While Massachusetts doesn’t have traditional ghost towns, you’ll find something better—historic hotels where actual spirits roam the halls. You can sleep at Salem’s Hawthorne Hotel, built on witch trial victim Bridget Bishop’s land, or stay in Concord’s Colonial Inn where Revolutionary War soldiers still wander. The Lizzie Borden House even lets you sleep in the actual murder room. Each location offers documented paranormal encounters, from phantom footsteps to full-bodied apparitions, creating unforgettable overnight experiences that blend history with genuine supernatural activity.
Key Takeaways
- Salem’s Hawthorne Hotel offers overnight stays on land once owned by Bridget Bishop, Salem’s first witch trial victim executed in 1692.
- Concord’s Colonial Inn, established in 1716, provides accommodations where Revolutionary War militia plotted resistance in April 1775.
- The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River allows overnight stays at the 1892 double ax murder site, including the preserved Morse Room.
- Salem Inn features three historic 19th-century houses with documented paranormal activity, including the West House built in 1834.
- Massachusetts haunted hotels report common phenomena including apparitions, disembodied voices, cold spots, and unexplained footsteps throughout guest rooms.
Salem’s Legendary Haunted Hotel Triangle
Nestled along Salem’s cobblestone streets, the Salem Inn beckons travelers with promises of vintage charm—and restless spirits who’ve never checked out. You’ll discover three 19th-century houses where phantom footsteps echo through empty hallways and a grey tabby materializes before vanishing mid-stride.
At the Salem Inn, vintage charm meets paranormal persistence—where guests check out but some spirits decidedly refuse to leave.
The Pabich family’s restored properties—West House, Curwen House, and Peabody House—form part of Salem’s notorious haunted hotel triangle, less than a mile from cemetery legends and witch trial sites.
Staff hear children’s giggles when no kids are present, while guests report encounters with sea captains still guarding their final port. Just blocks away, the Hawthorne Hotel stands as a Historic Hotel of America, recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its 1925 architecture and maritime heritage. The hotel opened in 1925 with a parade celebration that transformed it into a prominent Salem landmark.
A Puritan figure named Stephen Daniels roams the corridors, and a mysterious woman tumbles down staircases—though no fall deaths were ever recorded.
Choose your room wisely; each building harbors its own supernatural personality.
The Hawthorne Hotel: Where Witch Trial History Lives On
Standing at 18 Washington Square West, you’re positioned on ground where Bridget Bishop—the first victim of the 1692 witch trials—once owned an apple orchard before her execution.
The hotel’s sixth floor holds particular darkness in Room 612, where guests report waking to find a spectral woman staring back at them from the mirror.
Her colonial-era dress and sorrowful expression suggest she’s been waiting centuries for someone to acknowledge her presence.
You’ll notice the temperature drop before you see her reflection materialize behind your own, a chilling reminder that Salem’s witch trial victims never truly left the land where they suffered.
The hysteria resulted in 19 executions total before public skepticism finally brought an end to the prosecutions that tore through this colonial seaport community.
This haunted reputation has earned the hotel recognition among the top haunted places in Massachusetts, drawing ghost tourism enthusiasts from across the country.
Bridget Bishop’s Cursed Ground
The Hawthorne Hotel rises from Salem’s downtown district on Washington Square, its Georgian Revival facade concealing a darker truth—the building sits upon ground once owned by Bridget Bishop, the first woman hanged during the Salem Witch Trials.
You’ll walk the same earth where she operated her tavern in 1692, accused of “sundry acts of witchcraft” before meeting her fate at Proctor’s Ledge on June 10th.
These cursed grounds draw paranormal investigators year-round. Guests report elevator doors opening to empty hallways, phantom footsteps echoing through corridors at 3 a.m., and unexplained cold spots in specific rooms.
You can request the fourth floor if you’re seeking supernatural encounters—it’s where activity peaks.
The witch trial connection runs deeper than tourist lore. Bishop maintained her innocence until death, and many believe her spirit never left. The proceedings moved with brutal speed—her trial began and concluded on June 2, 1692, sealing her fate in a single day. She was blindfolded with petticoats bound before the noose was placed around her neck at the public execution site.
Room 612’s Mirror Apparition
Among all the paranormal hotspots at the Hawthorne Hotel, Room 612 commands particular attention from guests who’ve witnessed its resident spirit—a ghostly woman in period dress who appears fixated on her own reflection.
This apparition sightings phenomenon centers on mirror phenomena that’ll send chills down your spine.
What you might experience in Room 612:
- A translucent woman checking her appearance in the mirror, seemingly unaware of your presence
- Phantom hands tugging your sheets or touching your hair while you’re trying to sleep
- The unsettling sensation that someone’s sharing your room, watching from the shadows
- The ghostly figure pausing outside your door before gliding through the hallway
Multiple guests have reported identical encounters, making Room 612 one of Massachusetts’ most documented haunted locations. The hotel stands on land that once belonged to the Salem Marine Society, whose members still gather in a rooftop replica of the Taria Topan. The hotel’s haunted reputation traces back to Salem’s violent history, where the shadow of the Witch Trials continues to influence paranormal activity throughout the property.
