Hawthorne Hotel

This hotel was the perfect place to call home base for our Salem trip! Its location right at the end of Essex Street and just 5 minutes walking from the water meant we rarely had to catch rides unless we wanted to venture out far from downtown. We were doing a ton of shopping so it was nice always being a few minutes away from being able to drop stuff off! The roaring 20's aesthetic and historic info plastered around the lobby was fun to read, and the food was always amazing, though fair warning the portions are all shareable (especially the sundae served in a mixing bowl and cheese plate appetizer that includes 4 whole blocks of cheese, an entire baguette, and piles of fruit). The staff were also all super nice, especially the bartender. Our room was tiny and adorable, with the famous "shower closet" being a fun perk every morning. I highly recommend getting a room early as even in September it got booked quick (both by tourists and hosting weddings and corporate events). We will definitely be staying there again!

I stayed with a friend of mine here during the off-season (January 2026), and it was an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. When we first checked in, the staff was amazing and polite (this continued throughout the trip). Further, the hotel was very lively and clean, with many amenities that made it live up to the 'Historic' hotel brand. Lastly, the restaurant, particularly the tavern, was absolutely wonderful. Nothing better than enjoying a delicious bread pudding with a pint of Guinness to end a busy day in the area.

I am the owner and operator of Hager Photography and I had the immense pleasure of photographing a wedding at The Hawthorne Hotel this summer. This was such a perfect venue! Classy but kind-of spooky vibes! Staff and facilities were top-notch. There were ladies in witch hats everywhere. The couple had a tarot reader at cocktail hour. I loved every second of my time at The Hawthorne and I can't wait to come back.

I'm a wedding photographer and photographed a wedding at the Hawthorne Hotel in February 2024 and was so impressed by both the charm of the space and the professionalism of the staff. The hotel’s historic character and timeless décor made for stunning photo backdrops—from the elegant ballroom to the cozy lobby and nearby park. The entire team was attentive, organized, and genuinely welcoming, which made the day flow smoothly for everyone involved. It’s a beautiful venue in the heart of Salem that perfectly blends classic New England atmosphere with exceptional service. I’d highly recommend the Hawthorne Hotel to any couple looking for a romantic and memorable wedding setting! - Brett Crawford Photography

Great location. The hotel was clean in itself. The seafood chowder is amazing. Breakfast was not that great, mine ended up being cold and there were complaints from others in my group as well. They also did not have a tub in my room, the window did not close all the way and it smelled like smoke in the room all night, took forever for hot water. No fridge in room for left overs. Room for improvement.

My friends and I stayed at the Hawthorne for a long weekend trip. The staff was wonderful and friendly! We stayed in a double bed room with two bathrooms, which came in handy with everyone getting ready in the morning at the same time. It was my birthday weekend and the staff set up flowers and gifts in the room that someone sent over so that it was already there when we checked in. The best part of the hotel was how close it was to Essex Street and the down, it was walking distance from everything we wanted to see. I would stay again!

Beautiful hotel in the heart of downtown and in walking distance to the best places to visit during spooky season. The Tavern and Nathaniel’s in the lobby were great dinning options. The complimentary cider and water every afternoon was very nice. The historical factor was a plus. If staying in spooky places is your thing then this is a great option for you. Just know the walls are paper thin and you can hear just about everything happening in the rooms next door. Besides that and the fact the air was off and/or on heat without a way of setting it to cool, it was a great location.

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem this weekend for our first Valentine’s Day together, and we absolutely loved it. The entire experience felt special from the moment we arrived. The architecture, artwork, and historic layout give the hotel so much character, and the atmosphere perfectly captures Salem’s classic, slightly spooky charm without ever feeling gimmicky. The vibe is really what makes this place stand out — cozy, historic, and just mysterious enough to make the stay memorable. We even had two small moments that felt a little… suspicious on the paranormal side, which honestly just added to the fun and the story of the trip. Beyond that, the service was excellent across the board. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and the location couldn’t be better for exploring Salem on foot. Overall, it was a fantastic stay and a perfect place to spend a Valentine’s weekend. We’d absolutely come back again.