SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Destination Salem
If the walls of the Hawthorne Hotel could talk, they’d tell a story that begins with a flag-raising, a city-wide parade, and a grand opening that marked a new era for Salem. On July 23, 1925, the hotel welcomed its first guests with fanfare befitting a building destined to become a legend. This summer — exactly 100 years later to the day — the Hawthorne Hotel invited the community and visitors from near and far to celebrate a full century of hospitality, elegance, and connection.
The 100th anniversary block party, held on Washington Square, transformed the area in front of the hotel into a lively street festival. Guests enjoyed live music, sweet treats, and the kind of summer-in-Salem energy that makes this city so special. The event honored the generations of guests who have stayed, celebrated, and made memories within the hotel’s historic walls — from presidential visits to prom nights, weddings, and annual Halloween galas.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the opening of a time capsule sealed in the year 2000. General Manager Claire Kallelis unveiled photographs, menus, and memorabilia from the turn of the millennium — a moment that bridged past and present in front of a crowd of longtime supporters and first-time visitors. The capsule’s contents are now on display in the hotel lobby, offering a walk through recent history for anyone who stops by.
But the Hawthorne’s story goes back much further. Built on the site of the historic Franklin Building, the hotel was envisioned as a “modern hotel for the business traveler” by Frank Poor, founder of the Sylvania Lighting Company. Designed by architect Philip Horton Smith, it opened in 1925 as a beacon of progress — with refined style and forward-thinking amenities — right in the heart of downtown Salem.
Since then, the hotel has welcomed over a million guests and earned a place among the Historic Hotels of America. It’s a favorite stop for fans of Bewitched, which filmed scenes here in 1970, and for paranormal enthusiasts, who count the Hawthorne among the most famously haunted hotels in the country. And in 2015, Hollywood returned when Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence filmed scenes from Joy in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom and stayed on site during production.
Today, the Hawthorne remains a full-service hotel offering 93 guest rooms, 10 suites, two charming restaurants — Nathaniel’s and The Tavern — and a vibrant calendar of events. Its Grand Ballroom continues to be one of the most sought-after venues in Salem for weddings, galas, and festive gatherings.
Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture, ghost stories, or the simple charm of a beautifully run hotel, there’s never been a better time to plan your stay. Come see the time capsule display, sip a cocktail in the Tavern, and sleep in the same halls that have hosted 100 years of stories.
Celebrate the past and become part of the future. Book your stay at www.hawthornehotel.com and experience the legacy of the Hawthorne Hotel — where Salem’s history lives.
Tags: 100 years, hawthorne 100 years, Hawthorne Hotel, historic hotel, Salem
