Haunted Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Salem with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
6 Haunted Hotels Found in Salem
The Coach House
284 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, United States
The Coach House stands on historic ground. During a spiritualism session held at the property, communication was established with a spirit identifying as 'Elizabeth' or 'Lizzie,' believed to be Elizabeth Emmerton (1791-1797), daughter of a seafarer Jeremiah Emmerton connected to the property's past. This child spirit communicated eagerly through various means including an Ouija board and by influencing electrical lights, specifically a chandelier. She is perceived as a friendly, whimsical presence.
The Salem Inn
7 Summer Street, Salem, MA 01970, United States
The Salem Inn, comprised of three historic houses, is known for significant paranormal activity. Room 17 is considered the most haunted, reputedly by a female spirit, possibly 'Elizabeth' or 'Katherine,' who particularly disturbs male guests with noises unless offered whiskey. Staff and guests also report encounters with two other spirits: a ghostly cat seen darting through rooms and the spectral presence of a child, evidenced by disembodied giggling and soft footsteps. Guests have noted items moving, belongings disappearing, and feeling the ghostly cat jump onto beds.
The Merchant
148 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970, USA
The Merchant occupies the site once belonging to Sheriff George 'The Strangler' Corwin of Salem Witch Trial notoriety. Built in 1784 as the Joshua Ward House, legends claim it's haunted by spirits tied to its grim past, most notably Giles Corey (who cursed Corwin) and potentially Corwin himself, alongside an unidentified woman. Visitors report cold spots, items mysteriously falling, and inexplicable phenomena like melting candles. A famous piece of evidence is a 1981 photo capturing a mysterious female figure during a party, adding fuel to its reputation as one of Salem's most haunted locations.
The Daniels House Inn
1 Daniels St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Dating back to 1667, before the infamous Witch Trials, The Daniels House Inn is believed to host multiple spirits. Guests and staff have reported encounters with a ghostly gray tabby cat, sightings of a man in Puritan attire thought to be the original owner, Captain Stephen Daniels, and an unidentified female apparition. Additionally, some experience mischievous paranormal activity, such as personal items being moved. Despite these occurrences, it is generally considered less intensely haunted compared to some other Salem locations, offering more historic immersion.
The Stepping Stone Inn
19 Washington Square N, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Built in 1846 by Naval and Customs Officer Abraham True, The Stepping Stone Inn primarily offers historic charm rather than prominent ghost stories. While located in famously haunted Salem and having an 'eerie feel' according to some, it lacks specific well-documented paranormal incidents common to other local establishments. Some guests speculate about potential minor spiritual presence, but it's generally noted for being less haunted compared to its neighbors, providing a more serene experience adjacent to historic sites like the Salem Witch Museum.
Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970, USA
The Hawthorne Hotel, built on land once belonging to Bridget Bishop (the first person executed in the 1692 Salem Witch Trials), carries tales tied to its location. Guests sometimes report the unexplained smell of apples, supposedly linked to Bishop's former orchard. More intense paranormal claims surround specific rooms: Room 325 experiences include phantom baby cries, lights and faucets operating independently, and unexplained touching. Room 612 and the sixth floor are associated with sightings of a woman in white. General paranormal occurrences reported throughout the hotel include moving objects and furniture, disembodied voices, cold spots, and the sensation of being watched or touched. Its haunted reputation attracted SyFy's 'Ghost Hunters' and even a séance attempt to contact Houdini.
Haunted History of Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is a city forever etched in American history with a dark and supernatural stain. Its haunted reputation is undeniably rooted in the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Mass hysteria, fueled by fear and superstition, led to the accusation of over 200 people of witchcraft and the brutal execution of 19 innocent souls. The restless spirits of the accused, like Bridget Bishop and Giles Corey, are said to linger, forever tied to the land where they met their tragic end. The grim energy of Gallows Hill, where the hangings took place, is a palpable reminder of this dark chapter.
Beyond the witch trials, Salem's history as a bustling colonial seaport has its own share of ghostly tales. The narrow, cobblestone streets whisper stories of sea captains lost to the waves, pirates seeking their buried treasure, and shadowy figures seen in the windows of historic homes. This potent combination of tragic history and maritime folklore makes Salem one of America's most haunted cities, a place where the veil between the living and the dead feels unnervingly thin.
Other Haunted Attractions in Salem, Massachusetts
- The Witch House at Salem: The former home of Witch Trials magistrate Jonathan Corwin, The Witch House is the only building in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 hysteria. Visitors and staff report eerie cold spots, disembodied whispers, and the unnerving feeling of being watched by unseen eyes from centuries past.
- Old Burying Point Cemetery: Established in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. Here you can find the graves of witch trial judges and other prominent figures from Salem's past. Ghost hunters and visitors often report seeing ghostly apparitions, strange orbs of light, and hearing faint voices among the weathered tombstones.
- The House of the Seven Gables: Made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne, this historic seaside mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents. The ghost of Susan Ingersoll, Hawthorne's cousin, is often seen gazing out the windows, and a mysterious, shadowy figure is sometimes spotted in the attic. You can visit this historic landmark at The House of the Seven Gables.
- Proctor's Ledge Memorial: While Gallows Hill was long thought to be the execution site, modern research confirmed the hangings took place at Proctor's Ledge. This solemn memorial was erected to honor the victims at the actual site of their deaths. It is a place of profound sadness, and many visitors report feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow and spectral energy.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Salem, Massachusetts
- Book Well in Advance: Salem is the unofficial Halloween capital of the USA. If you plan to visit in October for the city's "Haunted Happenings" festival, book your haunted hotel room many months—or even a year—ahead of time.
- Respect the History: Remember that the hauntings in Salem stem from real historical tragedy. Be respectful when visiting cemeteries, memorials, and historic sites. The spirits here are not just for entertainment.
- Pack a Ghost Hunting Kit: Even if you're just having fun, bring a digital recorder for EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), a camera for catching orbs, and an open mind. You never know what you might capture in your haunted hotel room!
- Ask the Staff: Hotel employees are often the best source for ghost stories. Don't be shy—ask the concierge or front desk staff if they've had any personal experiences or know which rooms are most active.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts
Are haunted hotels in Salem, Massachusetts safe to stay in? Absolutely! Haunted hotels are fully operational businesses that prioritize guest safety and comfort. The "haunting" is part of the unique historical ambiance, but you can expect all the standard amenities and security of a normal hotel.
What is the most haunted hotel in Salem, Massachusetts? While many historic inns and hotels in Salem claim that title, places like The Hawthorne Hotel are legendary for their paranormal activity. It's best to read the stories associated with each hotel to see which ghostly residents you'd most like to meet!
Do haunted hotels offer ghost tours? Some hotels offer their own small tours or have partnerships with local ghost tour companies. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel's concierge when you book your stay.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Salem, Massachusetts? Most hotels are family-friendly, but it depends on the child's temperament. The stories and atmosphere can be intense for younger children, so it's best to consider your child's comfort level and check the hotel's specific policies.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Salem, Massachusetts? October is the most popular and festive month, but it's also the most crowded. For a potentially spookier and more intimate experience, consider visiting in the quieter months like late autumn or spring, when the fog rolls in from the sea and the historic streets are less crowded.