The Hawthorne Hotel is a 93-room historic hotel on Salem Common at 18 Washington Square West, opened in 1925 and named for Salem-born novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. A member of Historic Hotels of America, it draws travelers who want period elegance, on-site dining, and a downtown base within walking distance of Salem’s museums and historic sites (Witch City Today).
The six-story brick building, funded by local residents, has a Federal-style lobby with polished woodwork and chandeliers. Room count includes the restored Suzannah Flint House, an early-19th-century guesthouse a short walk from the main building (Destination Salem). Diners can choose The Tavern, with its fireplace and pub menu, or Nathaniel’s for more formal meals. The Grand Ballroom seats up to 190 for wedding receptions, and couples can hold ceremonies on the adjacent Common (Mark Davidson). Television fans may recognize the hotel from the 1970 Salem episodes of Bewitched.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
October is the busiest month because of Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival. Rooms often sell out months ahead, and rates peak during that period. For quieter stays and easier dinner reservations, visit in late spring or early September. The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are each a few minutes’ walk away. The MBTA commuter rail’s Salem station is about ten minutes on foot, and a seasonal ferry runs from Boston. The hotel offers parking and pet-friendly rooms, so confirm fees when you book.
