The Intriguing Lore of the Hawthorne Hotel

Nestled in the heart of downtown Salem is the historic Hawthorne Hotel. The accommodations are known for being elegant, comfortable and welcoming, but there is much more to the story. Rumor has it that there may be some intrigue and mystery for the approximately one million guests who have traveled to the historic hotel. Some even ask, ‘Is the hotel haunted?’

This top-rated destination is not only an ideal place to stay during a visit to the Witch City, but is also the perfect place to explore Salem’s rich history, museums, maritime landmarks and shops. It is also a great place to explore the ghostly side of Salem. Like many historic New England buildings, the Hawthorne is accompanied by a bit of lore surrounding the question of whether ghosts haunt the structure.

Some visitors believe that the Hawthorne may have some ghostly guests who walk the halls, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide…

Mysterious Experiences at the Hawthorne

The 100-year-old Hawthorne Hotel is named after legendary Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote the world-renowned novel The House of Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter. The hotel has been captivating the curiosity and imagination of guests from all over the globe since July 23, 1925.

One theory suggests that Bridget Bishop, the first woman executed during the Salem Witch Trials, owned an apple orchard where the Hawthorne was built, and some hotel guests claimed they’ve seen her ghost. Even at the hotel’s restaurant, The Tavern, people have noticed the display ship wheel turning back and forth as if a sea captain is operating it. On October 30, 1990, an unsuccessful seance was held in the Grand Ballroom to summon Harry Houdini on the 64th anniversary of his death. Numerous haunted stories have been reported, which led even the television show Ghost Hunters to visit the hotel in 2007.

The Story of Alice, Hawthorne’s Haunted Doll

Alice is the Hawthorne Hotel’s “Doll in the Hall.” With porcelain skin, brown hair, and a red patterned dress, Alice is said to be moving around the hotel and has been spotted in different locations. Who’s moving the doll, you might ask? That is still a mystery.

Step Inside the Haunted Halls of the Hawthorne Hotel

Are you fascinated by the lore of the supernatural? Do you want to be spooked? Whatever you desire, discover more about Hawthorne Hotel’s haunting legacy by taking a trip to Salem. Who knows, you might meet Alice, see the ship wheel moving, or uncover your own ghost story.