There’s no way around it, The Hotel Salem is just cool. From the hip midcentury décor to its location along the pedestrian mall in downtown Salem, it’s a must-visit for both travelers and locals. Born out of the former Newmark’s department store space, Lark Hotels is responsible for breathing new life into this landmark. As Lark founder, CEO, and principal Rob Blood puts it, “It’s really exciting to take a historic building into the next chapter,” and there’s no better place to do that right now than in a vibrant, urban center like Salem where so much is happening.
At this boutique hotel with 44 rooms, guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, from traditional rooms to spacious suites as well as microrooms, which, while smaller, are a “lower-rate option for people who still want a high-style experience,” explains Blood. These microrooms don’t skimp on any of the amenities you’d expect from a Lark Hotel, but rather are designed without extra space, which translates to extra money in your pocket as you explore Salem and its nearby surroundings. Another unique feature offered in some king-sized rooms are trundle beds, a great option for parents and anyone in town to visit students at nearby Salem State University.
The hotel’s overall feel and its furnishings, executed by Lark’s director of design, Rachel Reider, are decidedly mid-century modern, something that was directly inspired by the building’s rich history. From sleek bathrooms complete with detailed tile work and bright pops of color to showpiece light fixtures, each room presents like a livable work of art. The color palette centers around cool grays and earth tones lending a modern twist to the hotel’s retro design. Outside, the building’s brick exterior displays a painted advertisement for Newmark’s, an aesthetically pleasing nod to a bygone era.
Locals and visitors are sure to find themselves at two of the hotel’s biggest draws, their top of the line dining options. The first, a street-level restaurant named Counter Kitchen & Bar, has an open kitchen and is a place to grab morning coffee or lunch or enjoy a dinner date. Blood sees Counter functioning as the “heart of the neighborhood”—a vision that seems more than likely given its location and the menu offerings created by executive chef Justin Perdue.
A second on-site restaurant, aptly named The Roof, is Salem’s only rooftop restaurant and bar. This seasonal dining area boasts an outdoor kitchen and sweeping views of downtown Salem and the harbor. The menu includes handcrafted cocktails, oysters, tacos, ceviche, and more. Whichever dining option you select, both restaurants place a strong emphasis on locally sourced and simple ingredients.
How’s your shuffleboard game? It’s bound to take a turn for the better, thanks to the hotel’s weekly shuffleboard tournaments on their lower level.
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Located nearby, The Merchant is another Lark property, and one that Blood sees as a true complement to The Hotel Salem.
Lark’s hotels are known for their upscale amenities and attention to detail, which are often showcased in unexpected ways, and The Hotel Salem is no different. From smart TVs with Apple TV to guest hospitality centers on each floor offering coffee and filtered still and sparkling water, there’s nary a detail they haven’t taken care of.
Salem is a beautiful destination year-round, so whether you’re in the market for a cozy winter getaway or a sunny seaside weekend, The Hotel Salem looks forward to welcoming you.