4 Spellbinding Haunted Hotels in Salem for Families 2025
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Founded in 1626, Salem, Massachusetts, is most known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, when nineteen innocent people were accused of witchcraft and murdered. Today, Salem is an exciting destination, popular for tourists all year round, with a ton of nearby family-friendly hotels, glamping sites, and activities.
Embracing witchcraft and magic as well as honoring those who lost their lives, Salem has taken back their history and flipped it on its head. Salem books up every year during their amazing Halloween Happenings events that run the whole month of October, making one of the best towns to visit during Halloween.
So if you love all things Halloween or you are just a history lover, you should plan a trip to Salem today. If you are planning a trip to Salem, embrace the haunted happenings all year long with a stay at one of these haunted hotels in Salem.
Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970
Located in the heart of Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel was established in 1925 and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The hotel has been the location of notable events such as the filming for the infamous elevator scene in Bewitched, the Harry Houdini séance in 1990 and now the Salem’s annual Halloween Ball.
Not only was the Hawthorne awarded Best City Center Historic Hotel, but it was also voted the fourth most haunted hotel in America by Travelocity. Although the hotel was established in 1925, the actual structure has been around for much longer. In 1766, the building located on 18 Washington Square West was used by the Salem Marine Society. Then the Franklin Building, which is now the Hawthorne Hotel, was built in 1809. The Franklin Building housed everything from businesses, shops, offices, luxury apartments, and still the Marine Society, but it caught fire three times and was reconstructed in 1864.
Hauntings
There isn’t an interesting story to explain the haunting as nothing tragic reportedly has happened to anyone on the property. However, spirits are said to linger. Room 325 and 612 are said to be the most active. Guests who have stayed in these rooms report touching, pulling of sheets and a ghostly apparition of a woman. Others around the hotel have said that the faucets turn off and on, toilets flush on their own, and disembodied voices can be heard.
Why the Hawthorne Hotel Is HotMamaTravel Approved
The Hawthorne Hotel is pure Salem magic. It has historic charm, ghostly whispers, and all the modern comforts a family could want. It’s HotMamaTravel approved because it nails that balance between spooky and sophisticated.
The rooms are spacious (yes, multiple bathrooms, because no one wants to fight over mirror time on vacation), and the location couldn’t be better, right in downtown Salem, steps from all the witchy fun. Parents can unwind with live music and onsite dining, while the kids soak up the history and ghostly vibes. It’s the perfect headquarters for a family adventure that’s equal parts eerie and elegant.
The Salem Inn
7 Summer St, Salem, MA 01970
Listed on the National Historic Register, the Salem Inn features 40 guest rooms, including two-bedroom family suites, in three historic houses. The West House was built in 1834 by the first Salem captain to circumnavigate the globe, Captain Nathaniel West. The Curwen House was built in 1854 by James B. Curwen and his brother, Captain Samuel R. Curwen, in Italian Revival style. The Peabody House was built in 1874 as a Dutch-Colonial single-family home.
The rooms are named after the history of the space and those who once occupied those rooms. For example, the Pinkham Room in the West House was named after the daughter of Lydia Pinkham, who once called this room her own. The mother and daughter team worked together at Pinkham Medicine Company, where they created a very popular elixir for women, earning her the title of “Savior of her Sex.”
Interestingly, the Derby Room is named after Captain West’s estranged wife, Elizabeth Derby, who owned the house after their very public divorce when she claimed her property rights like a boss in the Salem Courthouse.
Hauntings
Haunted room #17 in the West House is said to be haunted by a kitty cat. That’s right, a ghost cat will help make your stay extra cozy and cuddly. That is, unless you have allergies, guests with cat allergies can reportedly have reactions to this ghostly kitty. In addition to the spooky kitty, there are two other entities that are said to float around the West House.
A woman the staff calls Katherine is best identified by sudden cold breezes, but she may also be fond of room #17 due to many people claiming a female presence in the room. Some speculate that it is the spirit of Elizabeth Derby, because she seems to get really frustrated and active when men are staying in the room.
The third known spirit of Salem Inn is a little boy that likes to run up and down the hallways and stairs. However, some claim there are a number of children who haunt the inn. Don’t worry though, all the children are said to be very sweet and will stop making noise when asked nicely.
