★★★★★Google
Have stayed many times here and it never disappoints. The location is fantastic — walking distance to most attractions in Salem. Always clean, beds are comfortable, and I always enjoy a dip in the pool at the end of a long day exploring.
Discover Salem — Where to Stay
Where to Stayin Salem, MA
Salem has 5 hotels in the downtown area. Here’s our honest guide to all of them — from the only property in the Waterfront District to historic inns, boutique options, and the right choice for October.
★6× Best Hotel, North Shore — Northshore Magazine
★7× TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
★The Knot Best of Weddings — Hall of Fame
★2,468+ Verified Guest Reviews
Featured: Our Pick
Our Top Pick
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street, Pickering Wharf · Salem, MA 01970 · (978) 740-8788
Only hotel in the Waterfront District
Free on-site parking
Heated indoor pool
Largest rooms on the North Shore
Mainstay Social restaurant on-site
Steps from Salem Harbor & marina
6× Best Hotel, North Shore
87 fully renovated rooms & suites
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is the only hotel in Salem’s Waterfront District — located at 225 Derby Street on historic Pickering Wharf, steps from Salem Harbor, the Pickering Wharf Marina, and the start of the Salem Heritage Trail. It’s the most central, most complete, and most awarded hotel property in the city.
What sets SWH apart isn’t just location — it’s what you feel when you walk back through the door. Every one of the 87 rooms was completely gut-renovated in 2024. New mattresses built to actually deliver a great night’s sleep. Marble bathrooms where getting ready feels like a ritual. Boca Terry robes waiting on the bed. A real breakfast downstairs at Mainstay Social, not a sad continental spread. Free parking so the trip starts without a headache. This is the hotel you book when Salem deserves to be done right — when it’s an anniversary, a long-overdue girls’ trip, a once-a-year October pilgrimage, or simply the moment you decide you’re worth it.
“Did not move our car once during our 2-night stay. Central to all the sights, clean, great decor. Free parking was a genuine relief — most hotels in Salem don’t have it.”View all rooms & rates →
Heated Indoor PoolOpen daily 6am–10pm for overnight guests. Towels provided.
Free On-Site Parking1 vehicle per room included. Register at front desk on arrival.
Mainstay SocialBreakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Full bar. Seasonal patio with fire towers.
Pickering Wharf AccessSteps to marina, Derby Wharf Lighthouse & Salem Harbor.
Fitness CenterOn-site gym with cardio and strength equipment.
Gift Shop & ConciergeSalem souvenirs, attire, and full concierge services.
Pickering Wharf MarinaOnly hotel in Salem with its own marina. 2-min walk. Vessels to 55 ft.
GEM Cart (Seasonal)Complimentary Polaris GEM electric cart for wharf transport.
🛏 New premium mattresses
🚿 Marble vanities & spa bath products
🩺 Boca Terry bathrobes & premium linens
☕ In-room Keurig & bottled water
📺 55″ smart TV & blackout drapes
🔒 In-room safe & free high-speed WiFi
All rooms renovated 2024. Every room includes: new premium mattresses, Keurig coffee maker, 55″ smart TV, luxury bedding, blackout drapes, marble vanity, Boca Terry bathrobes, spa bath products, in-room safe, free WiFi, bottled water. Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM · Minimum age 21.
Guest Reviews
What guests are saying
★★★★★Google
This hotel is beautiful and extremely comfortable. The location for us was prime, and we already have a room reserved for next year! Staff went above and beyond to make our anniversary trip special.
★★★★★Google
I loved everything about the hotel. It was clean, the room was perfect, staff were so pleasant, and the pool was excellent! We walked to everything in Salem from here — couldn’t ask for a better location.
★★★★★Google
Clean and spacious room. Parking was great and the hotel is the perfect location for walking all over town. The warm cookies throughout the day were such a nice touch — the little details really made the difference.
★★★★★Google
Absolutely loved the hotel. Staff was fantastic and helpful — gave us recommendations on things to do and great restaurants. The room exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely stay again. Wonderful experience from start to finish.
★★★★★Google
Great location and amazing accommodations. We loved all the nautical decor. The rooms were so large and comfortable with plenty of places to sit. The staff from front desk to housekeeping were so helpful and friendly. I would definitely book again.
★★★★★Google
The lobby was very welcoming, as was the reception staff. The decor throughout was nautical in a fun, creative way. The room was well appointed and comfortable, and had everything we needed. The views and location are perfect for walking to everything in Salem.
★★★★★Google
What is there not to love. I’ve stayed at this hotel multiple times now. Every time I go to Salem it’s my go-to. I love everything from the rooms to the drinks to the food at Mainstay. Always taking care of their valued guests.
