If you’re on the hunt for actual haunts this spooky Halloween season, a stopover in Salem, Massachusetts, is highly recommended.
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The area has a ghostly reputation thanks to the witch trials that occurred centuries ago during the colonial era. Though the witch trials were brief and, compared to their European counterparts, not as violent as portrayed, Salem holds the crown when it comes to haunted American locations. (Fall River, also in Massachusetts, is a close second.)
It’s a perfect location to go all-in on autumn festivities, whether or not you actually want to learn about the witch trials. You can also enjoy pumpkin patches, hay rides, harvest festivals, and plenty more themed activities—but you’ll need a few perfectly spooky Airbnbs in Salem to keep in your back pocket for when it’s time to book your Halloween trip.
Start with these.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits’ new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems, making it easy to find the perfect rental for your next trip.]
Perfectly spooky Airbnbs in Salem, Massachusetts
- A Boho horror dream: The Salem Victorian
- A Gothic horror dream: The Salem Victorian
- A casually spooky two-bedroom: The Raven!
- A retro horror hit: Goosebumps House
- For Gothic witches & warlocks: The Rookery
- A dramatic fantasy escape: Witch Hollow
- For colorful pop-witches: The Creaky Cauldron
- A more upscale Salem stay: The Salty Witches Cottage
Perfectly spooky Airbnbs in Salem, Massachusetts
The Salem Victorian (#1)
- Rooms: Room rental inside the host’s home (private bathroom included)
- Vibe: An opulently dark and rich private room that comes with plenty of red velvet, black paint, and gaudy gold features. Think: how wealthy witches and warlocks live in flamboyant fantasy worlds.
- Special features: Upscale toiletries in the bathroom, located in Salem’s sought-after McIntire District, and located inside an 1864-built Victorian home.
The Salem Victorian (#2)
- Rooms: This room is located inside the same property as the Airbnb listed above (private bathroom included)
- Vibe: If you prefer a darkly romantic stay versus a more bohemian, flamboyant atmosphere, go with this second Salem Victorian room. It’s a bit more Gothic-inspired than the last and includes plenty of dark romance vibes.
- Special features: Upscale toiletries in the bathroom, located in Salem’s sought-after McIntire District, and located inside an 1864-built Victorian home.
The Raven!
- Rooms: A one-bedroom condo that sleeps four with a sofa bed in the living room
- Vibe: This is a lightly spooky stay that includes some Gothic-themed décor in the bedroom and hallways, plus a stately and slightly haunted reading room. Its odes to Salem’s witchy past are casual and unlikely to spook anyone.
- Special features: There’s an outdoor sitting area out back that’s perfect for soaking up the autumn magic. You’ve got a few Adirondack chairs around a fire pit all to yourself.
Goosebumps House
- Rooms: You can sleep four guests in two bedrooms in this apartment
- Vibe: This is a neon-lit Goosebumps-themed adventure that kids and pop art-loving adults will enjoy. There are colored mood lights that add to the kitschy horror vibes, along with bright murals throughout.
- Special features: The murals are a special touch—they’re hand-drawn and professional, adding something memorable to your Salem trip. There’s also a VCR stocked with VHS tapes, giving this rental serious retro appeal.
The Rookery
- Rooms: You can sleep four guests in this two-bedroom apartment
- Vibe: A dark Gothic-themed setup that includes plenty of high-design features and upscale additions. This unit has modern finishes that come with dark décor, giving you a luxury-meets-spooky cottage-like escape.
- Special features: You can walk to downtown Salem from this unit. Also, it’s located inside an 1890s-built home, giving you a dash of historic charm.
Witch Hollow
- Rooms: Two-bedroom apartment that sleeps four
- Vibe: Similar to the last unit, this apartment has a blend of witch-themed designs that come in a more modern, upscale package. You’ve got all the creature comforts you could want in a lightly themed setup.
- Special features: This location is hard to beat, as you’re just steps from the Common. That means you can walk to all the best sites and experiences in Salem.
The Creaky Cauldron
- Rooms: You can sleep six in this apartment in three bedrooms
- Vibe: This is a bright, spacious stay with plenty of historic features throughout. If you prefer a more pop-style take on horror, you’ll be delighted by the colors and decorations in this home. There is a serious attention to detail at play that will keep busy minds thrilled for hours.
- Special features: Every single room and piece of furniture in this home plays into the theme, creating a truly immersive stay. If you’re big on Halloween but don’t like the spooky stuff, this is the perfect choice.
The Salty Witches Cottage
- Rooms: You can sleep four in this two-bedroom standalone cottage
- Vibe: Enjoy high-design and ultra-light spooky elements at this home. If you just want to dip a toe into the Salem-themed décor, you’ll enjoy the balance. The downstairs communal areas are more themed than the quiet bedrooms, located upstairs.
- Special features: This small cottage is over 150 years old and has historic features throughout, which have been beautifully maintained. You’re also close enough to downtown Salem to walk to all the top sights.
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