With family living in the greater Boston area for many years, I’ve visited Boston and destinations throughout the state, with Salem being one of my favorite places. This small, historic town is best known for the infamous witch trials that were held here in 1692 and 1693, as well as being a former hub of the China Trade and a major port.
There are nearly endless fascinating historical attractions to visit, from the House of the Seven Gables to the Salem Witch Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, where you can watch re-creations of the witch trials. It also offers many shops and eateries along with quite a few outstanding places to stay. On this list, you’ll find everything from ideally located Airbnb rentals to historic hotels where some of Salem’s characters of the past might still linger.
Hotels in Salem
Hawthorne Hotel
The Hawthorne Hotel sits in the heart of downtown, named after the novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose birth home is nearby. One of the top hotels in Salem, it has a long, rich history and has become world-renowned for its paranormal activity, with a couple of rooms that are notorious for strange happenings. Ghostly or not, it offers a great location just a short walk to all the museums and numerous shops and restaurants. It has its own eateries too, including the upscale Nathaniel’s Restaurant and the more casual Tavern on the Green serving pub-style fare. Pets are welcome, and there’s even a dog room service menu along with special pet amenities. A small workout room is on-site and complimentary passes are available to the YMCA.
18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970, USA— +1 978-744-4080
The Merchant
The Merchant is a boutique hotel located right downtown that was built by a sea merchant in 1784. It offers one of the most unique places to stay in Salem, particularly for those interested in ghost stories and history. It sits on the site of an old jail where women accused of witchcraft were held and there are reports that some who died there may be roaming the halls. The hotel also played housed to President George Washington himself. Other than tales from the past and possibly haunted happenings, guests can enjoy hot coffee, fresh fruit, water, snacks, and seltzer in the lobby all day, a comfortable lounge for relaxing, concierge services, and luxurious rooms. Standard amenities include gas fireplaces, 40″ Smart TVs, Tivoli Bluetooth radios, and waffle Kimono robes.
The Coach House
The Coach House fuses luxury and history, set within an 1879 Victorian mansion that’s just a 20-minute walk or a short drive to Salem’s top attractions. A highly-rated boutique hotel, it offers an intimate stay with just 11 rooms, all of which were meticulously designed, preserving the property’s history while incorporating tasteful modernity. All include beds with luxurious linens and CO Bigelow toiletries, along with Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and virtual concierge services that will help you find the best restaurants and top historic locations. Discounts for the award-winning Andrew Michaels Spa right across the street are available so you can enjoy decadent but more affordable massages, skincare, body treatments, and salon services.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
The Salem Waterfront Hotel sits on the historic Pickering Wharf, providing easy access to sailing excursions while being walkable to downtown Salem. It includes a heated indoor pool and an award-winning restaurant, while numerous eateries and boutiques are on the wharf, which can be reached on foot or via a free golf cart ride. Some of the rooms showcase marina views and all include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. If you book a suite you’ll get a microwave and a minifridge too.
Salem Inn
The Salem Inn is an elegant boutique hotel spread across three landmark homes dating from the 19th century. Rooms are individually decorated and include antique furnishings, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Many include fireplaces, kitchenettes, and whirlpool baths too. It’s just over a 5-minute walk to the top attractions in Salem and you’ll enjoy a free continental breakfast to start each day along with an afternoon wine and cheese reception. There is no eatery on-site but there are many within easy reach.
The Stepping Stone Inn
The Stepping Stone Inn sits in a colorful Greek Revival-style house that dates to 1846, located right next to the Salem Witch Museum on the Common. There are just six rooms (and two friendly cats), providing an intimate stay that includes personalized service with friendly hosts that will equip you with a map and provide advice on things to do. Enjoy free parking, and shared facilities like a spacious parlor and cozy dining room with free 24-hour gourmet coffee, tea, and hot chocolate service. All rooms include private baths and beds with ultra-comfy mattresses made in Salem with shredded Memory Foam pillows.
19 N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA— +1 978-741-8900
Vacation Rentals in Salem
Romantic Ocean/Boston Views with Exclusive Hot Tub
If you’re looking for a romantic couples’ stay that will put you within easy reach of Salem’s attractions, this oceanfront home is ideal. It’s less than five miles from Salem and only about a 30-minute drive from Boston and boasts magnificent views from every window thanks to its hilltop perch. You’ll be able to reach beaches, shops, and restaurants easily on foot, with a stroll along the beach leading to dining and music at local eateries, but they aren’t close enough to disturb your sleep. Throughout the house, you’ll be able to gaze out at the Atlantic, Boston skyline views, sunrises, and sunsets, plus you’ll have your own private outdoor hot tub, an indoor Jacuzzi for two, a chef’s kitchen and a wood-burning fireplace.
The Mason Suite of Salem
The Mason Suite will put you in the heart of it all. Located downtown, it’s just steps from Salem Common, the Salem Witch Museum, and the pedestrian mall with shops and eateries. The rental accommodates up to four guests and is located on the third floor of an 1844 Greek Revival home on a street lined with magnificent 17th, 18th, and 19th-century buildings. Access is through a private back entrance and servant staircase. It includes a bedroom with a queen-size bed and two sofa beds in the living room, along with a full kitchen and sweeping views of downtown Salem. Enjoy central heat and a/c, fast Wi-Fi, and a 43″ HDTV with standard cable channels, Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Prime Video too.
Large 3 Bedroom Townhome
Nestled on a private, quiet street close to downtown, this beautiful townhome sleeps up to six in three bedrooms, providing plenty of space for all, along with an ocean view. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Salem Witch Museum and multiple other popular attractions as well as being within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the beach, and the commuter train to Boston. It comes with all the essentials, including a full kitchen, two living room areas, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer.
The Violet Suite at The Dowager Countess
The Violet Suite at The Dowager Countess offers one of the best locations in the Washington Square Historic District within easy walking distance to the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Trials Memorial, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Pickering Wharf where you can join a sailing excursion and much more. The second-floor apartment sits in an 1870 Victorian home and comes with your own off-street parking space, a TV with Roku for streaming your own accounts, fast Wi-Fi, and a shared koi pond and garden.
Your Home for the Holidays
This rental accommodates two with one bedroom that includes a queen-size, located on the ground floor of the main house. Guests have their own private access in the back and enjoy a simple complimentary breakfast every morning. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood and enjoys plenty of privacy, surrounded by a handcrafted iron fence, yet you’ll be close to downtown and Salem State University, within walkable distance to the center of all the activities. It includes a full kitchen, cable TV, Wi-Fi, A/C, and heating.
Quintessential Salem Stay
For a quirky stay that perfectly complements Salem’s “witchiness,” this Airbnb is just over a 10-minute walk to Essex Street and all the downtown attractions while featuring a main bedroom that has dark gothic decor. As the host notes, it was designed to get guests in the Salem spirit. The adjacent room was outfitted in a way that’s reminiscent of a Victorian British library, providing an enticing space to relax and read. There’s also a spacious living room with a 55″ HDTV that has standard cable channels, Roku, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, along with a full kitchen and dining room.
Water View Bed and Bath
This rental is a private room with a separate entrance and staircase. It includes a comfy queen bed, a little nook with a microwave, minifridge, kettle, and supplies for coffee and tea along with a pitcher of water and glasses. The highlight is the beautiful view that overlooks Collins Cove and the easy access to paths that run along the edge of the water, perfect for walking and biking while being close to the main street in Salem. Off- and on-street parking is available and you’ll have access to laundry facilities too.