★★★★★Google
Very clean, nice decor and cozy. We were central to all the sights in Salem. Did not move our car once during our 2-night stay. Free parking was a genuine relief — most hotels in Salem don’t have it. Perfect in every way.
★★★★★Google
Cleanliness, style, ease of getting in and out. Amazing experience. Absolutely charming! Walking distance from pretty much everything, and the harbor is right there to enjoy. Mainstay Social for breakfast before heading out was the perfect start to every day.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Salem hotels compared
Every downtown Salem hotel, compared across the features that matter most when choosing where to stay.
| Feature | Salem Waterfront Hotel | Hawthorne Hotel | Hotel Salem | The Merchant | The Cove | Hampton Inn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Waterfront District, Pickering Wharf | Salem Common, downtown | Essex Street, heart of downtown | Washington Street, downtown | Bridge Street Neck | Near downtown (~0.4 mi) |
| Rooms | 87 rooms & suites | 93 rooms | 44 rooms | Boutique (small) | 57 rooms | ~120 rooms |
| Free Parking | Yes — on-site | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pool | Heated indoor | No | No | No | No | Indoor pool |
| On-Site Restaurant | Mainstay Social | Nathaniel’s + Tavern | The Roof (seasonal) | Yes | Bar only | Breakfast only |
| Pet-Friendly | No (service animals only) | Yes (fee) | No | Confirm direct | No | Yes |
| Waterfront Location | Yes — Pickering Wharf | No | No | No | Near water | No |
| Rooftop / Outdoor Space | Outdoor patio + fire towers | No | Rooftop terrace | No | Terrace | No |
| Event & Meeting Space | Yes — ballroom + breakouts | Yes | No | No | No | Small meeting rooms |
All Salem Hotels
Every hotel in Salem, MA
Salem has a small but genuinely interesting hotel landscape. Here’s our honest editorial take on every option, with the context that helps you choose.
Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem MA · (978) 744-4080
Built in 1925, the Hawthorne is Salem’s most historically recognized hotel and a member of Historic Hotels of America. At 93 rooms it’s the largest property in town, and its Salem Common location puts it close to the Witch Museum. That said, recent guest reviews flag real maintenance concerns — thin mattresses, dated bathrooms, mold in shower areas, and inconsistent service have come up repeatedly. Rooms are noticeably smaller than SWH. No pool. Nathaniel’s Restaurant draws mixed reviews. Rates can be lower than SWH, which makes it attractive for budget-conscious visitors willing to trade condition for address.
Hotel Salem
209 Essex Street, Salem MA · (978) 451-4950
A 44-room boutique hotel on Salem’s main pedestrian street, in a former retail space with mid-century modern design. The Roof, a rooftop restaurant, is its headline feature — though it’s seasonal and capacity is limited. Rooms range from compact micro-rooms to suites; those on a budget should know the micro-rooms are genuinely small. No free parking and no pool are meaningful drawbacks if you’re driving to Salem or want to unwind after a long October day. Best for guests who prioritize street-level buzz and won’t have a car.
The Merchant (Lark Hotels)
148 Washington Street, Salem MA · (978) 745-8100
A small boutique property in a restored historic building — gas fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and original woodwork make it one of Salem’s more atmospheric stays. Part of the Lark Hotels chain of independent-feeling properties. Room count is very limited, which means it books out quickly and you have minimal choice of room type. No pool, no free parking, no event space. The premium pricing for a property with limited amenities doesn’t suit everyone — best for couples who want character over convenience and have no car.
The Cove at Salem
40 Bridge Street, Salem MA · (978) 955-7795
A 57-room modern hotel in Salem’s Bridge Street Neck district. The location is the main caveat — it’s the furthest of the Salem options from the main tourist corridor, roughly a 15-minute walk to Essex Street, which adds up when you’re doing it multiple times a day during a busy October visit. Free parking is a genuine plus. A reasonable fallback if SWH and the Hawthorne are sold out, or for guests who want to pay a lower rate and don’t mind the walk.
Hampton Inn Salem Boston, MA
155 Congress Street, Salem MA · Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand
The only chain flag in downtown Salem — and the right choice for travelers who want the predictability and loyalty points of a Hilton-family property. Larger room count than the boutique options, free hot breakfast, indoor pool, free parking, and pet-friendly. Location is slightly outside the core pedestrian district but still walkable (about 10–15 minutes to Essex Street). Best for families or business travelers who value chain consistency over boutique character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
The most common questions about where to stay in Salem, MA — answered directly.
