Wondering where to stay in Salem, Massachusetts? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re coming during the popular fall and Halloween season (which you’ll want to book any of these Salem hotels far in advance) or you’re visiting off-season, this guide covers the best Salem, Massachusetts lodging options as well as convenient lodging options in Boston which is a great base for enjoying Salem too as its only a 30-40 minute commute directly from the Newbury/Rockport Line via train.
Not to mention, there are tons of incredible things to do in Boston and if you do want to stay in Boston and commute, you will want to stay around the North End, aka Little Italy in the Boston neighborhood as that’s where the train is that runs directly to Salem, plus there are tons of great restaurants in the North End too!
Okay, back to Salem. We only mention Boston as an option because it’s more convenient than most people realize and you can combine two trips in one all while getting to experience a bit of Boston all the while commuting and getting to enjoy all the best things to do in Salem too!
Salem, Massachusetts lodging often consists of historic buildings, cozy fireplaces, and unique amenities. So whether you’re searching for a pet-friendly boutique hotel or a family-friendly bed & breakfast, the hotels in Salem below are great options to choose from!
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Amazing Places to Stay in Salem
The Merchant
Address: 148 Washington Street, Salem MA
The Merchant is one of the most popular hotels in Salem! Like many Salem, Massachusetts lodging options, The Merchant is set in an 18th-century, federal-style building.
The Merchant is a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Salem. Located near many popular attractions, this is one of the best Salem hotels for guests that plan to be out on the town!
At The Merchant, guests will find large rooms with heated bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, and lots of privacy even though it is located in the heart of town. Breakfast is included in each guest’s stay, and all guests are free to enjoy the lounge and terrace.
Downstairs in the common area, you can find snacks all day long and freshly made pastries in the morning! So if you’re looking for warm and welcoming places to stay in Salem that are in the center of town, The Merchant is a perfect pick! Book here.
Hawthorne Hotel
Address: 18 Washington Square W, Salem MA
One of the most popular and historic hotels in Salem is Hawthorne Hotel. Set in the heart of town, this hotel was established in 1925 and is part of Historic Hotels of America!
Many famous people have stayed at this hotel, including Elizabeth Montgomery (aka the Bewitched star who has a statue dedicated to her right here in Salem), Dick York, William Asher, and Bill Clinton.
Today, people love this hotel for its classy yet spooky vibe, making it perfect for the Halloween season and is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in America!
Since it was created, over 1 million guests have stayed here at the Hawthorne Hotel. Many guests love the hotel’s grand ballroom, which is a great spot for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
In fact, Joy, a movie starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert de Niro, was partially filmed in that grand ballroom! Book here.
The Salem Inn
Address: 7 Summer Street, Salem MA
If you’re looking for family-friendly Salem, Massachusetts lodging, The Salem Inn may be the perfect place for you! This pet and family-friendly hotel are set in three houses that are located near the center of town.
In fact, this inn is perfect for anyone that wants to be within walking distance to the main attractions including one of the most popular and famous Hocus Pocus filming locations, The Ropes Mansion. This cozy inn has 40 rooms total, and each room is individually designed and decorated.
You can expect to find lots of antiques and period furniture at The Salem Inn. In fact, the owners of the inn claim that the three homes are meant to represent the history and charm of the town! What’s more, many people visit this hotel because it is rumored to be haunted.
Although the rooms at The Salem Inn are different from one another, many have working fireplaces, a hot tub, and small kitchens attached. Free parking, WiFi, and breakfast are provided for all of the guests. Book here.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Address: 225 Derby Street, Salem MA
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is one of the best Salem hotels for guests that want a view. This classic hotel is located near many attractions. In fact, this hotel is less than half a mile away from the Pickering Wharf Marina, Peabody Essex Museum, and House of the Seven Gables!
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites features traditionally furnished rooms and offers many amenities, including:
- Complimentary parking
- Golf cart rides to the Pickering Wharf Marina
- An indoor, heated pool
- A fitness center
- A 24-hour business center
- An American pub on site
This hotel is also rumored to have the ghost of Giles Corey running around the property. Giles was one of the men convicted of witchcraft in The Crucible. The talk of paranormal activity at this hotel makes it a great place to stay and explore during the spooky season! Book here.
The Hotel Salem
Address: 209 Essex Street, Salem MA
One of the best places to stay in Salem is The Hotel Salem. This centrally located hotel is on Essex Street steps away from many of the main attractions in Salem. This trendy hotel features a mid-century modern vibe in each room, two restaurants on-site, and a cocktail lounge.
The Hotel Salem offers standard rooms, micro-rooms, and large suites so that you can choose the room that fits your budget best! Some of the large suits in this modern hotel have a connected living room.
However, all of the rooms in the hotel come with free WiFi, Waffle Kimono robes, guest hospitality centers on each floor, and other amenities that make this hotel one of a kind. It is also near a convenient parking garage!
The Hotel Salem also has a seasonal rooftop bar with fantastic city views. In fact, this rooftop bar is the only one in all of Salem! Book here.
Hampton Inn Salem
Address: 11 Dodge Street, Salem MA
The Hampton Inn Salem is one of the most popular places to stay in Salem. This hotel is within walking distance to many downtown attractions, including the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and House of the Seven Gables! This hotel is also only two miles from Winter Island and Salem Willows.
This pet and family-friendly hotel features spacious rooms, a business center, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Other amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast and juices!
