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Hawthorne Hotel
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
19 reviews for Hawthorne Hotel
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
12/11/2008
2/28/2009
Updated - 8/20/2009
8/22/2008
7/1/2009
11/22/2008
1/11/2009
8/19/2008
10/11/2007
10/15/2007
10/28/2008
9/27/2008
6/14/2007
9/6/2008
10/14/2006
2 photos
4/2/2008
7/28/2005
8/28/2005
8/22/2007
One of Hawthorne Hotel's Favorite Reviews What's This?
I'm shocked this place could ever have bad reviews. I've stayed here once a year with my mother for ten years now, and currently just moved a few blocks away.
Everytime I pass the Hawthorne I get a nostalgic feeling and love the hotel in general. Every room I have stayed at has been beautiful and the front desk people are very helpful and friendly.
Both restaurants (The Tavern and Nathaniel's) are delicious. I go to Nathaniel's brunch frequently and it is the best buffet I've ever experienced! Quality food and very high class. However, the reason for four stars is because the hostess at brunch always makes a big deal that I don't have a reservation.
This irks me because there is always seating available (even though its busy). I feel guilty about it like what really is the big deal- find me a table since the buffet is $30 per person. Ya know?
Other than that I love this place and would tell anyone who is planning a visit to Salem to stay here.
(BTW this place is haunted. One of my trips my mother and I experienced strange activity on the floor that is believed to be haunted. A closet door opened by itself, a shopping bag crumpled on the bed like a hand had put pressure on it. I've stayed here over a dozen times and this experience still would make me believe this place is haunted)
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First off, I read every review on here and have to say, I stayed here anyway. I am very glad I did. This is a very charming, older hotel that has a few quirks, but in all is a fine establishment with a very unique personality all its own. Its set directly in the center of this city and is a focal point for many residents to dine at its very good restaurant. I stayed here with my spouse and
we were just site seeing and we checked in very early to this hotel and they were glad to let us check in at this time. We have stayed at many hotels both good and bad and some very fancy and some very run of the mill. This was a homy, nice romantic place to stay. The staff was very nice and they checked us in
promptly. The lobby is very nice and old fashioned. We went to our room which was somewhat small, but we expected this from an older hotel. Depite what I heard, there is individual controls in the room to control the temperature
and we adjusted it accordingly. There is no heat in the bathrooms, but by keeping the door open, it was fine. Its an old hotel, thats what you have to expect in an older hotel. The
bed was comfortable and the hallways were very nicely decorated. We ate at the tavern downstairs for lunch. and it was very good. The service was excellent. We asked the staff for extra pillows and they brought them immediatly. There were
several weddings going on in the large ballrooms in the hotel and they looked very nice!! We ate breakfast the next morning at Nathaniels restaurant downstairs and it was awesome! Very good service and food and coffe. Many regulars were eating as well. The location is prime since its walking distance
to everything. In the end, I would definetly stay here again and would recommend anyone else trying this out. For the price and the charm, its well worth it. The bad reviews I read about this place, did not seem to be accurate. This is a hidden gem and should be looked at as a place to stay in a historical city.
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I wish when I had my experience at the Hawthorne I was met with the kind professionalism of the general manager Juli. She saw my review and offered us a complimentary encore stay so we can give the place a second chance. Looks like I just had some really bad luck because she was very surprised by what we endured, and when I contacted the Hawthorne about this problem back then, apparently the wrong person handled it and should have told me to contact the general manager to discuss it further. It's nice to know that some people care enough to make sure their customers are happy!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2009
We got married here years ago, and the staff did a great job for the wedding. Our coordinator was… Read more »
Comment from Juli L. of
Hawthorne Hotel
8/24/2009
As Mellie said, I have contacted her about her stay with us…
More »
I don't like Salem. I WANT to like Salem but every time I go I am disappointed by the sheer cheesiness. So when I was told we were staying at what the Travel Channel described as the "most haunted hotel in America" I expected the worst. I was almost wrong:
A. It's not very fancy. Mainly it's old and left to feel that way. The walls in the bathroom were a bit mildewy and the wooden window frame (in the shower) desperately needed to be replaced.
