How to Find Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem may be infamous for the witch hunts of centuries past, but today the city is a lovely place to visit and a showcase for classic American architecture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access

Find Accommodations

1. Call Salem's Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs at (877) SALEM-MA for lodging information, or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Stay in a cottage. There are many beautifully restored and decorated cottages in the Salem Common, which is only a 10-minute walk from downtown.

3. Reserve a room by the coast. Many inns are within walking distance of Salem Harbor, the ferry, the House of the Seven Gables and Pickering Wharf.

4. Rent a house. Many of Salem's vacation homes can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis.

5. Stay downtown. There are many hotels to choose from in the center of Salem, located near an assortment of tourist attractions and local hotspots.

6. Lodge in a historical hotel. These old hotels have a lot of charm and provide easy access to the ocean. Shopping and dining are also close by. The haunted ones are more fun.

Discover Salem

7. Visit in October and experience Salem's Haunted Happenings Halloween Festival. The town can get very crowded during this month, so book accommodations early.

Transportation

8. Take a trolley tour through town. Enjoy the sights and the ride while a tour guide explains the history of Salem. This is a great way to experience Salem's history first hand; if you see something that interests you, just hop off.

9. Take a peddle taxi. These bicycle rickshaws are a relaxing way to get around and get an unobstructed view of storefronts and landmarks--if the Massachusetts weather allows.

10. Take a water taxi down the coast. They operate seven days a week and offer travelers a terrific view of New England's beautiful shores.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a considerable population in Salem today that do practice witchcraft. These Wiccans take themselves seriously, so watch what you say. They treat their faith like any other.
• Be wary of Salem Point south of Lafayette Street. That area of the neighborhood has problems with crime, so stay clear of it at night.