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When planning our New England road trip in 2023, we knew we wanted to spend a couple of days in Salem, Massachusetts, even if we were traveling in July and not the busy October tourist season. In fact, July was spooky enough without the crazy crowds. As the planning progressed, I was torn on where to stay. I knew I wanted to try something historic, maybe haunted. It’s Salem, right? After looking over the possibilities and considering the budget, I decided on the Salem Inn.
I loved that three historic houses comprised the Salem Inn–The West House, The Curwen House, and the Peabody House. It’s worth noting that the houses are near each other but not in the same complex. They’re not next-door neighbors. I also appreciated that the homes offered some family suites. When you’re on the road for a long time, a little space is occasionally appreciated. The Salem Inn includes breakfast, which is a nice bonus. The houses also had their share of ghost stories, as every structure in Salem, I suppose. I booked two nights in a family suite in the West House.
The Salem Inn or the Hawthorne Hotel?
A reservation at the Salem Inn meant that we wouldn’t be staying in the Hawthorne Hotel, a favorite of visitors to Salem. Still, I was happy with our choice. During the road trip, however, I started wondering if we’d planned enough time in Salem to do everything we hoped to do. We decided to drop a reservation at a town in Maine to add another Salem night. Even though it was summertime, there was no availability to add a night at the Salem Inn. The Hawthorne Hotel had availability, so we booked our first night there. You can read about that stay here.
Though both places had pros and cons, both are great options in Salem. Jeff preferred the free on-site parking of the Hawthorne. It was more like a downtown hotel stay, though. Breakfast was not included, but the room was nice, and it happened to have 1.5 bathrooms! I also enjoyed the cozy little bar known as The Tavern at the Hawthorne.
I liked the bed-and-breakfast feel of the Salem Inn. The parking, though free, was not on-site. You had to walk a couple of blocks to park in a public parking lot. The Salem Inn also didn’t have an elevator, though there was supposed to be a luggage elevator. It wasn’t working while we were there. So, we had to haul our luggage up and down the stairs and load the car in the street after our stay.
Both establishments are on either end of the part of Essex Street where most visitors want to do their shopping and grab lunch and dinner. Adjacent streets also offer more of the same. The Peabody Essex Museum is along this stretch of the street, as well. The Hawthorne Hotel is closer to the Salem Witch Museum and the Salem Common; the Salem Inn is closer to the Ropes Mansion and the Witch House.
The map below shows Essex Street between the Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem Inn–West House.
Our Salem Stay
After our first night in Salem at the Hawthorne Hotel, we checked out and headed over to the Salem Witch Museum. It’s catty-cornered from the Hawthorne, and I believe we were able to remain in the Hawthorne parking lot until after the check-out time. Next, we toured The House of Seven Gables. If you love history or literature, it’s a must-do! While you’re in that area, check out Ye Olde Pepper Companie and indulge in some delicious candy. We also threw in a visit to a laundromat on that side of town. When you’re on the road, you do what you have to do.
Finally, it was check-in time for the Salem Inn. The West House is pictured below.
We were able to park in the street until we had checked in and unloaded the car. Then Jeff drove the couple of blocks away to park. Below is a map to the public parking on Summer Street.
Checking In
Our first encounter with the Salem Inn involved checking in this small lobby area, not unlike a parlor in a historic home. Afternoon is a busy time at any hotel, and this one was no exception. There was no one else waiting in the waiting room or anything; it’s just that the hostess was busy addressing issues as people were arriving, including dealing with a dysfunctional luggage elevator.
The waiting room was lovely; we felt like we’d stepped into a home from the past, which essentially, we had. This Federal Era home was built in 1834 by Captain Nathaniel West, known for being the first captain to sail around the globe. I assume that’s his portrait below, but you know what they say. He also has quite a marriage story that you can read by clicking here.
Three townhouses actually comprise the part of the Salem Inn known as The West House. This makes it the largest of the three locations of the Salem Inn. It also seems to be the “main” part of the Salem Inn.
After check-in was settled, we made the trek upstairs with our luggage. They sure made the stairs narrow back in the day.
Our Room: Number W16
We’d reserved a family suite, and this room did not disappoint. Our room is known as The Friendship Suite, named for the Friendship, built in 1797. This ship sailed all over the world, trading in the Far East after the American Revolution. People automatically think of the witch trials when they think of Salem, but this city was also an important New England port, a fact that often lingers in the background when considering Salem’s history.
When we entered the suite, the first thing I noticed was this daybed. This is where Kristin slept. In the background, you can see a glimpse of the master bedroom; the bathroom is to the left just beyond the doorway.
This room also had a table and three chairs–perfect for a party of three.
The room also has a TV and a loveseat. In the background, you can see the entryway to the kitchenette. You can see that you can store some items in the cabinet in the kitchenette room.
We didn’t use the kitchenette a lot, but it was nice to have it just in case. I heated water in the microwave for hot chocolate, so I know it worked. If I made hot chocolate in July, that means the air conditioning was also working.
The master bedroom had a king-size bed and a handy dresser.
The bathroom was cute. One thing to remember–these historic and/or boutique kind of places often do not have a lot of counter space. We have hanging toiletry bags, but if you’re someone who likes to unpack, there isn’t a lot of room.
Evening Wine
After we got settled in, Kristin took some downtime in the room, and Jeff and I checked out the patio and free wine service. It was nice to relax for a moment.
To round off the day, we had dinner at Dire Wolf Tavern (fun and delicious!) and embarked on our Salem ghost tour.
Breakfast at The Salem Inn
Breakfast is included at the Salem Inn. The night before, you’re able to make your breakfast selections online. I also believe you were able to make some requests. My travel companions like their food plain, and I don’t recall any issues in that regard.
To get to the breakfast area, you’ll need to exit the front of the inn and go downstairs. This is also where you go to get access to the patio for the wine.
There seems to be plenty of seating for those staying at the inn.
The cinnamon raisin bread was delicious! I hadn’t had a slice in years.
I think Kristin had the waffle, but I’m sure she shared the sausage since it’s not her favorite. I remember everything being pretty tasty.
I had a sausage omelet. Yum!
Three Houses
As mentioned above, the Salem Inn has three locations you can book. This house is for adults only, so if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic getaway, this may be the house for you. Built in 1854 by the Curwen Brothers, this beautiful, historic home looks like it’d be a great choice while visiting Salem.
Here is another view of the West House where we stayed.
Sadly, I don’t seem to have a picture of the third house, the Peabody House. It resembles the Curwen House, but it lacks the double front door. Built in 1874 by John P. Peabody, this house also appears to be a wonderful place to stay in Salem.
The Wrap-Up
We enjoyed our stay in Salem, and staying at the Salem Inn was definitely a part of that. It’s great that there are some great places to stay, and we were grateful to be able to experience two of them on our first visit. Hopefully, these accounts of our stays will help you decide which property would be best for you. Or, maybe do like we did–give both a shot. No matter what you choose, you’ll have a great place to relax after taking in the sights of Salem.
Click the links below to read about our other adventures on this road trip:
Touring Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell–Philadelphia
Dinner at Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls
Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Patuxet Museum–Plymouth, Massachusetts
Boston Tea Party Museum–Boston