Salem Inn’s Three Historic Houses and Their Resident Spirits
Built across four decades of the 19th century, three historic houses now form the heart of Salem Inn, each carrying its own architectural legacy and spectral reputation. You’ll find the 1834 Federalist-style West House with 22 rooms filled with period antiques, the 1854 Italianate Curwen House offering 11 adult-only accommodations, and the 1874 Dutch Colonial Peabody House showcasing restored cherry and ash hardwoods.
The Pabich family rescued these properties from decay, beginning with West House in 1983. Their restoration work earned National Register recognition while uncovering something unexpected—spirit sightings across all three buildings. Renovations in 1995 revealed original hardwood floors hidden beneath layers of linoleum, breathing new life into these historic structures. Each house maintains its own haunting history, with West House anchoring the inn’s most chilling tales. The West House was originally constructed by Nathaniel West, a prominent sea captain and merchant who shaped Salem’s maritime legacy.
You’ll sleep in rooms bearing names like “Haunted Room,” where previous guests have reported supernatural encounters that make Salem’s ghostly reputation feel remarkably real.
Themed Supernatural Stays at The Cove at Salem
Nestled in Salem’s historic Bridge Street Neck District—where the city’s original settlers laid their foundations in the 1630s—The Cove at Salem transforms boutique lodging into a theatrical experience.
You’ll choose from ten themed rooms celebrating Witch City’s supernatural legacy, each crafted with distinctive supernatural décor that blurs the line between accommodation and immersion.
Consider these standout options:
- Glow-in-the-dark harbor room reveals hidden maritime mysteries after sunset
- Circus-themed chamber channels Salem’s traveling show history with vintage flair
- Modern suites balance contemporary comfort with haunted room stories
- Varied configurations from king beds to bungalows suit solo adventurers or groups
Prices drop 82% in March, making off-season exploration budget-friendly.
You’ll walk fifteen minutes to witch museums while avoiding downtown parking hassles, then retreat to your chosen domain—coffee maker and free Wi-Fi included.
Concord’s Colonial Inn: Three Centuries of Paranormal Activity
Since 1716, Concord’s Colonial Inn has sheltered guests in the same rooms where Revolutionary War soldiers bled and died. Their restless spirits still wander the creaky corridors.
You’ll find yourself hesitating in hallways where disembodied voices whisper behind you, only to discover nothing when you spin around—a phenomenon so frequent that staff members no longer jump at the sound.
This historic property has earned its spot atop Historic Hotels of America’s most haunted list, drawing paranormal investigators and Ghost Hunters camera crews to document the spirits who’ve refused to check out for over three centuries.
Revolutionary War Era Origins
The Colonial Inn‘s weathered clapboards have witnessed American history from its bloodiest dawn. You’re standing where militia commanders plotted resistance on April 18, 1775, their hushed voices echoing through rooms that still hold Revolutionary era artifacts.
This historical architecture combines three structures from 1716, merged in 1897, with the central section serving as Wright’s Tavern during the rebellion.
When British troops arrived at 8 a.m. on April 19th, the weapons cache had vanished—smuggled out hours earlier by patriots who’d gathered here the night before.
What you’ll find most haunting:
- Room 24 served as Dr. Timothy Minot Jr.’s makeshift operating room
- The Liberty Room functioned as a battlefield hospital
- British officers occupied these halls during their chaotic retreat
- One room became a morgue for fallen soldiers
You’re sleeping where freedom fighters bled.
Chilling Hallway Encounters Reported
Centuries after those patriots vanished into the night, different figures now prowl these corridors. You’ll encounter shadow figures drifting through walls, a young girl in a bonnet who greets visitors before disappearing, and a tall man in a top hat haunting the sitting rooms. Guests frequently report ghostly whispers emanating from behind them in empty hallways—turn around, and there’s nothing there.
Room 24 draws the most activity. Since Mrs. Judith Fellenz’s 1966 sighting, visitors have documented flickering lights, Revolutionary War soldiers materializing briefly, and a spectral nurse named Rosemary tucking guests into bed. Items vanish for weeks, doors slam violently, and recording devices capture unexplained voices.
Ghost Hunters investigators documented paranormal responses here, cementing the inn’s reputation as genuinely haunted territory worth exploring.
National Recognition and Accolades
Beyond Room 24’s haunted confines, Concord’s Colonial Inn has captured America’s attention as one of the nation’s most paranormally active destinations. You’ll find it topping Historic Hotels of America’s Most Haunted list, where Revolutionary War connections meet documented supernatural encounters that’ve built lasting haunted hotel legends.
