The historic Hawthorne Hotel has a spooky reputation and is considered one of the nation's most haunted hotels -- there are reports of a wandering woman, crying baby sounds, and faucets turning on by themselves. Ghosts aside, the hotel has a rich history
dating back to its opening in 1925. Named after Salem native (and "Scarlet Letter" author) Nathaniel Hawthorne, the property was originally a meeting house for the Salem Marine Society, where captains were able to provide relief for their families while
they were at sea. They still hold their meetings on the roof of the hotel to this day. Interiors dutifully embrace the hotel's provenance, with hardwood antique pieces alongside woven carpets, oak accents, and vibrant floral upholstery. On-site dining includes the locally popular Nathaniel's (or Nat's, as it's known) and a classic tavern with coffered ceilings and plenty of ambience. The hotel draws a diverse array of guests, from families and couples to business travelers, those passing through alone, and groups of friends.

The Hawthorne is right in downtown Salem, Massachusetts, adjacent to Salem Common, and across the street from
the Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum. The Peabody Essex Museum includes two popular restaurants, Atrium and Garden Restaurant, though there are other dining
options within a five- to ten-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is within walking distance of many of the attractions that Salem has to offer, including tours at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site,
which takes visitors around the historic wharves and seaport shops, and is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The House of Seven Gables, the inspiration behind Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous book, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The closest airport is in Boston, and will take about 50 minutes to reach by car, though connections can also be made using the commuter rail and Boston's mass transit system in 75 minutes.

The rooms here are richly decorated but aren't the largest. Economy Rooms start at a miniature 100 square feet (nine square meters), though Standard and Superior Rooms generally have ample space. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, air-conditioning, and locally crafted mattresses and linens, though not everyone will appreciate the somewhat frilly decor. The bathrooms are small, though they are clean, and have light granite vanities, stand-up showers or shower/tub combos, and high-end toiletries. Some rooms feature one-and-a-half baths. Most of the rooms offer pleasant views of downtown Salem or the park next door, though some look onto the back of the hotel. The electrical outlets appear sparse on first glance, though there are some hidden within the lights next to the bed.

The star of the hotel's features are its two restaurants, which are popular with locals and tourists alike. Nathaniel's (Nat's) is a more formal dining setting, which serves contemporary and classic New England fare with a seasonal emphasis, while the hotel's tavern serves up-market casual pub food along with beer, wine, and cocktails. On Sundays there is a well-liked jazz brunch. The hotel serves an a la carte breakfast, but it's not included with room rates. There is ample space for corporate functions and a beautiful
banquet room with antique charm, high ceilings, and stunning windows -- perhaps why the hotel is known for hosting numerous weddings a year. The hotel also participates in annual special Halloween events in Salem. There is a tiny fitness room with three machines and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel is pet-friendly, and free coffee and tea are available in the lobby throughout the day.