B. Walls are paper thin which is not conducive to table dancing (so I heard).
C. No effing ghosts!! HELLO, most haunted?!?!? Where's the scurry? I want full-on poltergeist, shit flying around the room, walls bleeding, head spinning terror. Or at least a spooky apparition. GAWD. I can't even get a coffee mug moving of its own accord? FAIL.
D. Breakfast was kinda nice. Even though it was brought by a human and not an otherworldly specter :(
E. The staff is very nice. And they smile. For Massachusetts that's kinda creepy I guess.
If you like Salem you'll probably like it here. It's in a very convenient location, you can walk to all the tourist-trap crap factories and several restaurants. If you're looking for a possession or something to give you the heebie-jeebies this may not be for you.
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I don't know how this place could have any bad reviews. It is an old building but it is like staying in a piece of history. The staff was nice and helpful. There weren't any bed bugs. The restaurant was amazing too, the seats are comfy and it's so cozy. The room we stayed in was huge and so nice.
To the person who said they were disappointed by no ghosts, If you are looking for cheesy flying poltergeists go stay at terror on the wharf. The hotel is a classy business not an amusement park. If you were an old ghost would you come out and try to scare someone, or deliver food? I mean come on, this is someone's business that you are giving a poor review over ghosts? Did you want them to install like a haunted mix tape over a load speaker or something?
Do Not stay at this hotel!
I stayed at this hotel last September and I woke up in the middle of the night with bed bug bites all over my legs! Bed bugs! I promptly went to the front desk and the agent on duty suggested that I go to another hotel if I was "not satisfied". They did not offer any discount or reimbursement. I left the hotel and plan on NEVER returning. Unless you want nasty bug bites, do not go to this hotel!
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A pleasant place to stay in Salem with a lot of historical look and feel. Rooms are fine, but the charm is really the rest of the building and the great location. Got tired of hearing about the haunted crap though. Heard plenty of noises but that was just because the walls are thin and when everything is quiet you can hear talking and the usual creaking of an old building. I actually haven't been here in a while because the last two times we tried the Hawthorne was all booked.
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Had lunch there today (did not stay at hotel, day trip only).
It was fabulous. Great service, delicious food. The General Manager came to everyone's table and introduced herself, genuinely smiling and saying hello. Our waitress was great, too. Just great great great.
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We went to a Psychic Fair here on Sunday afternoon...where I learned that I will have a baby girl named Jasmine (WTF?) one day.
Prior to our readings, we all met in the lobby of the hotel. I had big news to share with my girlfriends but there weren't enough seats for us all so I was sitting on the floor telling my story. A nice gentleman who worked at the hotel brought me over a chair completely out of the blue. Great customer service.
After the readings, we stopped into the restaurant/bar and it was a lovely atmosphere. Very New England and they had the fireplace going (perfect since it was the first true fall-like day we've had this year). I did not eat (but some of my friends did and they were pleased) but I enjoyed the wines by the glass offering and the attentive service. This is a terrific place in the heart of downtown Salem. I highly recommend it.
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May I suggest this hotel if you want to be in the center of it all for Salem. I can't speak about the actual room accomodations or anything, but the location is ideal. Right near the main strip, this landmark is really interesting in all its eerie glory. I have heard of hauntings and the likes here, and am not sure of its complete history, but I think some funked up things were seen/heard hear that they probably don't want to advertise on their onepage leaflet
COME STAY HERE AND BE HAUNTED.
I did go to the bar which almost has the feel of a den in a ski lodge with old couches and chairs that give this place, and the hotel in general, a museum like feel. Large banquet halls brimming with people and activity.
I wouldn't say this would be super fun for young people, but if your aunt, who you don't really like and hope gets haunted is in town, I would tell her to stay here.