Why The Salem Inn Is HotMamaTravel Approved
The Salem Inn is totally HotMamaTravel approved because it delivers all the historic charm and spooky vibes of Salem, with family-friendly comfort to match. The large family suites are a game-changer, giving everyone space to stretch out after a day of witchy wanderings (and maybe a ghost sighting or two). Add in a free breakfast that fuels the whole crew for another day of exploring, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Salem stay that’s cozy, convenient, and just the right amount of creepy.
The Daniels House Bed and Breakfast
1 Daniels St, Salem, MA 01970
One of the oldest houses in Salem and predating the infamous Salem Witch Trials, The Daniels House was built between 1667 and 1693 by Stephen Daniels I or Stephen Daniels II and remained in the family until the 1860s. Over the years, the house served as a day nursery and boarding house until the Great Depression. The home sat abandoned for 20 years. Then, the home was revived and functioned as a lovely tea house before being converted into a bed and breakfast, as it is today. Since it is so historic, there are several really cool tours offered throughout the year.
Hauntings
Just like the Salem Inn, The Daniels House also has a ghostly kitty cat. Yes, a gray tabby from beyond the grave still likes to curl up by the fireplace at The Daniels House. There is also said to be the apparition of a man in puritan clothes that lurks about the home, which makes sense given the time era the home was built. Many believe it to be the spirit of Stephan Daniels keeping an eye on things. Some people have also seen a female spirit, but she is unidentified. Guests have also reported having their things moved about and misplaced.
Why The Daniels House Is HotMamaTravel Approved
The Daniels House is HotMamaTravel approved because it’s like spending the night inside Salem’s history without sacrificing comfort or charm. The Silsbee Suite is a wonderful choice for families or a group, offering plenty of space and character with centuries-old details that make it feel downright magical. Plus, the free breakfast in the morning is the perfect way to start your day before diving back into Salem’s spellbinding sights.
The Merchant
148 Washington Street, Salem MA, 01970
This three-story Federal-Style home was built in 1784 by Salem architect Samuel McIntyre for Salem’s richest sea merchant, Joshua Ward. Once a family home, The Merchant Hotel has had many lives over the years. It was once a family home, a tavern, and even a rare book shop. Newly elected President George Washington even stayed the night here on October 29th, 1789. The land that The Merchant Hotel sits was once where Sheriff George Corwin lived and kept his jail in 1680. Corwin, also known as “The Strangler,” took it upon himself to interrogate those accused of witchcraft as well as carry out their death sentences.
Hauntings
Due to the history of the land that The Merchant Hotel resides, there is no wonder why there are so many reports of activity. Many believe that the innocent victims of Corwin still haunt the location. For instance, an apparition of a female with messy black hair and black dress is known as “The Black Lady,” believed to be a victim of Corwin, has appeared in photographs!
The cruel Sheriff George Corwin is said to haunt The Merchant Hotel. He died at age 36, just three years after the brutal execution of Giles Cory in which Cory had cursed Corwin with his last breath. Corwin was buried on the property, but was later moved to Broad Street Cemetery. Corwin’s spirit is seen most often near the fireplace. Likewise, Corwin’s victim, Giles Cory, is also said to haunt The Merchant Hotel.
Why The Merchant Hotel Is HotMamaTravel Approved
The Merchant is HotMamaTravel approved for families who love a little luxury mixed with history. While most rooms only sleep two, there are a few that comfortably fit 3–4 guests, making it perfect for smaller families who appreciate stylish stays. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, discounts at nearby restaurants, and a prime location right in Salem’s historic district, so you’re steps from all the spooky fun without ever needing to move your car.
That's A Wrap!
So who is ready for a spirited stay at one of these awesome haunted hotels in Salem, MA? I know I am! If you love spooky adventures, don’t miss my full list of haunted places for more ghostly getaways around the state. Salem is extremely popular, especially during the fall season, and the rooms book up fast. Be warned, you should book your fall trip to Salem about a year in advance. While you’re planning your Massachusetts family travel, don’t forget to check out my favorite things to do in the Berkshires for a totally different side of the Bay State. So don’t wait. Book your spooky stay today and tell them HotMamaTravel sent you!
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