"This is a hotel in the heart of Salem, so it is convenient to the shops without having to drive, or ride. It is also a hotel with lots of history, and is on the Historical Hotels list. If you want modern, and spacious, this is not the place for you. The Hawthorne is a hotel that transports you back in time. It demands a quiet respect for the fascinating look back at the craftsmanship of days gone by. The staff is very accommodating, and the rooms are clean. Is there some paint chips on the fixtures? Yes. Is the elevator small? Yes. But, there is a postal drop box on each floor, and the elevator still has a wooden ceiling. It is history incarnate, in a city you come to for history. It will set the ambiance for your whole trip."