Top 5 Most Haunted Hotels in Salem MA to Book if You Dare!

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Salem, Massachusetts is a city with a long and storied history, most infamous for its tragic witch trials of 1692. With such a history, it’s no surprise that there are many haunted spaces and spooky places to visit, including a few haunted hotels in Salem MA. 

It’s interesting to read about haunted places that are known for supernatural happenings and to go on ghost tours at some of these spots, but it takes a whole other level of bravery to actually stay the night in one of them!

Are you that person? Then perhaps one of these 5 most haunted hotels in Salem MA might be on your list of places to stay!

If you’re not looking for haunted places to stay in Salem, don’t worry! There are plenty of cool hotels and vacation rentals that do not come with reports of supernatural activity.

Don’t have time to read the whole post? These are our top recommendations:

👻 Most Reports of Supernatural Activity: Hawthorne Hotel

👻 Offers Tours without Having to Stay the Night: Daniel’s House B&B

👻 For Those Not Looking for a Full on Haunt: Salem Waterfront Hotel

Haunted Hotels in Salem MA

Hawthorne Hotel

One of the most haunted hotels in Salem MA sits large and unassuming against a clear blue sky with autumn foliage in the foreground.
It might not seem like it under a bright blue sky, but this is one of the most haunted hotels in Salem MA!

The Hawthorne Hotel is not just one of the most well-known haunted hotels in Salem, it is also said to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. It opened its doors in 1925 and is named after “The Scarlet Letter” author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Located in downtown Salem, this is a very popular Salem place to stay, with one of the best restaurants in town and very pet friendly policies.

However, The Hawthorne Hotel in Salem is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including a woman in a long white gown. There have also been reports of doors opening and closing on their own and mysterious footsteps; ghost hunters often request rooms 325 and 612.

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970

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Daniels House Bed and Breakfast

A large deep blue historic haunted bed and breakfast in Salem, Massachusetts during fall with autumn decorations like pumpkins and hay bales around the front door.
B&B in Salem, Massachusetts that is haunted and gorgeous? Here ya go!

One of the oldest haunted houses in Salem, the Daniels House Bed and Breakfast was built in 1667. This gorgeous historic property has been beautifully maintained and restored and is a lovely Salem B&B with lovely antiques and Colonial-era architectural features like open hearth fireplaces.

Daniels House B&B is said to be haunted by a male ghost, often appearing in full Puritan dress, a woman dressed in period clothes that takes a fall down a staircase, and a cat that appears quite real until it vanishes in mid-air right before your eyes! Guests have also reported hearing the sounds of footsteps and doors opening and closing.

If you’d rather not stay the night, you can also opt for taking one of the multiple high-rated tours of this haunted Salem inn that the home offers!

1 Daniels St, Salem, MA 01970

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A photo of a potentially haunted Salem, Massachusetts cemetery during fall
Salem, Massachusetts cemetery

Salem Inn

A large brick historic inn in Salem, Massachusetts with green trees in front and blue skies overhead
The Salem Inn

Comprised of three historic properties, including the Captain West House, the Peabody House, and the Curwen House, Salem Inn is a very good choice if you want to stay in a haunted hotel in Salem MA. Guest rooms in each historic home are generously appointed, and the Curwen House is adults-only for those looking for a little more peace and quiet… from the living.

Each Salem Inn house is said to be haunted, with reports of strange noises and sightings of ghosts, including a laughing child, a feminine presence named “Katherine” by employees, and a black cat. Guests with cat allergies will sometimes even become symptomatic despite there being no (living) cat on the premises! 

If you want to be sure to get a haunted hotel room in Salem MA, request Room 17. We stayed at the Salem Inn a few years back and did not request a haunted room, and thankfully, that’s what we received! In our experience, Salem Inn is is a beautiful historic property with plenty of non-haunted rooms available, too.

7 Summer St, Salem, MA 01970

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The Merchant

A somewhat imposing historical haunted hotel made of red bricks is seen on a fall day with yellow-brown leaves scattered over the lawn.
Photo courtesy of the property; The Merchant in Salem, Massachusetts

The Merchant is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Salem, and many say it is the most haunted hotel in Salem. Spacious rooms, generous amenities, and a great location make this a popular spot to stay in town.

A historic Salem MA that is said to be haunted is seen with deep blue walls, eclectic furnishings, and a roaring fireplace.
Photo courtesy of the property; who knew historic haunted properties in Salem were so cute?

Built in 1784 on property that was once Sheriff George Corwin’s home and jail, The Merchant is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who were injured by his cruel actions, with objects moving randomly and unexplained noises in the night. One particular spirit that has gained notoriety is the Lady in Black, captured on a photo in the 1980s with a black period dress and unruly black curls, and transparent skin. Spooky!

148 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

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Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites 

The Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites is not a historic property, but it’s built on the site of the former Salem Marine Society, which was established in 1766. With onsite dining, indoor pool, and fantastic waterfront views, this is a popular Salem place to stay!

Now, we might be stretching a bit here to call this one of the most haunted hotels in Salem as it hasn’t seen nearly the same reports of paranormal activity and investigations that the others on this list have, but this TripAdvisor review seems to suggest that there might be something more than meets the eye! Perhaps this waterfront hotel has retained some of the energies from all the sailors who’ve died at sea? 

225 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

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If you’re looking for a spooky place to stay in Salem, Massachusetts, any of these haunted hotels will do the trick. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there’s no denying that these old buildings have seen a lot of history happen throughout the years, some of it dark and grisly. Book a room if you dare, but maybe be prepared for a few ghostly encounters!

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