The infamous 1692 witch trials may have forever branded Salem, Massachusetts, but the 86-room Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina is a tasteful emphasis on the city’s maritime history. In the heart of this charming 17th century coastal New England city is the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina. Debuting in 2004, this nautically themed boutique hotel is a pleasantly elegant addition in this charming New England town.
Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites, Pickering Wharf, Salem, MA.
Getting Here
After spending a few days in Boston, we opted for a break from the city and boarded the MBTA Commuter Rail at the North Station (Newburyport/Rockport Line) from Boston’s North Station. Five stops and 30 minutes later, we arrived in Salem. (You can also opt to commute to/from downtown Boston via its seasonal ferry service.)
Although you won’t need a rental car to get around in this very walkable town, I’d recommend a pick up from Salem Taxi from the train station as it’s a good 30 minute or more brisk walk to the hotel.
Lobby of the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites
Location
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina is tucked a few blocks from the heart of town, on historic Pickering Wharf, but literally steps away from museums, historic attractions, and restaurants. Also within walking distance are deep-sea fishing, whale watching and schooner cruises.
Arrival Experience
The chandeliered lobby is welcoming with light-colored sofas surrounding a fireplace, perfect for defrosting the chill of New England winters. The reception desk was to the left. The staff was more than accommodating, greeting me, my husband and stepdaughter within seconds of entering the lobby.
The hotel had just begun a new program with complimentary use of limited number of iPads to guests of the hotel for use in the lobby, and the receptionist did explain and offer this option to me. Since I’d brought my laptop, it wasn’t necessary, but a really cool perk!
Accommodations
The hotel’s 86 rooms, including 24 suites and mini-suites, are on the first four floors with limited views of the water unlike other New England waterfront hotels. As I was traveling with my husband and adult daughter, our navy and beige King suite with its living space, kitchenette, oversized bathroom and bedroom were the perfect accommodations. The living room (above) had a fold out bed, and the bedroom (below) was off the living space with a door for privacy. Guest room options are standard, single suites, or two room suites with down comforters.
Amenities
The hotel does see a lot of Business traveler traffic, and that is evident with their workspace in the living room and complimentary wired and wireless Internet. In addition , complimentary fax, copy and/or print services, local and toll-free telephone calls, and USA Today newspaper are also available upon request. Plenty of on-site complimentary parking, use of fitness center, and Salem’s only indoor heated pool round out a solid group of amenities for this property.
Dining
Casual fare is available at the on-site Regatta Pub for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering indoor and patio dining. Our visit coincided with a wedding held in the restaurant, so we had dinner nearby at the historic Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel.However, we did enjoy a drink at Regatta Pub after dinner and before exploring the nightlife of Salem. The bartender was very helpful and gave several suggestions for where the locals go to listen to music.
Regatta Pub at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marino
Outstanding Customer Service
The staff responds quickly to any requests while on the property, but often the true test is when something goes wrong. During our visit in April, when we left Salem to return to Beantown, my Boston-based stepdaughter forgot her make-up bag with prescriptions! The next day she called the hotel, and they told her they’d found her bag and would hold it for her. She returned nearly a month later, and the staff had held it behind the front desk for her all this time!
Summary
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers a modern and bigger hotel within a city limited to smaller inns and B&Bs. The property’s nautical theme reminds visitors that there’s more to Salem than its witches.
Photos © Diana Rowe, Ralph Morang, & Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina
I was a guest at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites.
