Northey Street House Bed and Breakfast

Like many historic homes and inns in the surrounding town, Northey Street House maintains much of its original, historic New England charm. The home’s architecture hasn’t changed much since its construction in the 1800s, though the look throughout is smart rather than overwrought. Decor reflects the building’s rich history, with antique dark-wood furniture, decorative fireplaces, and liberal use of Colonial accents in fabrics and knick-knacks. Charming details like modern throw pillows add a dash of contemporary country charm to the atmosphere. The property offers little in the way of a “scene,” though, as the only communal spaces are a small lounge area and an outdoor garden patio that opens in warmer weather. Overall, the vibe is quiet, relaxed, and elegant. With all rooms featuring only a single bed, guests are unlikely to find many families or children on the property.

Situated on a quiet, residential street in downtown Salem, the hotel seamlessly blends in with the surrounding homes. Many of the town’s most popular attractions -- including restaurants, shops, and the waterfront -- are within a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. Collins Beach will take just over five minutes to reach on foot as well. Two of Massachusetts’ most famous museums -- Peabody Essex and the Salem Witch Museum -- are a 10-minute walk from the bed-and-breakfast, while Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous House of Seven Gables is 15 minutes away on foot. Taxi service is readily available, though it’s among the area’s most expensive transportation options. Out-of-town guests flying into Boston’s Logan International can reach the hotel in about 40 minutes by car. The commuter rail from Boston also stops in Salem, a 40-minute journey, and the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Salem train station.

Like the hotel’s common areas, the decor in each of its three rooms meticulously reflects the Federal and Colonial-era aesthetic of the 19th century. As the property was originally a home, each room is uniquely designed and laid out. Floral patterned linens, ornate fabric chairs, and Shaker-style accents are peppered throughout. Colors are a blend of neutrals like tan, beige, and warm wood tones plus bright reds, blues, and softer green shades. Overall, each space feels inviting and homey and resists the often too-frilly aesthetic many bed-and-breakfasts employ in their design.All three rooms feature larger-than-average, one-room floor plans with a bed, and small living area with a futon and decorative fireplace. Standard amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and space heaters -- a nice touch, particularly in winter. All rooms except for the first-floor Captain’s Quarters feature mini-fridges and microwaves. Each room also offers a single bed, and all are reviewed as plush and comfortable. An Apartment Suite is also available for those seeking more space.Bathrooms are likewise unique to each room. However, the contemporary fixtures and basic decor don’t match the historic aesthetic of the rest of the property. Plastic trash cans, white “kit”-style vanities, and elements like a rolling chrome bath caddy feel as though they were purchased from a modern, big box store. Small hairdryers and generic bath amenities are standard.As the house is situated in a residential neighborhood, all rooms provide limited views to the street or surrounding homes. The area is quiet, meaning there's little to no noise issues.

As a tiny, three-room bed-and-breakfast, there are few communal amenities. Most noteworthy are the free hot breakfast served daily, a small reading lounge, and a lovely Japanese garden that's open during warmer months.A gourmet kitchen on the second floor features a dining table with enough room to accommodate all guests. A hot, homemade breakfast is served daily, including a typical selection of omelets, pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit. Homemade items like scones are also a hit. The room also stays open all day with free coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks.There's a small reading room adjacent to the dining area that serves as the only lounge space. A handful of chairs and couches surround a large, flat-screen TV and a small, decorative fireplace. A basic, Internet-connected PC workstation in the corner is also available.The backyard area features a two-story deck where guests can take breakfast if the weather is mild. At the base of the stairs, a small, Japanese-style garden adjacent to the garage provides additional social space in the summer and early fall.Free parking is also available in a safe, secure, off-street lot, and Wi-Fi is free throughout as well.