Real Ghost Hunting at the Hawthorne Hotel: Room Review and Paranormal Investigations
Exploring the Haunted History of the Hawthorne Hotel: Room Review and Paranormal Investigations
When it comes to haunted hotels, few places rival the allure of the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts. This iconic establishment, named after famed Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is not only rich in history but also steeped in tales of the paranormal. My recent visit included a detailed room review and two nights of intense paranormal investigations, all of which you’ll find embedded below. For those of you intrigued by ghost stories and the unexplained, buckle up—this post dives deep into the history, hauntings, and firsthand experiences of guests and staff.
A Brief History of the Hawthorne Hotel
In 1925, the Hawthorne Hotel opened, and it has remained a centerpiece of Salem ever since. Designed to exude elegance and sophistication, the hotel was part of an effort to revitalize the city and create a space that would attract tourists and dignitaries alike. Named in honor of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, the hotel pays homage to Salem’s literary and cultural heritage.
The hotel’s location is noteworthy as well—it’s built on land that once held an apple orchard. Rumor has it that Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, owned this orchard. Although historians debate the historical accuracy of this connection, the link to Salem's dark past has fueled its haunted reputation.
Over the decades, the Hawthorne Hotel has hosted countless events and notable figures, including Hollywood stars and political dignitaries. Despite its polished façade, many believe the building’s history has left behind spiritual echoes that manifest to this day.
The Haunted History of the Hawthorne Hotel
The Hawthorne Hotel is known for its luxury, but it is equally infamous for its ghosts. Stories of unexplained phenomena have circulated for decades, with both guests and staff reporting encounters that defy explanation.
Room 325: The Heart of the Hauntings
Room 325 is arguably the most famous spot in the hotel for paranormal activity. Guests staying in this room have reported lights turning on and off by themselves, faucets suddenly running without reason, and the distinct sensation of being watched. Some even claim to have seen shadowy figures in the corner of the room or felt the unsettling touch of invisible hands.
The Sixth Floor: A Hotbed of Activity
The sixth floor is another area where guests and staff have reported strange occurrences. Phantom footsteps frequently echo in the empty hallways. Some guests have described an overwhelming sense of heaviness or unease while walking these corridors, as if they were being followed by an unseen presence.
The Smell of Apples
One of the most curious phenomena at the Hawthorne Hotel is the mysterious smell of apples. This scent has been reported in various parts of the building, particularly in the lobby. It’s thought to be connected to Bridget Bishop’s orchard, lending credence to the idea that her spirit lingers on the land where she once lived.
The Ghostly Bride
A legend claims that a bride's ghost haunts the hotel's ballroom; she died tragically either on her wedding day or soon afterward. Guests and staff have claimed to see a woman in a wedding gown wandering the ballroom or lingering near its entrance.
The Elevators
The hotel’s elevators have a mind of their own, according to many reports. They’ve been known to travel between floors without anyone pressing the buttons, leading some to believe they’re guided by a ghostly hand.
Shadow Figures and Unseen Presences
Throughout the hotel, reports of shadow figures and cold spots are common. Guests have also described waking up to the sensation of someone sitting on their bed, only to find no one there.
Guests’ and Employees’ Paranormal Experiences
Over the years, numerous guests and employees have shared their eerie encounters at the Hawthorne Hotel. Here are a few notable stories:
- A Night Manager’s Tale: One staff member recounted an incident where they heard loud footsteps in the empty ballroom late at night. When they went to investigate, the room was completely empty.
- A Guest’s Brush with the Paranormal: One guest staying in Room 325 awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of whispering. When they turned on the light, the room was silent, but the unsettling feeling of being watched remained.
- Cleaning Staff Encounters: Housekeepers have reported objects moving on their own and an inexplicable sense of dread when working on the sixth floor.
My Room Review
My stay at the Hawthorne Hotel was both fascinating and eerie. The room itself was beautifully furnished, blending modern comfort with the charm of its historic setting. However, there were moments that gave me pause—an unexplained cold spot near the window, faint tapping sounds, and the distinct feeling that I wasn’t entirely alone.
I’ve embedded my detailed room review video below so you can see for yourself!
The Paranormal Investigations: Night 1 and Night 2
On our first night, we explored the hotel’s most haunted spots using a range of equipment, including a REM pod, a spirit talker app, and a voice recorder. While the night started quietly, there were moments that gave us chills, particularly in Room 325 and the sixth-floor hallways.
The second night was far more eventful. Using the same equipment, we captured four EVPs that defy easy explanation. From whispers to faint voices, these recordings left us with more questions than answers. I’ve included both investigation videos below—let me know what you hear in the EVPs!
Is the Hawthorne Hotel Truly Haunted?
As a skeptic, I approach every investigation with a critical eye. While the hotel’s old architecture and natural occurrences can explain some phenomena, there are moments that are harder to dismiss. Whether it’s the lingering energy of Salem’s dark past or something more supernatural, the Hawthorne Hotel remains a fascinating and mysterious place to explore.
Have you stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time, stay spooky, my friends!