The day I visited, they held a psychic fair downstairs in the basement which was interesting. You could sign up to be with any of the mediums for a cool $30. and they all apparently had areas of expertise. Some used rocks, tarot, and wouldn't you know the biggest wait list was for the girl who talked about "relationships". As if I didn't see THAT one coming. Pshh.
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To experience Salem, staying at the Hawthorne Hotel is a must. the hotel is literally in the middle of everything in Salem. You are not far from the museums, Salem Common, or the ferry docks. The hotel has its historic charm, and charm has its price. Charm also seems to have a line on popularity because every weekend in October 2009 is already sold out and booked solid. The staff is pleasant and accommodating. They seem very adapt at handling the big pre-Halloween crowds with out getting a serious attitude.
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So, the boy and I found ourselves with a weekend that held no kids, no gigs and no plans. I thought it the perfect time to take us away on an overnight to the Nawth Showah. I decided on the Hawthorne in part because of the area (Salem is cheesy but fun) and in part because .. well .. lets face it... the whole ghost thing!
I went online to their website and viewed GORGEOUS accommodations... so being that I was doing this at the last minute (a total trait of mine!) I called to see if the nice specialty room I was looking at was booked. The woman on the phone was great and talked me into the package that also had brunch on Sunday and Mondays breakfast included. Soooo... I took it and checked one last time that we were getting that fabu room with the big four poster (yeah... time without the kids should have it's bennies!)
So Sunday came and we packed up an overnight bag and headed to Salem. We checked in without any problem even though it was early. They held our bags at the desk while our room was prepared so we decided we'd go straight to brunch. The dining room was small but good enough for us! We were amused to find that the entertainment that day was the boys cousin Sal on guitar. So, of course the entertainment was great! The food on the buffet was super and the mimosas were yummie and made with freshly squeezed OJ. At this point I'm thinking... 5 stars for this place... and then...
We went up to our room. Which, to say the least was reminiscent of one of those No-Tell-Motels we'd get when we were kids to have a party in. The bed was not a four poster (matter of fact it was postless!) When I called the desk to complain (hey.. it was costly!) the woman at the desk insisted I had the suite I was talking about. Suite? The room was the size of my bathroom at the house and really nothing special... Anyway we decided to make the best of it and being as we were in need of naps after the amazing brunch we just sucked it up and stretched out on the rock they called a bed. We were both just about to snoozy-drool land when this loud music came up from the floor, and not just any music.. it was Ooom Pa Pa music from the wedding downstairs coming into our room. Thin walls you think... how 'bout thin walls AND floors! So, we again sucked it up as it's not often we're kid free and tried to get a little rest.
Later we went downstairs and grabbed a rather average dinner in the dining room (eh... decent burger I guess but SALTY onion soup). After dinner and drinks we went back up to the shoebox to relax. Well.. sleep was just not to be had as that wedding now had a rather large/loud band that entertained us till the wee hours. And just when sleep set in (out of sheer exhaustion at this point) the wedding broke up and the revelers from it were screaming/dancing and laughing in the hallways. Not to be a kill joy I put the pillow over my head and finally succumbed to the sand man.
THEN..... BANG.... At 7:30 am the noise started outside our room. The desk folks had failed to warn us that the hotel was undergoing a facelift... right outside our room! We called the desk to say WTF? and they were good, they comped the room and all we paid for was the half arsed dinner the night before.
On the way out we had the breakfast downstairs which was not as good as the day before but it was breakfast....
Oh... and ghosts? Um ... NOOOOO I say Poo Poo to the title of "most haunted" and deem it "most frustrating" hotel!!!! Next time I think we'll just stay home!
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I stayed here a real long time ago in 1998, the first time I went to Salem [I was a practicing solitary wiccan witch at the time] and it was a memorable experience that I will never forget. This was the first time I encountered spiritual activity....in other words - ghosts. If anyone is interested in the full story, please just let me know and I will email ya it. :)
Hawthorne Hotel was clean, friendly, and offered us free breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel is right down the street from all the main points of interest. Some of my favorite home decor items till this day came from Salem.