The Hampton Inn Salem is also great for guests that are celebrating. Guests can book an event space through the hotel, at the hotel, and book more than ten rooms at once for larger groups! Book here.
The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast
Address: 1 Daniels Street, Salem MA
The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast is one of the most unique hotels in Salem packed with character. This First Period property was built in 1667 by a sea captain and is the oldest bed and breakfast in America!
This charming hotel represents Old England architecture and is meant to take you back in time. You’ll find open hearth fireplaces, paneled walls, and exposed beams throughout the property. However, rest assured that even though this hotel embraces old architecture, it is in excellent condition and was recently restored & re-opened in 2019!
Guests at The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast get complimentary parking and breakfast and access to a private garden. If you want to explore the area, The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast is one of the best Salem hotels for you. Book here.
This historic 17th century home also offers historic tours! So be sure to ask when you book your hotel or on your visit if you want to learn more about the history of this property.
The Hotel Marblehead
Address: 264 Pleasant Street, Marblehead MA
Located in Marblehead near Salem, The Hotel Marblehead is an intimate boutique hotel that offers a more quiet and private experience than the Salem hotels. Less than 15 minutes from Salem, this hotel is an excellent option for those who want to be closer to the water!
Inspired by the sailing, shipbuilding, and yachting in Marblehead, this hotel features nautical decor throughout the interior. The exterior of this old New England home features a bright turquoise color and is sure to catch your eye. Guests at The Hotel Marblehead have access to private tubs, complimentary bikes, and complimentary small plates for breakfast! Book here.
Boston Hotels With Easy Access to Salem
If you can’t find anywhere to stay in Salem, Massachusetts, booking a hotel in Boston is a great alternative to hotels in Salem, specifically in the North End neighborhood as the train station that runs directly to Salem from Boston is here.
Not to mention there are so many cool things to do in the North End of Boston and great restaurants in the North End.
Finding places to stay in Salem is often difficult during the fall since so many people go to Salem for Halloween! Some people book as far as a year in advance and the closer you get to fall, the more competitive it is.
Boston is only 30-45 minutes away from Salem by car, although keep in mind parking isn’t always easy during peak fall season.
You can go from Boston to Salem by taking the train or ferry as well! The three Boston hotels below are all nearby the North End Station, which is a 30 minute commute.
Salem Station is on the Newburyport/Rockport Line and is really easy to use. A one-way ticket is $8.00 departing from North Station. If you’re using this option, you will want to stay in the Boston neighborhoods of West End or North End so that you’re just a short walk to the North End Station.
And if you do stay in Boston, be sure to check out our 3 day itinerary for Boston.
The Boxer
Address: 107 Merrimac Street, Boston MA
One great hotel in Boston that is just a 3-minute walk to the North Station, which links you directly to Salem is The Boxer. Located in the West End of Boston, this modern boutique hotel is located in the Flatiron Building in a historic neighborhood of Boston. The Boxer has a lot of artwork decorating their spaces, a restaurant, and a bar on-site. The Boxer also has room service, pet-friendly rooms, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes! Book here.
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station
Address: 107 Beverly Street, Boston MA
Courtyard by Marriot Boston Downtown/North Station is a great hotel if you plan on taking the train from Boston to Salem! Located in the Theater District, this hotel is set in a historic neighborhood near Chinatown just a short walk to North Station to link you directly to Salem.
The hotel’s interior features a unique blend of traditional and modern decor. Throughout its many renovations during the years, Courtyard by Marriot Boston Downtown/North Station has maintained its 1920s charm while remaining in excellent condition. This hotel is near the Boston Common, Freedom Trail, and many other attractions! Book here.
CitizenM North Station
Address: 70 Causeway Street, Boston MA
CitizenM North Station is a hotel right above the North Station that you can take to get to Salem! Their rooms are contemporary and offer city views and even terraces.
CitizenM North Station has an on-site seafood restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and nearby boutiques. This hotel also has multiple meeting rooms that are perfect for guests who are working on the go. Each hotel room in CitizenM is exactly the same, and each room comes with free WiFi, mood lighting, blackout blinds, and other amenities! Book here.
In Salem, Massachusetts, popular places to stay include historic hotels like the Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem Inn, which offer a central location for exploring the city’s witch trials history and maritime heritage.
It is worth staying in Salem if you want to explore the city’s rich history and heritage, especially around Halloween season but you’ll need to secure your reservations in advance. If you can’t another option is the North End of Boston which is accessible to Salem by a short 30-minute direct train.
Yes, staying overnight in Salem, MA, is worthwhile. It allows you to fully immerse in the city’s rich history, explore its attractions, and experience its bewitching atmosphere, especially during the Halloween season.
Yes, Salem, MA, is walkable, particularly in its downtown area. Many of the city’s historic sites, museums, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance, making it convenient for visitors to explore on foot.
A stay of 1 to 2 days is typically sufficient to explore the key attractions and immerse yourself in Salem’s witch trials history and maritime heritage.
Where to Stay in Salem (Post Summary):
- The Merchant
- Hawthorne Hotel
- The Salem Inn
- Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
- The Hotel Salem
- Hampton Inn Salem
- The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast
- The Hotel Marblehead
- The Boxer – North End
- Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station – North End
- CitizenM North Station – North End
There you have it, all the best picks for where to stay in Salem, Massachusetts, and nearby! Enjoy your trip and be sure to check out the best tours in Salem to also add to your trip!
