest rooms feature free wifi, cable TV and 4-poster canopy beds. Most also feature a mini-fridge and microwave.

Why Daniel’s House Bed and Breakfast is a great choice:

  • Continental breakfast
  • Short drive from the Boston Logan Airport
  • Convenient location to exploring Salem’s top attractions
  • Rooms with microwaves and minifridges
  • Family-friendly hotel

9. Boston Marriott Peabody

8A Centennial Dr.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 977-9700

Located near the cities of Salem, Gloucester, Rockport and Cape Ann, the Boston Marriott Peabody puts its guests in a convenient location to the best of Salem. It is just five miles from the Salem Witch Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum and six miles from the House of the Seven Gables.

This contemporary and laid-back Marriott Hotel features amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, ballroom, courtyard garden with fireplace, restaurant with bar, convenience store and free parking. In your modern and spacious guest room you’ll have a flat screen TV, minifridge, free wifi to keep you connected and luxury bedding for a good night’s rest.

Why the Boston Marriott Peabody is a great choice:

  • Convenient location to Salem’s popular attractions
  • On-site restaurant with open-air lounge and fireplace
  • Room service available
  • Private lounge with breakfast for upgraded guest rooms

10. The Hotel Salem

209 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 451-4950

If trendy, vibrant and fashionable is what you’re looking for, the Hotel Salem is one of the best hotels in Salem Massachusetts to consider. Located on the Boston North Shore, the Hotel Salem is housed in a former high-end clothing store and is just a short walk from the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

With decor inspired from the New England department stores of the 1950s and ‘60s, the Salem Hotel pays homage to the days before strip malls and big-box department stores took over. Its colorful and vintage-chic rooms feature free wifi, smart TVs and minifridges. Its loft-style suites offer living rooms with sitting areas and/or pull-out sofas. Amenities include loaner iPads, an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar with views.

Why the Hotel Salem is a great choice:

  • Convenient location to boutique shops, restaurants and attractions
  • Loaner iPads available
  • On-site restaurant and rooftop bar with city views

11. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore

50 Ferncroft Road
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-2500

Located adjacent to the indoor Water Park of New England, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore is a bit farther from Salem but is one of the best hotels in Salem Massachusetts for families, individuals and business travelers.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore is a four-star hotel packed with amenities to make guests of all ages feel welcomed. From the moment you check in, the staff at the front desk will greet you with a warm chocolate chip cookie. Other top-notch amenities include an indoor pool, full-service spa, restaurant and bar, coffee shop, business center and meeting rooms.

The pet-friendly and kid-friendly guest rooms include free wifi, flat screen TVs and plush bedding. Rooms with toddler beds are also available so traveling little ones can have their own comfortable space!

Why the Doubletree Boston North Shore is a great choice:

  • Complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in
  • On-site restaurant and bar with buffet and a la carte meals
  • Family-friendly with kids beds available
  • Select rooms with executive lounge access, free breakfast and complimentary evening appetizers
Kimberly Miles is a mother of one and an experienced solo and single mom traveler. So far, she has traveled to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Dubai, Bahamas, Aruba, Mexico, and several places in the U.S. Kimberly was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, but in 2018 she took a leap of faith and made the beautiful beach town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico her home with her young son. In addition to writing for SheBuysTravel, Kimberly ghostwrites blogs on a variety of topics. She also provides marketing consulting services and business guidance to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporations via her independent business KNM Virtual Solutions. When she’s not traveling or writing, you can find Kimberly working out, eating tacos, dancing the night away, or spending time at the beach with her son. You can read more of her work at Travel Unapologetically.
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