Historic Inns & Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts

The neighborhoods

Where to stay, by area

Downtown and Salem Common

Salem’s compact core: the Essex Street pedestrian mall, Washington Street and Salem Common, where most of October’s events happen. Downtown is about a mile wide, 20 to 30 minutes on foot end to end, and the commuter rail station is on its edge. The Hawthorne Hotel, Stepping Stone Inn, The Merchant and The Daniels House are here.

The McIntire Historic District

Salem’s largest historic district, named for architect and carver Samuel McIntire, with more than 300 historic buildings, from sea captains’ Federal mansions on Chestnut Street to workers’ cottages. A marked walking trail starts at the Witch House. The Salem Inn’s three 19th-century houses are on Summer Street.

Derby Street and the waterfront

The old maritime quarter on Salem Harbor, with Salem Maritime National Historical Park, Derby Wharf and the House of the Seven Gables. Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast is across the street from the Seven Gables.

Lafayette Street

A local historic district south of downtown, where The Coach House occupies sea captain Ephraim Emmerton’s 1879 Second Empire mansion. The inn says it is less than half a mile from downtown, with first-come parking on site.

Before you book

Planning your stay

Getting around

The historic core is walkable, and the Hawthorne and The Salem Inn are under 10 minutes on foot from the train. The MBTA commuter rail runs from Boston’s North Station to Salem in about 32 to 34 minutes ($8.00 one-way; a $10 weekend pass covers unlimited weekend rides). A seasonal ferry runs from Boston’s Long Wharf from late May to October 31, taking 50 to 60 minutes. Salem is 16 miles north of Boston.

Parking

Most inns include parking: the Hawthorne, The Salem Inn, The Daniels House, Stepping Stone, Morning Glory and The Coach House all offer guest parking, and The Merchant sells spaces. Downtown meters run $0.50 to $1.50 an hour. In October the city’s garages charge $20 for up to 2 hours and $50 for longer, most city lots charge non-residents $40, and the city asks October visitors not to drive downtown.

When to go

October is peak season: Haunted Happenings fills the month, Essex Street and the parade routes close, and rooms sell out first. Come midweek or early in the month if you can. April to August is the best time for a first visit, when seasonal museums are open and the ferry runs, and winter is quiet, with downtown rooms easier to book.

Accessibility

The Hawthorne Hotel is the only verified inn with elevators and accessible rooms, including rooms with a roll-in shower and a roll-in bath. The Salem Inn has no elevators, Stepping Stone has no elevator or ground-floor rooms, and The Coach House has no elevator. Cars with a disability placard park free at city meters and municipal lots.

Before you book

October rules are strict: The Salem Inn requires three nights on October weekends and Halloween, Morning Glory three nights on October weekends and four over Halloween, The Daniels House two nights from September through November, and the Hawthorne takes a non-refundable one-night deposit for September and October stays. Age rules vary: no children under 5 at Stepping Stone, 12 and up at Morning Glory and The Coach House.