Salem, Massachusetts, often regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America, is steeped in history and intrigue. With chilling tales of witchcraft and supernatural occurrences, Salem attracts thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

Among the many haunted hotels in Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel and Salem Inn stand out as particularly notorious and eerie accommodations. Each offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the town’s fascinating past and experience its otherworldly mysteries.

Venture beyond the veil and discover the spine-tingling adventures that await you in Salem’s haunted hotels.

1. Hawthorne Hotel

Hawthorne Hotel
Location: 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970 [BOOK A STAY]

The Hawthorne Hotel was named after a well known local author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and can be found right in the heart of historic downtown Salem. The six story hotel dates back to 1925 and it is something of a landmark in the town.

As we know, Salem became famous thanks to the witch trials and this is key to the hauntings here at the Hawthorne Hotel. You see, the land now occupied by the hotel was once the site of an apple orchard belonging to a woman named Bridget Bishop.

Related: Most Haunted Places in Salem MA

For those not up to speed on their witch trials knowledge, Bridget was the first woman hanged for witchcraft at the town’s Gallows Hill back in 1692.

The site would later be occupied by The Salem Marine Society who offered help to the families of men who perished at sea and to retired sea captains.

Both of these former residents have a connection to the paranormal activity that goes on today making this one of the most haunted hotels in Salem, MA.

Staff and hotel employees alike have reported seeing a female apparition who is believed to be the spirit of Bridget Bishop hanging around outside room 612 of the hotel. Guests staying in this room describe feeling very uneasy at times, as though they are not alone in the room.

There are also frequent reports of a strong scent of apples throughout the hotel. This often happens when there are no apples in the hotel and no apple based dishes on the menu. This is thought to be the work of Bridget since the hotel stands where her orchard once did!

There are also many reports of the spirits of long dead sea captains and other mariners haunting the hotel. This could be in equal parts because of the connection to the Salem Marine Society and because the hotel restaurant has pieces of various sips used as decor.

Other reports of paranormal activity include various unknown entities appearing or making strange sounds.

Room 325 is said to be particularly haunted with guests reporting lights and faucets turning on and off, being touched by unseen hands and hearing the disembodied crying of a small child. This is one hotel that is not for the faint of heart! [BOOK A STAY]

More on the ghosts of the haunted Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA

2. The Salem Inn

The Salem Inn
Location: 7 Summer St, Salem, MA 01970 [BOOK A STAY]

The owners of The Salem Inn remain adamant that there is no such thing as ghosts, but their staff and guests have a very different story to tell and claim that this is one of the most haunted hotels in MA. There are apparently no less than 3 spooks said to be haunting the 19th century property.

The first of the three spirits is said to be a woman who the staff refer to as Katherine. Next up is a little by who is often heard running up and down the staircase and through the halls. Finally the parlor is said to be home to a spectral cat!

Room 17 is said to be one of the most active spots in terms of paranormal activity with a wide range of unexplained noises being reported by those who spend the night there! [BOOK A STAY]

3. The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast

Daniels House Bed and Breakfast
Location: 1 Daniels St, Salem, MA 01970 [BOOK A STAY]

The Daniels House Bed and Breakfast is not only one of the oldest houses in Salem but also among the oldest bed and breakfasts in Massachusetts. Dating back c1667, this remarkable house predates the Salem Witch Trials and has served as a day nursery, boarding house, and tea house throughout its rich history.

The infamously haunted bed and breakfast is home to several supernatural residents, including a ghostly gray tabby cat, a man in Puritan attire believed to be Stephen Daniels, and an enigmatic female spirit whose identity remains a mystery. Mischievous apparitions are also known to playfully move guests’ belongings.

In addition to providing a restful and historically immersive stay, the Daniels House offers expertly guided tours that delve into Salem’s fascinating history and mystique. These tours are open to all, with private showings available for individuals or large groups.

Whether staying the night or just visiting for the day, the Daniels House Bed and Breakfast welcomes guests to explore the captivating past and otherworldly mysteries of Salem. [BOOK A STAY]

4. The Merchant

Merchant Hotel, formerly Joshua Ward House
148 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970 [BOOK A STAY]

The Merchant Hotel, formerly known as the Joshua Ward House, is another haunted hotel in Salem that boasts a rich history. Constructed in 1784, it was one of the first brick homes built in the city, with Samuel McIntire’s impressive woodwork and the original staircase still standing today.

The house was added to Salem’s Downtown District in 1983 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Once owned by successful merchant Joshua Ward, the house has accommodated many notable figures, including George Washington during his visit to Salem in 1789.

However, the building’s darker history stems from its connection to Sheriff George Corwin, a sadistic figure heavily involved in the Salem Witch Trials. Corwin interrogated and tortured the accused within the walls of the Joshua Ward House, and the spirits of his victims, including Giles Corey, are said to haunt the residence.

Guests at the Merchant Hotel have reported chilling experiences such as being strangled by unseen hands, discovering unexplained scratches and burns on their arms, and finding warm candle wax in rooms where no candles should be. Today, the hotel serves as a reminder of the brutal past and the importance of progress in society. [BOOK A STAY]