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I went to a wedding here, very top notch. It wasn't a HUGE wedding - but then again, the ballroom isn't HUGE - go elsewhere for your 250 plus guests. The setup was very nice: drinks upstairs, dinner downstairs. Very old and historic hotel, but not tired and worn - just enough of old North Shore aristocracy to be considered "charming." We rented the house behind the hotel for the after-party - very beautiful, very old Salem, would definitely want to head there w/a favorite girl for a weekend getaway. Breakfast in the morning was excellent- when isn't champagne and orange juice the perfect remedy for a hangover?
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This is a review of the hotel as a wedding venue. I will update this review as the proccess is ongoing - the wedding isn't until Ocotber 2007. My initial reaction to their event planning is...wow. You pay basically only for food per person, and then you can add extras to make it more. But the package (there are a few to pick from) we went with includes: a 5-course dinner, wine with dinner, a hour of open bar during cocktail hour, hors dourves, the cake (you get to pick it out), flowers for tables and cocktail hour, linens, room for the night for bride and groom, and much more. They are very flexible in working with you to make your dreams reality. I love the fact that their staff is available via email as well as phone...it's nice that even though the hotel is historic and old, the are "up with the times."
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A Salem institution that's earned its reputation. I've attended showers there, enjoyed Sunday jazz brunch, and recently helped host a function there.
Hawthorne's function rooms are situated so that each has privacy but the lobby area is actually a relaxing place you may want to stop and enjoy for a few minutes passing through. Parking free and onsite in Salem is a plus and the commuter rail is maybe a few blocks away. The hotel is in the middle of Salem, if you're planning a trip you won't be disappointed with location. Charming classic New England interior, excellent food (I think when possible they use food grown locally) and the staff from top to bottom is amazing. They are so friendly and provide great service.
Overall, occasions at the Hawthorne have been memorable each time I have been there. (*I have not stayed over so I am not reviewing rooms/accomodations.)
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The Hawthorne Hotel is Salem's only full service hotel. Within walking distance to all of the city's attractions - museums, historic sites, downtown shopping, antique shops and the waterfront.
Hotel Facilities include: Nathaniel's Restaurant,Tavern on the Green,Valet and laundry service,Seven meeting & function rooms,Full formal ballroom,Exercise facility,Gift Shop,Parking available,Complementary morning coffee service,and Complimentary local phone calls. The hotel can also be reached from Boston in 30 minutes and on the commuter rail from the Salem "T" commuter rail stop. It is only a couple miles from Salem State College and 3-4 miles from the Centennial Drive office complex in Peabody. The Hawthorne Ballroom traditionally has been the North Shore's choice for Wedding Receptions. With a view of the Salem Common through its magnificent Palladian windows, the ballroom also provides an impressive venue for banquets, business meetings or social gatherings.Meeting and banquet facilities are available to accommodate from 10 to 300 people. We look forward to welcoming you to our incomparable surroundings and pleasing you with warm, attentive service.Nathaniel's Restaurant has a Sunday Jazz Brunch from 11am - 2pm. it is a brunch buffett for $24.95 adults and $13.95 for Children. Diginitaries have been known to speak at and stay at the hotel. Fmr. President Clinton has been to this hotel in the past when he visited Salem State College for a speech.
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The Hawthorne Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to be in the "heart" of Salem. It has a good pub/bar with music on some weekends..and a really nice restaurant with good fish (haddock..especially good). You can either head to Pickering Wharf, across the street to the Peabody Essex Museum that has world class exhibits...or see the new statue of Samantha Stephens from Bewitched (which borders on tacky).
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The Hawthorne Hotel was an awesome venue for our wedding. They worked with us on everything and have very reasonable packages (especially on Fridays/Sundays/off seasons) that include a great deal (cake, limo, bride and goom's room, flowers, etc.) We had many out of town guests that they were able to accommodate. The staff does an amazing job making sure that guests are happy and comfortable, not to mention that the place itself is historic and beautiful! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to plan a wedding in the area.
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