The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem MA

This past month my best friend and I started out on our 12 hour long journey to Salem, Massachusetts. It had always been a dream of mine to go and I am so elated that I did. Although we did not end up checking in at the Hawthorne Hotel, we absolutely made sure to go see it.

The Federal-style Hawthorne hotel was named after famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The city is pretty much one big tribute to him because he lived there and penned the infamous "House of the Seven Gables" and "The Scarlet Letter" which both went on to be very very successful. According to all the reviews online, this place is extremely haunted. In fact, it is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Salem. This is why I am so angry that we ended up staying in a raunchy motel 6 about 20 miles away.

Haunted Happenings

There have been many stories of haunting's at the Hawthorne. The land that it sits on was said to be an apple orchard owned by Bridget Bishop who was the first person to be hanged at "Gallows Hill". There have been many reports of a strong smell of apples in the hotel. I know that isn't the scariest thing you've ever heard but it sure is interesting.

Another interesting story was told by an employee of the hotel who was organizing one of the rooms called "The Lower Deck". He reported that he had been setting up the room for an event and placed the tables in a specific fashion. He had returned later on in the day to double check that everything was good and noticed that the entire room had been rearranged back to how it was before he even started. This same employee understandably refused to work any night shifts after this situation.

As any haunted hotel or B&B there are always those specific rooms that are most known for their haunting's. In room 325 guests have reported water faucets and lights turning on and off by themselves among many other strange noises. In room 612 there have been reports of seeing an apparition of a woman outside the door. I don't know about you, but that is enough to make me want to stay there. :) If you ever get to make it to Salem, Massachusetts I suggest making a special trip to the Hawthorne Hotel even if it is just to walk through the halls.