Booking Rooms in Salem in October

davidandpaula

Hi,
We have decided to get married at Hamilton Hall in Salem this fall (maybe) or winter. October is an option, but I am thinking that I won't be able to find any / let alone block any/ hotel rooms during October because it's so popular there.  I've left several messages and haven't heard back from Hawthorne or Salem Waterfront.  I'll probably give up on the idea of October wedding in Salem 2010 but thought I'd through it out to the Knot to see what you think?  Is it possible to block hotel rooms in Salem for October at this late date?
THANK YOU so much!

Blueyed228

You could try Peabody since its literally 5 min away

Starmusica

I second blueeyed- try outside of salem.

Depending on how close to halloween you are looking at... most of the hotels set a mandatory # of nights you have to stay to book. I THINK hawthorne is up to 4 nights. And keep in mind- most of these places book up MONTHS AND MONTHS ahead of time...


Did you already book Hamilton?

davidandpaula

No, didn't book Hamilton yet for this reason.  I figured it would be tough.  We could do Peabody but I have a feeling my out-of-towners will be disappointed that they can't stay in Salem.
Thanks you guys!!

clbartnicki

When we had our tasting at the Hawthorne in February my FFIL asked the front desk out of curiousity about booking a room there for Halloween. And in February (8 months ahead of time) the Hawthorne was already 85% booked. I would do September or November if you can. My friend got married the first weekend in November this passed fall and it was really nice weather still.

crazybrittni

I looked to do hotel blocks at the Hawthorne and Salem Waterfront for my November wedding and they either had a 2 night minimum or required me to host my rehearsal dinner there. We decided not to go with either place.

Starmusica

well that is an interesting point- Hawthorne has a 2 night minimum if you book on a SATURDAY. So... ur guys will have to deal with this. I checked with 4-5 other salem hotels and they all seemed to have this requirement.

davidandpaula

You guys, thank you so much for this info!  I am trying to see about September or November now - but if there is a 2 night minimum - that will be tough... Crazybrittni, what hotel did you end up using?

Blueyed228

Im getting married in that area November 20th.  The bonus of doing it at that time was that we are off season and get a discount.

mama_rach

I live in Salem and it is CRAZY in October! I agree with a lot of people that you could book in Peabody or a surrounding area. The minute Halloween is over, the hotels open right up, but they are usually 2 night minimums. Sometimes, however, if it is slow (November), the Hawthorne will give you one night stays!

davidandpaula

Hi All,
Thanks so much for your help - this board is awesome! Labor Day weekend is now a possibility - do you think we'd have the same kind of difficulty with blacking rooms, since it is a holiday weeekend?  THANK YOU!!!

baystateapple

I'm getting married at the Hawthorne in November, and the hotel is already over 50% blocked.  I don't know what it would be like for September, but if I were you, I'd get on that really quick.  GL.

mama_rach

Labor Day is usually still very busy here. Salem's busy season is from May-November 1st and then it is quiet. We only have two major hotels in the city, so they tend to book very quickly. Salem tends to have events happening every weekend throughout the summer, too, so that causes the hotels to book up quickly.
There is a hotel about 1 1/2 miles from the center of the city called The Clipper Ship Inn. It used to be a dive, but a new owner came in and started revamping the rooms. You would have better luck booking there, but you would probably need to shuttle your guests in because it isn't walkable in wedding attire.
Hamilton Hall;s location is the same distance from the Hawthorne or the Waterfront so if you would like your guests to be able to stay there and possibly for one night, I would definitely go for late fall (November) or winter. The Hawthorne allows their brides and guests to book there and it is a popular wedding spot so that is why it fills up fast. The city is beautiful in the winter because they decorate the shops, trees, and lightposts with lights, etc.
If you contact the one in charge of group sales at the Hawthorne, she can assist you wil booking information.

I hope this information helps!

davidandpaula

SO HELPFUl - thanks you guys. I think December is the way to go!  i would love to see the town decorated.  I can't get over what a wealth of information this board is. Thank you all.

crazybrittni

I actually set up a courtesy room block with the marriott peabody. We received a discount price for the rooms. The girl was very helpful and it's a short drive from Salem. If you don't mind having your guests drive it's a good option.

davidandpaula

Thanks crazybrittni - great idea.