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites at 225 Derby Street is the top full-service hotel in Salem — the only property in the Waterfront District, with 87 rooms, free parking, a heated indoor pool, and on-site restaurant Mainstay Social. For historic character, the Hawthorne Hotel on Salem Common is the other full-service option — though recent reviews flag maintenance and service inconsistencies worth noting. SWH wins on amenities, room size, and waterfront access; the Hawthorne offers a lower rate and a more traditionally historic feel.
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is the only hotel in Salem’s Waterfront District, located on historic Pickering Wharf steps from Salem Harbor and the marina. A note on honesty: most guest rooms face Derby Street rather than the harbor — the shops on Pickering Wharf sit between the building and the waterline. However, the hotel’s outdoor patio, event terraces, and the wharf boardwalk itself all face the harbor and provide genuine waterfront access.
Free parking is available at: Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (on-site, one vehicle per room), Hawthorne Hotel (on-site), The Cove at Salem, and Hampton Inn. Hotel Salem and The Merchant do not offer free parking — a significant consideration in downtown Salem where street parking is limited and paid lots are expensive, particularly in October.
Salem Waterfront Hotel and the Hawthorne Hotel are the best full-service options for October. Both are walking distance to all Haunted Happenings events. Critical timing note: October rooms book out 6–12 months in advance. Salem hotels open October reservations on November 1st of the prior year — weekend rooms for Halloween week often sell out within 48 hours. If you’re reading this for the upcoming October, check availability immediately. October cancellation policies at SWH: 14 days (weekday), non-refundable deposit (Fri–Sat).
Hawthorne Hotel accepts pets on request (charges may apply). Salem Inn is pet-friendly with any size pet (fee). Hampton Inn accepts pets. Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites does not allow pets — only certified service animals with advance notice. Hotel Salem and The Merchant do not accept pets. If you’re traveling with a dog, the Hawthorne Hotel is the best full-service option.
Yes — the Salem Waterfront Hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool, open daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM for overnight guests. Towels are provided. It is one of only two Salem hotels with an indoor pool, along with the Hampton Inn. No hot tub. Pool passes are not available to non-guests.
For October: 6–12 months ahead — rooms open November 1st of the prior year. For summer weekends (July–August): 2–3 months ahead. For shoulder seasons (spring, early summer, November): 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient, though popular weekends can fill up. Salem’s small hotel inventory (5 downtown properties, roughly 400 rooms total) means popular dates sell out much faster than comparably-sized cities.
Standard policy: 72-hour cancellation prior to arrival. Deposit of one night’s room and tax charged at booking; refunded minus a $25 processing fee if cancelled outside 72 hours. October policy: 14-day cancellation for weekday stays. Friday and Saturday October deposits are non-refundable. A $25 processing fee applies to all cancellations. AAA/AARP/Military discount: 10% off Sunday–Thursday, based on availability, not valid Fri–Sat (May–Sept) or any October date.
The Hawthorne Hotel is the closest — approximately 600 feet (a 2-minute walk) from the Salem Witch Museum on Washington Square North. The Salem Waterfront Hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles). Hotel Salem on Essex Street is also close. All downtown Salem hotels are walkable to the Witch Museum — it’s a compact city.
Salem has several genuinely excellent boutique options. The Merchant (Lark Hotels) has gas fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and original woodwork in a carefully restored historic building. Hotel Salem has a rooftop restaurant and distinctive mid-century design. The Coach House is a former sea captain’s mansion with theatrical themed rooms (pirate suite, etc.). The Cove at Salem offers a modern boutique feel. Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites sits at the full-service boutique tier — the most amenities of any independent property in Salem.
Yes. All floors are accessible by elevator. Accessible rooms are available with grab bars and step-in tub, and one room with a roll-in shower is available. Notify the hotel in advance if an accessible room is needed to ensure availability. Contact (978) 740-8788 to arrange.
There are 5 hotels in downtown Salem: Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (87 rooms), Hawthorne Hotel (93 rooms), Hotel Salem (44 rooms), The Merchant (boutique, small room count), and The Cove at Salem (57 rooms). The Hampton Inn sits slightly outside the downtown core. Several B&Bs and inns — including the Salem Inn and Coach House — round out the options. Total downtown hotel room supply is approximately 400 rooms, which explains why October sells out so rapidly.
The only hotel
in the Waterfront District
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites — 225 Derby Street, Pickering Wharf. 87 fully renovated rooms, free parking, heated pool, and Mainstay Social restaurant. Steps from every attraction in this guide.
87
Renovated Rooms
Free
On-Site Parking
6×
Best Hotel Award
★★★★½
Boutique Hotel