Amelia Payson House

We were in Salem Oct 1-5 and stayed at the Amelia Payson House. The home was beautiful. Virginie was an amazing hostess. She was very accommodating and offerred up great local recommendations. Daily, personalized breakfast was 10/10 but I would have to say my personal favorite was the mid-afternoon treats. Location was perfect and everything to see and do in Salem was in walking distance but yet still away from the hustle and bustle. If we ever come back we will stay here again. Thanks Virginie for your hospitality and allowing us to stay in your beautiful home.

A true staple to Salem. The Amelia Payson House was my first ever B&B and it was nothing short of amazing. Virginie is a spectacular host, with a lot to share about what to do and see in Salem. She makes a delicious breakfast at your desired time and has nice treats throughout the day. Not to mention the beds are soooo comfortable. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a fabulous stay!

This was our first time staying at a B&B, and it did not disappoint! Virginie’s attention to detail, her wonderful demeanor, and her cooking was amazing. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a fabulous stay. When we would come and go, it always felt like home. Even though you share the space with others, it’s set up in a way, that it feels almost like your own private place. She recommended some amazing places, that we would not have visited without her recommendations. The nightly treats were such a lovely touch! Her communication from even when we booked a year ago, throughout our stay, was impeccable! Virginie does have two wonderfully behaved pups, who literally made every day better for us (as animal lovers)! We know exactly where we will be staying the next time, we visit Salem. I cannot thank her enough, for our wonderful stay! Xoxoxo

A Perfect Salem Stay Made Even More Special My daughters and I stayed at the beautiful Amelia Payson House for a mother–daughter trip, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The home is charming, peaceful, and full of warmth — but it’s Virginie, the lovely French owner, who makes it truly special. Every morning we were treated to incredible homemade breakfasts that could rival any fine restaurant, and her kindness and attention to detail made us feel completely at home. Virginie went above and beyond to make my birthday unforgettable, adding thoughtful touches that I’ll always remember. She is a gracious host with the heart of an artist and the soul of a true hostess. We left feeling like we’d made a friend. If you’re planning a trip to Salem, do yourself a favor — stay at Amelia Payson House. You’ll leave with full hearts, happy memories, and a deep appreciation for Virginie’s warmth and hospitality.

The Amelia Payson house was my first bed-and-breakfast experience. It was so much better than what I was expecting. The most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. And don’t even get me started on how amazing each breakfast was that was prepared for us. She even made homemade apple pie for us. And fresh cookies every day. The hospitality here cannot be beat. This house is the perfect walking distance to Essex Street. It was so easy to walk around and shop and then walk back to the bed-and-breakfast to drop off our bags and go to the bathroom. I truly felt like I was at home, especially in the living space that is provided. I cannot recommend this bed-and-breakfast enough. Just book your trip I promise you won’t regret it. I most definitely will be coming back and I can’t help but thanks. Staying at the Amelia Payson house has set the bar far too high for any other bed-and-breakfast that I may stay at in the future. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

We had such a lovely experience at this charming bed and breakfast right in downtown Salem. The location couldn’t have been better — just steps away from shops, restaurants, and all the historic sites, yet still peaceful and relaxing.||Our room was incredibly comfortable, beautifully decorated, and spotless. It was perfect after a day of exploring!||A special shout-out to Virginie, the hostess, who made our stay truly exceptional. She was warm, welcoming, and always available with great local tips. One of our favorite moments was afternoon tea — Virginie thoughtfully offered a selection of teas served with her delicious home-baked cookies. It was such a cozy and personal touch that made us feel right at home.||Highly recommending for anyone visiting Salem!

We loved the Amelia Payson house! Attention to every detail has been made by your host -- from the luxurious linens and toiletries to a "sweet" bedtime treat to a scrumptious breakfast. The B&B is conveniently located to all of Salem's restaurants, shops, and sites. We walked everywhere. Our host also gave us countless recommendations for restaurants, shops, and places to visit. Thank you, Virginie, for making the start of our New England vacation perfect!

We absolutely loved our stay at the Amelia Payson House! Virginie is the consummate hostess. Each morning began with a beautifully prepared breakfast that was both nutritious and delicious. Every detail of her charming B&B is thoughtfully curated, from the crisp, high-thread-count percale sheets to the luxurious Hermès toiletries and the elegantly set breakfast table. It’s clear that Virginie puts care into every aspect of the guest experience. Highly recommended!

The host/owner was so kind and knowledgeable. She offered amazing food recommendations and sites in the area that were not touristy. She had an amazing balance of talking with us, and providing us space to enjoy! Very amazing experience and woukd recommend to anyone. She provided us some special treats of chocolates at night time, and was so detailed in the breakfast that she made from scratch. Loved this place and would come back anytime!

The inn owner Virginie was AMAZING! She thoughtfully prepared my meals keeping in mind my dietary restrictions and still managed to make it delicious. The inn is meticulously kept with simple yet high end, soft bedding- the most comfortable bed I've honestly ever slept in. The quaint, New England cottage decor is so charming! The stay here was like a big cozy blanket. I truly can't recommend this inn enough. Tina and Joe 25th Anniversary trip

We loved our stay. The hosts were gracious, dogs friendly, and breakfast was amazing.