The inn’s credentials include:
- Ghost Hunters TV episode capturing doors slamming during spirit provocation challenges
- Atlas Obscura recognition highlighting apparitions of Thoreau, Revolutionary soldiers, and the inn’s aunt
- Professional investigations by multiple organizations documenting orbs, disembodied voices, and poltergeist activity
- First recorded paranormal event dating back to 1966, establishing decades of verified experiences
These paranormal celebrity encounters transformed this pre-Revolutionary War establishment into a pilgrimage site for thrill-seekers worldwide, drawing investigators who’ve captured unexplained phenomena throughout its historic hallways.
Hidden Haunted Gems Across Massachusetts
Massachusetts harbors some of New England’s most chilling accommodations, where guests check in for history and leave with ghost stories. You’ll find the Salem Inn’s Katherine wandering three connected 19th-century houses, while a ghostly black cat prowls the parlor. Historical ghost legends run deep at Concord’s Colonial Inn, where Revolutionary War-era caretakers still roam the 1716 building’s corridors.
The Liberty Hotel transforms Boston’s notorious Charles Street Jail into luxury lodging—former inmates peer through windows, and mysterious voices echo where executions once occurred. Out in Stockbridge’s Berkshires, the Red Lion Inn maintains its crown as Massachusetts‘s most storied landmark. Modern paranormal investigations continue at these properties, where staff and guests report encounters ranging from furniture-moving spirits to full apparitions materializing in historic rooms.
The Infamous Lizzie Borden House Experience
At 230 Second Street in Fall River, you can sleep in the very room where Abby Borden met her violent end on that sweltering August morning in 1892.
This isn’t your typical bed and breakfast—it’s where one of America’s most notorious urban legends began with an unsolved double ax murder.
You’ll find original hardware, furnishings, and murder case artifacts throughout the home.
The experience includes:
- Ninety-minute tours revealing case facts and crime scene details
- Ghost hunts and paranormal investigations using period-appropriate methods
- Overnight stays in rooms like the Morse (Murder) Room or Bridget Sullivan’s third-floor quarters
- Daily ghost tours exploring supernatural encounters reported since the Bordens’ deaths
The Abby Borden murder room remains the most requested accommodation for those seeking authentic thrills.
Combining Ghost Tours With Your Haunted Hotel Stay
When you book a room at one of Massachusetts’ haunted hotels, you’re not just securing a place to sleep—you’re claiming a basecamp for supernatural exploration. The Beechwood Inn pairs perfectly with Barnstable Village’s two-hour Haunted and History Walking Tour, which winds through Cape Cod’s ghostly landmarks before ending at the Old Jail’s bone-chilling finale.
In Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel offers front-row access to witch trial sites and cryptid sightings throughout Essex County. You’ll find séance experiences right on-property—the hotel hosted a 1990 Grand Ballroom gathering attempting to contact Houdini.
Colonial Inn guests can explore Concord’s Revolutionary War battlefields by day, then return to Room 24’s paranormal hotspot by night. It’s adventure without itineraries, freedom without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Stay at Haunted Hotels in Massachusetts?
Yes, you’ll find family friendly haunted stays welcoming children throughout Massachusetts. Properties like Hawthorne Hotel and Concord’s Colonial Inn prioritize haunted hotel safety while letting kids experience playful spirits. Just avoid adults-only sections like Salem Inn’s Curwen House.
What Is the Average Nightly Cost for Haunted Accommodations in Massachusetts?
You’ll find haunted accommodations averaging $137-$180 nightly in Massachusetts. These historical preservation sites attract paranormal investigations enthusiasts, ranging from Drury Castles at $84 to Lizzie Borden’s room at $275, plus breakfast fees.
Do Haunted Hotels Offer Refunds if Guests Don’t Experience Paranormal Activity?
No, you won’t get refunds for lacking paranormal experiences. Refund policies explicitly state no guarantees of ghostly encounters. Hotel Haunt and others mark sales final regardless of activity levels—you’re assuming all risks when booking these spine-tingling adventures.
Are Pets Permitted at Massachusetts Haunted Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts?
You’ll find pet-friendly rooms at Massachusetts’ haunted hotels like Hawthorne and Salem Inn, where your furry companion can join paranormal investigations. Expect $75 nightly fees while exploring ghostly legends together—though Fido might sense spirits before you do.
Should I Book Haunted Hotel Rooms in Advance During Non-October Months?
You’ll find freedom booking spontaneously during off-peak months when historical legends sleep quieter. Smart booking strategies mean snagging better rates and room choices without October’s crowds—though smaller inns still appreciate advance notice for preparing your ghost-hunting adventure.
References
- https://wupe.com/book-top-haunted-hotels-of-massachusetts/
- https://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/travel/a68000950/haunted-hotels-houses-in-salem-massachussetts/
- https://seeplymouth.com/listing/dead-of-night-ghost-tours-2/
- https://www.mahauntedhouses.com/real-haunts/hotels.aspx
- https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-places/the-red-lion-inn/
- https://salemghosts.com/the-haunted-salem-inn/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28942-Activities-c47-t14-Massachusetts.html
- https://ghostcitytours.com/salem/haunted-salem/merchant-house/
- https://www.concordscolonialinn.com/haunted-hotel/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqNYHFVnqI
