The Merchant is an 11-room boutique hotel housed in the historic Joshua Ward House at 148 Washington Street in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. Built in 1784 by renowned Federal-period architect and master woodcarver Samuel McIntire for prominent sea merchant Joshua Ward, this three-story redbrick landmark famously hosted President George Washington for an overnight stay during his 1789 New England tour. Operated by Lark Hotels and reimagined by interior designer Rachel Reider, the property pairs preserved 18th-century architectural woodwork, original brick hearths, and grand central staircases with bold contemporary fabrics, custom furnishings, and modern luxury amenities right in the walkable core of historic Salem.
What to Expect at The Merchant
Stepping inside The Merchant reveals how carefully 18th-century Maritime New England heritage has been preserved alongside playful, modern design. Original details crafted by Samuel McIntire—including crown moldings, paneled window shutters, wide-plank hardwood floors, and classic mantels—anchor every space. Rather than outfitting the house in period antiques, the interior design introduces jewel-toned velvet seating, brass lighting fixtures, striking geometric wallpapers, and curated contemporary art. Guests gather in the ground-floor parlor lounge and dining room, where a fireplace warms the space during cool North Shore evenings and complimentary small-batch gourmet breakfast plates are served each morning alongside hot coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks.
The hotel’s 11 individually configured guest rooms and suites pay homage to building history through names like the George Washington King Deluxe (the very chamber where the first U.S. President slept in 1789), the Joshua Ward Suite, and the Samuel McIntire King Deluxe. Each room includes plush king or queen beds dressed in high-thread-count linens, gas fireplaces in select suites, spa-style bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers or soaking tubs, Lather bath products, Apple TVs, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and individual climate control. Outside, a brick courtyard patio offers a quiet, tucked-away seating area just off bustling Washington Street.
- 1784 Samuel McIntire Architecture: Admire authentic Federal-era woodworking, intricate staircase balusters, and original brick fireplaces designed by Salem’s most celebrated historical architect.
- The George Washington Room: Book the historic second-floor king deluxe room where President George Washington stayed on October 29, 1789, featuring a working gas fireplace and period detailing.
- Curated Small-Plate Breakfast: Start each morning with complimentary artisanal small plates, baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and gourmet coffee served in the designer ground-floor lounge.
- Plush Parlor & Courtyard Terrace: Unwind between sightseeing excursions in the velvet-appointed parlor lounge or out on the private outdoor patio with complimentary afternoon refreshments.
- High-End In-Room Tech & Comforts: Every room comes equipped with gas fireplaces in select tiers, plush robes, Lather toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, Apple TV, and climate control.
The Merchant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 148 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Historic Salem / McIntire District |
| Operating Hours | Check-in: 3:00 PM; Check-out: 11:00 AM (Front desk & concierge service daily) |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$–$$$$ (Nightly rates typically range from $279 in winter/spring to $599+ in October) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights for a complete Salem & North Shore getaway |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | MBTA Salem Commuter Rail Station (6-minute walk); complimentary on-site guest parking lot |
| Official Website & Phone | larkhotels.com/hotels/the-merchant-salem | +1 978-745-8100 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because The Merchant contains only 11 rooms in one of Salem’s most famous historic residences, reservations during the autumn Haunted Happenings season (especially October weekends) often sell out nine to twelve months in advance, accompanied by minimum-stay requirements. For a calmer atmosphere and more flexible nightly rates, plan a stay between May and September or during the festive coastal holiday season in December. Travelers arriving from Boston can ride the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line from North Station to the Salem MBTA Station, located just 0.3 miles north on Washington Street. If you are driving, The Merchant provides one of downtown Salem’s rarest conveniences: complimentary off-street parking in its dedicated rear lot, allowing you to leave your car parked for the entirety of your stay.
Please note that as a protected 1784 three-story brick mansion without an elevator, all guest rooms are reached via historic staircases; guests with mobility considerations should call the hotel directly to request a lower-floor room and verify entry step heights. Once checked in, you are steps from Salem’s premier cultural and culinary sights. Walk three minutes north to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) and the pedestrian-only Essex Street Mall, five minutes east to the waterfront Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Derby Wharf, or two blocks west to Chestnut Street inside the Samuel McIntire Historic District. For dinner, top local tables including Ledger Restaurant & Bar (housed in an 1818 bank right up Washington Street), Settler, and Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall are all within a four-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in hours and when is the best time to book The Merchant?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Summer and early autumn (June through September) offer ideal coastal weather for walking tours and harbor cruises, while October reservations require booking up to a year ahead due to citywide Halloween festivities.
How much does a room cost at The Merchant and what is included?
Nightly rates fall into the upscale $$$ to $$$$ range, generally starting around $279–$349 during quieter months and rising above $550+ during peak autumn dates. Rates include complimentary daily small-plate breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, and on-site parking for one vehicle per room.
How many nights should I budget for a stay in Salem?
Two to three nights is the ideal length of stay at The Merchant. That gives you a full day to explore the Peabody Essex Museum and Salem Maritime National Historic Site, plus a second day for historic house tours, architectural walks along Chestnut Street, and coastal dining.
Is The Merchant accessible and suitable for families or pets?
Because the hotel occupies an authentic 1784 landmark building, there is no passenger elevator and staircases are required to access guest rooms. The intimate, quiet ambiance is primarily geared toward couples, solo travelers, and adult history and architecture enthusiasts, and the property is non-smoking and pet-free.
When planning your Salem travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Salem, pair this stop with standout local spots including Salem Witch Village, The Coach House, The Bell Inn & Tavern, and Ledger Restaurant (nearby).
