Is there a better place to spend the spooky season than Salem? We’ll answer that — there is not. Famous for its Haunted Happenings every Halloween, you need to find a place to stay early on if you’re hoping to party it up with the ghosts of this historic town.
We’ve compiled some of the best Salem Airbnbs to stay in this Halloween, from haunted inns to historic homes. Don’t forget to pack your Ouija board!
17 Salem Airbnbs to Celebrate Spooky Season in Style
1. JPaul House
Let’s get this out of the way — the Hocus Pocus house, which is actually the Ropes Mansion, is not on Airbnb. Luckily, the JPaul is.
Built in 1755, this house is just steps away from where the Sanderson sisters got their witch on. A word of caution: If you hear Sarah Jessica Parker singing, it’s probably best to hide the kids.
Sleeps: 2
Book it on Airbnb.
2. Salem House
Over by Downtown Salem, you’ll find the aptly named Salem House. A little uninspired, but whatever. Though the inside is modern, the outside betrays the age of this gorgeous marvel.
Built in the 1850s, the Salem House was originally designed for a sea captain. We don’t know that this house is haunted by the ghost of the sea captain’s wife, forever waiting for her husband to return home. But we don’t not know it either, you know?
Sleeps: 4
Book it on Airbnb.
3. Henry Thurston House
Have you ever thought, “This Airbnb is fine. But you know what would make it better? A view of a graveyard!” Then, we have the perfect house for you!
This downtown Salem home, the Henry Thurston House, is another 1850s find. Salem may be rife with cemetery tours, but you’ll be one step ahead of the other tourists because you have a graveyard in your backyard. Beat that, Zak Bagans!
Sleeps: 3
Book it on Airbnb.
4. Henry Derby House
Although the Henry Derby House used to be a real BNB (remember those?), today, the house can be rented on Airbnb. Those looking for a spooky good time might want to check out the third floor.
While sleeping up there, the owner used to have dreams of a spirit trapped on that level. And another employee who slept on the floor would find imprints of someone sitting on her bed in the morning. Keep this in mind when choosing bedrooms Real World style. Last one to the haunted room is a rotten egg!
Sleeps: 10
Book it on Airbnb.
5. John Edwards House
Right next door to the Henry Derby House is the John Edwards House. While this house — probably not named for the former VP or everyone’s favorite 2000s-era medium — doesn’t have quite the same reputation as the Henry Derby House. So now’s your chance to find out if the hauntings cross over from house to house.
This old-fashioned beauty is perfect for large groups. But if you hear footsteps on the stairs at 2 am, maybe climb into bed with a buddy. Or break out the Ouija board. You do you, but we’ll be over here cowering, but you can bring us snacks.
Sleeps: 10
Book it on Airbnb.
6. Lorelei’s Witch House
A word of warning: If you try to come to Lorelei’s Witch House is located above the nation’s oldest witch shop, Crow Haven Corner and owned by a practicing witch.
While the black-and-purple Dutch Colonial home might look a little macabre on the outside, once you set foot inside, you’ll be in a wonderland of color. Choose between sleeping in the elegant Goddess Room, the bright Mermaid Room, and wake up rejuvinated in a home almost all guests describe as overflowing with joyful energy.
Sleeps: 4
Book it on Airbnb.
7. Quaker Meeting House
The Quaker Meeting House has served many purposes over the years, including its current iteration as a dentist’s office. Spooky!
This house has been lovingly restored, but it’s clearly got the same charm as it had in 1847. And for those who want to go walking around cemeteries at night, you’ll find the Friends Burial Ground Quaker Cemetery next door. Reportedly, if you leave oats out overnight, they’ll be breakfast waiting for you the next morning. That’s how overnight oats work!
Sleeps: 7
Book it on Airbnb.
8. Thomas and Jonathan Flint House
The Thomas and Jonathan Flint House is a relic of a bygone time. Specifically, the 18th century. But more importantly, you’ll be sharing a house with a yellow lab named Jack. And isn’t that truly the best selling point?
Sleeps: 3
Book it on Airbnb.
9. Henry Russell Jr. Home
Nobody’s ever gone to Salem and said, “Gee, I hope I get to take a lot of buses!” You want a place to stay that’s right in the middle of the (haunted) action, which makes this a great choice.
Mason Henry Russell Jr.built the home in 1844 as well as nearby building that holds the Salem Witch Museum. It’s also two blocks from the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the Howard Street Cemetery, and is close to the Salem Common. You know what they say: location, location, ghosts, location!
Sleeps: 4
Book it on Airbnb.
10. Crombie Suite
While the Mason Suite may be in a hustling and bustling area, the Crombie Suite is, dare we say, eerily quiet. If you’re looking for a break from the tourists, you’ll find a luxurious stay here.
The Crombie Suite is like if Downton Abbey happened in the States. Antique furniture abounds, but you’ll also find some more modern amenities. Jacuzzi tub, anyone?
Sleeps: 2
Book it on Airbnb.
11. Ives Inn
The Ives Inn was built in 1760 and is one of the oldest properties in Salem. The inn’s owners have done their best to maintain that antique charm without all the cobwebs.
Though there are plenty of rooms at the Ives Inn to choose from, we love the Green Room because it overlooks the treetop canopy of the Salem Commons where, in the fall, you’ll love seeing the beautiful color-changing leaves. And in the winter, no leaves!
Sleeps: 3
Book it on Airbnb.
12. Samuel Symonds House
The Samuel Symonds House was initially built for a painter. Bonus: If you make friends with Samuel, maybe you’ll get a painting to bring home! Or get trapped in one. Hey, win some lose some.
Sleeps: 5
Book it on Airbnb.
13. Salem Grey Gardens
We’re pretty sure calling something “Grey Gardens” hasn’t been a good thing since 1975, but it’s hard to find the downside when it comes to Salem Grey Gardens. This condo is right by the Salem Commons, meaning you’ll be right next to the Haunted Happenings Marketplace.
Sleeps: 4
Book it on Airbnb.
14. Pickering Dodge Stone House
The Pickering Dodge Stone House is confusingly wonderful. Half the house looks like it came out of The Shining. The other half came out of The Crown.
We can’t tell if it’s modern or ancient. But what we do know is that we like it! Is it antique? Is it modern? Who knows! What is time anyway?
Sleeps: 2
Book it on Airbnb.
15. Stepping Stone Inn
The Stepping Stone Inn clearly knows its audience. Their logo looks like American Horror Story’s, and the eclectic inn hosts several cats on the property. Is one a disgraced 500-year-old witch who was cursed to live as a cat? Thackery Binx, is that you? Who wants scritches?
Sleeps: 2
Book it on Airbnb.
She's also a published short story author who has appeared in anthologies like A Murder of Storytellers and the Abstract Elephant. Jacqueline challenges herself to learn one new skill per year, so you can often find her struggling to master crocheting, knitting, and embroidery when she's not writing.
Connect with her on her website or LinkedIn.
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This is a great list but I was so surprised The Daniel’s House was not included; especially being the oldest BNB to stay at in Salem.