The 3 Most Haunted Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts 👻

Salem, Massachusetts - where history and hauntings go hand in hand. If you’re brave enough, here are three haunted hotels you can actually stay in.

Salem’s cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and witch-trial history make it one of America’s most mysterious destinations. Every October, thrill seekers and curious travelers fill the town hoping for a brush with the supernatural, and a few local hotels have earned legendary reputations for otherworldly guests who never quite checked out.

🎬 Quick watch: 3 Most Haunted Hotels in Salem

The Hawthorne Hotel

Why it’s famous: The Hawthorne Hotel (established 1925) is more than just a beautiful historic hotel in downtown Salem — it's one of the most heavily haunted properties in town. Built on land that once belonged to Bridget Bishop, the first person executed in the Salem Witch Trials, the hotel is deeply tied into local lore. The site of her old apple orchard is believed by many to give rise to the recurring scent of apples reported by guests.

The stories:

• Room 325 is widely considered the most haunted. Guests report hearing the cries of a baby (though there is never an infant present), feeling unseen hands touch them, faucets and lights turning on or off on their own.
• Room 612 / The Sixth Floor: Visitors often see a woman in white in the hallway by Room 612 or reflected in mirrors. Sometimes she seems to linger, then vanish. Cold spots are common on the sixth floor.
• Lobby, Tavern & Public Spaces: Furniture moving on its own, a nautical ship’s wheel in the tavern turning by itself, whispers, flickering lights, and unexplained cold breezes are among the reports from guests and staff.

Visitor tips: If you’re hoping for something spooky, request Room 325 or one near 612. Guests say paranormal activity often peaks between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Don’t forget to visit the tavern at night — where the ship’s wheel sometimes spins on its own.

The Salem Inn

Why it’s famous: The Salem Inn isn’t a single building, but a cluster of three charming historic homes (the West House, Curwen House, and Peabody House), each with its own character and ghost stories. Together, they offer guests not only cozy, atmospheric lodging but also multiple, overlapping tales of paranormal phenomena.

The stories:

• “Katherine”: Staff and guests often speak of a ghostly woman named Katherine, known for cold breezes rushing through hallways at dawn. One worker reported hearing someone whisper her name as a sudden draft spiraled up the stairs.
• Room 17: Easily the most haunted room in the Inn. Doors slam shut on their own, footsteps echo in empty rooms, and some guests hear disembodied voices. The spirit here, said to be a woman betrayed or heartbroken, is rumored to become restless when men stay alone. Local lore says leaving a small tumbler of whiskey on the bedside table might calm her.
• Other spirits: A child’s laughter, phantom footsteps, pebbles dropping from staircases, and a black cat ghost seen lounging in the parlor (despite no cat living on the property). Guests with cat allergies have even reported reactions when entering the room.

Visitor tips: Book Room 17 if you’re seeking a full experience — but don’t expect much sleep. Many guests keep journals to record nightly sounds and sensations. Each house (Curwen, West, Peabody) has its own energy; late-night walks through them are a Salem rite of passage.

The Merchant (Joshua Ward House)

Why it’s famous: Built in 1784 by Joshua Ward and designed by master architect Samuel McIntire, The Merchant sits on land deeply tied to Salem’s witch-trial history. Before Ward, Sheriff George Corwin — known for his brutal treatment of the accused — lived on part of this property. Though no solid evidence confirms that torture occurred here, the legend has persisted for over two centuries.

The stories:

• Sudden chills and voices: Guests often describe instant cold spots and faint whispers. Some report hearing muffled sobs or feeling watched while alone in their rooms.
• Objects that move: Lights flicker, books slide across tables, and luggage has been found overturned. Some guests wake to find candles half-melted — though none were lit.
• Shadow figures: Photos taken in dim lighting sometimes capture strange forms or what looks like a “woman in black” with wild hair. The image became famous online in the early 2000s and is still debated today.
• The Corwin connection: Corwin’s grave lies nearby, and many locals believe his spirit — or the guilt from his actions — lingers. The hauntings at The Merchant seem to merge fact and folklore, reminding visitors that Salem’s dark past still breathes in its walls.

Visitor tips: The Merchant is as elegant as it is eerie. If you’re interested in paranormal phenomena, request a room in the oldest section of the house. Stay late into the night when the streets outside go quiet — and bring a camera, just in case the infamous woman in black decides to make an appearance.

Final Thoughts

Salem’s haunted hotels offer more than a place to sleep — they’re living relics of the city’s layered history. Whether it’s the elegant halls of The Hawthorne, the intimate charm of The Salem Inn, or the ghost-laden grandeur of The Merchant, each offers a unique way to experience the supernatural side of Salem.

If you’re ready to book your own haunted getaway, check out the latest listings and stories at HauntedHotelStays.com — your guide to the most haunted hotels you can actually stay in.