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1925

Hawthorne Hotel

Salem, Massachusetts
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Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Original Property Opened in 1925 Historic Hotels of America member since 1991
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memorabilia
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presidential
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tours

The Hawthorne Hotel has been an integral part of the city of Salem since its completion in 1925. The stately, beautifully restored, federal-style hotel is named for author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who grew up in Salem, worked as Surveyor of the Port at the Salem Custom House, and wrote The Scarlet Letter from his nearby home. The Hawthorne Hotel, which overlooks Salem Common and the Witch Museum, is the perfect base for exploring Salem and the North Shore. Located in the Salem Common Historic District, the hotel is within walking distance of numerous historic sites and attractions, including the PEM, House of the Seven Gables, Pickering Wharf, and Front Street.

Discover

  • Discover in the hotel lobby a hand-painted replica of the map that, in 1812, coined the political term “gerrymandering.” Learn the history of how this practice of redrawing voting districts to benefit a political party gained notoriety after North Shore native and Massachusetts state Governor Elbridge Gerry introduced controversial legislation.
  • Look up at the flags that have been proudly flown above Hawthorne Boulevard since Michael Harrington, a former Massachusetts congressman, became owner of the hotel. A U.N.-member country and a U.S. state are honored daily.
  • Recreate the iconic image of beloved TV characters Darrin and Samantha in the hotel’s lobby elevator. The popular TV sitcom, Bewitched, filmed six episodes of the “Salem Saga” in and around Salem in 1970. Some of the episodes were even filmed in the Hawthorne Hotel! Then walk down Salem’s Pedestrian Mall to visit TV Land’s bronze statue of Samantha riding her broom in front of the moon, a must for social media.

Explore

  • Wander along the waterfront, stopping to visit Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first U.S. National Historic Site in the National Park System. Step aboard the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a merchant ship from 1797 that made Salem a leader in international trade with the Far East.
  • Visit the renowned Peabody Essex Museum, one of the most historic museums in continuous existence in the country and one of North America’s most preeminent art museums. PEM holds more than 840,000 works of historical and cultural art covering maritime, American, Asian, Oceanic, and African art and features the Yin Yu Tang house.
  • Explore the McIntire Historic District which boasts numerous Georgian- and Federal-period houses designed or influenced by architect and Salem native Samuel McIntire. Enjoy the beauty of Chestnut Street, a wide street lined with spectacular brick and wooden homes, considered one of the most beautiful streets in America.

Experience

  • Stroll around Salem Willows Park, a beautiful shaded seaside park with scenic ocean views, public pier, bandstand for concerts, picnic areas, beaches, children’s rides, arcade, and many favorite eateries. Indulge in popcorn from E.W. Hobbs or chop suey from Salem Lowe, or simply relax on a bench watching the sailboats in the distance.
  • Take a guided walking tour that explores the facts, myths, and legends surrounding Salem’s 1692 witch trials. Visit the Witch House, Burying Point Cemetery, and Proctor’s Ledge, the confirmed site of numerous witch executions.
  • Experience the history, culture, and nature of the North Shore with a trip along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. Make stops in nearby Marblehead to view the painting The Spirit of ’76; Manchester to walk Singing Beach; and Gloucester to visit the Fisherman’s Memorial, Man at the Wheel.

Taste

  • Walk to Turner’s Seafood and enjoy New England favorites including lobster, crab cakes, or fish stew. Located in the historic Lyceum Hall where Alexander Graham Bell first publicly demonstrated the telephone on February 12, 1877, Turner’s is a local favorite.
  • Indulge in a Salem Food Tour. Enjoy tastings at some of Salem’s best food shops and restaurants, enjoy talks with chefs and fellow food lovers and learn about early colonial dinners, local history and culture, as well information about Salem’s illustrious maritime spice trade.
  • Savor a bowl of Steve’s seafood chowder in The Tavern on the Green at the Hawthorne Hotel. Named after the late Steve Nelson, who was the Hawthorne’s executive chef for over 30 years, this unique version includes shrimp, scallops, haddock, clams, and potatoes in a creamy New England-style soup.
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FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS

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Standard King
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Superior Queen with Softa Bed
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Emmerton King Suite
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Featured Offers

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Best Available Rate

Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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AAA Member Rate

While this hotel typically offers the AAA Member Rate, availability is dependent on your exact dates of stay. Please also plan to present member ID at check-in to prove eligibility.

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Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

With over 8,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a Grand Ballroom, and various convenient breakout spaces, the Hawthorne Hotel can accommodate meetings from five to 500 people. Meeting planners will also appreciate the strategic location of the Salem hotel, allowing attendees to truly enjoy all that downtown Salem has to offer, such as organizing evening activities, team building trips, spouse excursions, food tours or a night out in the city. The Hawthorne Hotel's friendly and attentive service, central location, and charming surroundings make it attractive for business meetings or social gatherings. Much of the second floor is devoted exclusively to the needs of business patrons, with three comfortable conference rooms and a relaxing mezzanine. The main floor features the elegantly appointed Grand Ballroom and a function room appropriate for smaller gatherings.

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Special Occasions

Weddings

With 93 well-appointed guestrooms, two award-winning restaurants, and private banquet space, the Hawthorn Hotel can accommodate weddings, welcome receptions, brunches, and more. Offer guests the convenience of staying at the Hawthorne and eliminating the need to drive, everyone can enjoy the wedding in a relaxed atmosphere. From contemporary chic to classic sophistication, let the Hawthorne Hotel’s wedding team turn dreams into reality. Experienced wedding professionals are on hand to advise on everything from entertainment and florists, to photographers and menu selections, and will take away worries from the moment planning starts. Take a closer look at the Hawthorne Hotel's available wedding services here.

LEARN MORE
Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

With over 8,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a Grand Ballroom, and various convenient breakout spaces, the Hawthorne Hotel can accommodate meetings from five to 500 people. Meeting planners will also appreciate the strategic location of the Salem hotel, allowing attendees to truly enjoy all that downtown Salem has to offer, such as organizing evening activities, team building trips, spouse excursions, food tours or a night out in the city. The Hawthorne Hotel's friendly and attentive service, central location, and charming surroundings make it attractive for business meetings or social gatherings. Much of the second floor is devoted exclusively to the needs of business patrons, with three comfortable conference rooms and a relaxing mezzanine. The main floor features the elegantly appointed Grand Ballroom and a function room appropriate for smaller gatherings.

LEARN MORE
Special Occasions

Weddings

With 93 well-appointed guestrooms, two award-winning restaurants, and private banquet space, the Hawthorn Hotel can accommodate weddings, welcome receptions, brunches, and more. Offer guests the convenience of staying at the Hawthorne and eliminating the need to drive, everyone can enjoy the wedding in a relaxed atmosphere. From contemporary chic to classic sophistication, let the Hawthorne Hotel’s wedding team turn dreams into reality. Experienced wedding professionals are on hand to advise on everything from entertainment and florists, to photographers and menu selections, and will take away worries from the moment planning starts. Take a closer look at the Hawthorne Hotel's available wedding services here.

LEARN MORE
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a room with tables and chairs
a table set for a dinner party