Salem, Massachusetts, is most popular for its history, especially the Salem Witch Trials. However, Salem is also home to many interesting places beyond its witchy past. One such place is the Merchant, a small, fancy hotel, located right in the center of town. This boutique hotel is very special because it was once the home of Joshua Ward, a successful sea captain and merchant. Today, The Merchant is a wonderful combination of old and new offering visitors a comfortable stay while surrounding them with history. Here we will walk you through the history of the Merchant, what makes it special, and why it’s an awesome place to stay when you are visiting Salem.
History of The Merchant
Before the home became a hotel, the building now known as The Merchant was built in 1784 for Joshua Ward. Joshua Ward was a wealthy man who made his money through trading goods like rum, sugar, and molasses. Joshua was an important person in Salem’s shipping industry, which helped make Salem one of the richest ports in the country at the time. The house itself was designed by Samuel Mclntire, one of America’s most famous architects. Mclntire’s style is known as Federal-style architecture, which features things like brick buildings, tall windows, and elegant woodwork. The Joshua Ward House was one of the first brick homes in Salem, making it Stand out at the time.
The home’s location is connected to a darker part of Salem’s history. The land where Joshua Ward built his house once belonged to George Corwin, the sheriff during the Salem Witch Trials. Corwin played a key role in the arrest and execution of those accused of witchcraft. Even though Corwin’s original house no longer stands, this connection has led some people to believe the site is haunted. More on that later!
Over the years, the house has served different purposes. It was used as a private residence, office space, and even as an office for the famous politician Daniel Webster. In 2015, it was turned into The Merchant Hotel by Lark Hotels, which specializes in transforming old buildings into boutique hotels. The people who restored The Merchant made sure to preserve its historical elements, like the original brick walls and fireplaces, while updating the rest of the building with modern comforts.
What Makes The Merchant Special?
The Merchant is different from many other hotels because of its rich history and stylish, modern design. The hotel only has 11 rooms, so each guest gets a lot of attention and personal service. This small size also means that the designers took their time to make each room special. The hotel’s design mixes old elements, like the brick walls and old fireplaces, with new, modern things like flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds.
One of the coolest things about staying at The Merchant is that you get to experience a little bit of history while enjoying modern luxuries. For example, the rooms have fancy bedding, luxurious bathroom products, and some even have gas fireplaces to keep you cozy during the cold months. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and large TVs, so you can still stay connected while enjoying your historical surroundings.
Why Stay at The Merchant?
There are many reasons why travelers choose The Merchant when visiting Salem. First, the hotel’s location is perfect. It’s right in the center of the town, making it easy to walk to many of Salem’s most popular attractions. Whether you want to visit the Salem Witch Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, or just explore the local shops and restaurants, The Merchant is within walking distance.
Another reason to stay at The Merchant is its connection to Salem’s history. Guests staying at the hotel get to experience a piece of the town’s past while also enjoying modern comforts. The Merchant’s unique design, with its mix of old and new, adds to the experience, making it feel like more than just a regular hotel stay.
Finally, The Merchant’s small size means that guests receive excellent service. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with anything you need. Whether it’s suggesting nearby places to eat or helping you plan your visit to Salem’s attractions, the staff at The Merchant go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay.
Things to Do Near The Merchant
One of the best things about staying at The Merchant is that you’re so close to many of Salem’s famous attractions. Here are some great places to visit while you’re staying at The Merchant:
Salem Witch Museum: This museum gives an in-depth look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the town, offering exhibits and presentations about the trials.
Peabody Essex Museum: Just a short walk from The Merchant, the Peabody Essex Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States. It has a huge collection of art, culture, and history from around the world.
The House of the Seven Gables: This historic site is well known for inspiring Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The House of the Seven Gables. You can take a tour of the house and learn about life in Salem during the 1600s.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site: This site helps visitors learn about Salem’s important role in early American trade. It includes historic buildings, wharves, and even replica ships.
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: This pedestrian mall is a fun place to shop and eat. There are many local stores where you can buy souvenirs, and restaurants where you can enjoy local food.
Haunted History of The Merchant
Like many places in Salem, The Merchant has some spooky stories attached to it. People say that the spirit of George Corwin, the infamous sheriff involved in the Salem Witch Trials, may still haunt the property. There have been reports of strange happenings, like objects moving on their own, cold spots in rooms, and eerie feelings that something—or someone—might be watching. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, these stories add to the unique experience of staying at The Merchant. Whether you’re there for the history or the haunts, The Merchant is a memorable place to stay.
Final Thoughts
The Merchant is much more than just a hotel, it’s a piece of Salem’s history. With its combination of old-world charm and modern luxury, it offers travelers a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re interested in Salem’s haunted past, looking for a luxurious place to stay, or just want to be in the heart of this historic town, The Merchant is the perfect spot. Staying at The Merchant allows you to experience the best of Salem, both past and present.
Reviews of the Merchant
“The property itself is charming and extremely clean. Perfect location. The staff is plentiful, courteous, and helpful. A gift in your room and snacks are available at no charge.”
“Beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of Salem. Wonderful decor very bold colors for a traditional hotel. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Small breakfast included help yourself to coffee, scones etc. Nice sized rooms and modern walk in shower.”
“Very comfortable and well restored room with the right updates. The host were very supportive and friendly. The hotel is pretty much in the center and walking distance of the main attractions and best restaurants. Once we parked in the hotel lot we never moved the car during our stay.”
“Very clean. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Loved the fireplace and heated bathroom floors. The decor was beautiful and made it all feel very homey. It was nice and quiet as well. The little kitchen area was kept with free snacks and things which was great for early morning and late night. Highly recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Merchant
1. How old is The Merchant hotel?
The building that is now The Merchant was built in 1784, which makes it over 240 years old! It was originally the home of Joshua Ward, a wealthy merchant, before it was turned into a hotel in 2015.
2. Who was Joshua Ward?
Joshua Ward was a successful sea captain and merchant who traded goods like sugar, molasses, and rum. He made a lot of money and built his impressive brick house in Salem. Today, his house is The Merchant hotel.
3. Does The Merchant have a restaurant?
The Merchant doesn’t have its own restaurant, but it is located near many restaurants and cafes in Salem. Since the hotel is in the center of town, guests can easily walk to nearby places to eat.
4. Can kids stay at The Merchant?
Yes! The Merchant welcomes guests of all ages. It’s a great place for families to stay while visiting Salem, especially since it’s so close to many kid-friendly attractions like the Salem Witch Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum.
5. What’s the best time of year to visit The Merchant?
The best time to visit The Merchant depends on what you want to do. Many people love to visit during October because of the spooky events in Salem around Halloween. However, the summer and fall are also popular times because of the nice weather and outdoor activities.
Photos of the Merchant Hotel
References:
- “The Merchant Salem.” Lark Hotels. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.larkhotels.com/merchant
- “Joshua Ward House.” Historic Salem Inc. Accessed October 9, 2024.
- “The Haunted History of The Merchant.” Ghost City Tours. Accessed October 9, 2024.
- “Peabody Essex Museum.” Peabody Essex Museum Official Site. Accessed October 9, 2024.