The first thing to know is that this place is INCREDIBLE. More on that later. The second thing is that any images or reviews that are earlier than 2022 are for previous owners. The new owners, Virginie and Todd, have updated the rooms (much more modern) and the overall experience. It sounds like the previous owners were great, and Virginie and Todd, are equally, if not more, amazing. So so close to EVERYTHING - when we were visiting things in Salem the car stayed parked and we easily walked to everything - House of Seven Gables, Witch Museum, walking tours, shopping, restaurants, everything! The rooms are extremely comfortable, with everything you need. (The soaps and shampoos are incredible!) The hosts are so very welcoming and the breakfasts were spectacular. I made heavy use of the espresso machine, and there was water and snacks available. The side yard and backyard are little oasises that are great to relax and recharge. Would 100% recommend and if I ever had the good fortune to return to Salem, I would insist on staying here again.

My sister and I are so thankful we found our way to Virginie and the Amelia Payson House for our first trip to Salem. If you are planning a trip to Salem, this is the place to stay, you will LOVE her and her top notch Bed and Breakfast! We can not say enough positive things about our experience there. The setting is beautiful and peaceful; very homey. Lovely grounds with beautiful flowers and plants and just the right amount of spooky decor to get you in the mood for all things Salem. You are just a few houses down from the Salem Common and a short walk to many of the "things to do" in Salem. We stayed in the upstairs room with the king bed, it is quite big, and we were able to spread out and have our own space within the room. The bed is ahhmazing with plenty of pillows and covers. The bathroom is a nice size, too, with all the toiletries you need. Virginie goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. She is friendly and kind. She is very knowledgeable about Salem. She recommended several things for us to do and try; gift shop at the Peabody Essex Museum, chocolates at Kakawa Chocolate House, and popovers at Ledger Restaurant. Her recommendations were spot on!!! And, of course, her breakfasts were yummy goodness. Her afternoon tea time is perfection, and you should definitely have some while you're there, because her homemade pastries were spectacular! My sister and I take a "sister trip" once a year and this one is now one of our most favorites, and part of that is because of Virginie and the Amelia Payson House. Plus, you'll get to meet her two 4 - legged babies, Sparky and Bella, which to us, was a welcoming bonus. We LOVE dogs! Trust me, stay at the Amelia Payson House while visiting Salem, you will feel like you've found a new home.

My wife and I stayed 2 nights at the Amelia Payson House and had a wonderful experience. Virginie, the proprietor, took extremely good care of us with treats and exquisite breakfasts featuring organic ingredients. She was careful to work with our dietary restrictions. Our ground level bedroom was very comfortable, with AC and a super nice bed. This historic property has many exquisite touches, including interesting contemporary art. Location and parking setup are ideal! Right off the Salem Common and very walkable.

Everything about staying at the Amelia Payson house is wonderful! Our party of four was here for our son's wedding and our three night stay at the Amelia Payson House only made the weekend more special. Our Host, Virginie, took excellent care of us starting with beautifully appointed rooms, her amazing homemade breakfast, and delightful conversation. A plus was meeting her very friendly family dogs, Bella and Sparky! Memories with family and friends were made and we look forward to staying with our new friend, Virginie, again when we are in Salem.

Virginie and Todd were the most fantastic hosts at the Amelia Payson House. My sister and I came up to Salem for a weekend away from Boston and didn't want to leave! The bedrooms were expertly decorated, fully stocked with luxurious products and toiletries, and the beds were some of the most comfortable we've ever slept on. Virginie is a true hostess and went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and well taken care of during our stay. Our food was fantastic- definitely opt for the charcuterie board and afternoon tea! We had a lovely time getting to know Virginie and her family (and two pups!) and can't wait to visit again.

Nancy and Jim are the best hosts! They were so incredibly accommodating and welcoming. Their home is squeaky clean and beautifully appointed. The grounds are lovely and the breakfasts were amazing!! They provided great suggestions and we are so glad we took them up on these. It made our few days in Salem memorable and fun I hope we get a chance to return.

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Amelia Payson House during our very first visit to Salem. The owners, Nancy and Jim, are incredibly informative, hospitable, caring, and know how to cook a delicious breakfast! They really made our visit that much more magical. The location of this B&B is perfect as it's just a short walk from shops, restaurants, tours, and museums. No need to rent a car if you're planning to stay in town. Even though we stayed during the busiest weekend of the year, the weekend before Halloween), the noise level on the street was minimal and is great for people with sensitive hearing. Our room was super cozy, comfy, and clean. Nancy and Jim gave us plenty of ideas of things to do and dining options around town. We will definitely stay here again during our next trip to Salem!

A M A Z I N G H I S T O R I C A L H O U S E Proprietors were phenomenal!! #SUPERaccommodating #quaint #memorable ----------------------------------------------------- U B E R C L E A N What an amazing feeling NOT to encounter a speck of anything throughout the room. Fresh, crisp and fragrant linens, not to mention the bathroom was crystal clean. Unfortunately a rarity in hotels these days .... after an awful unhygienic experience at "The Hawthorne Hotel" we heard "The Payson House" was one of the top B&B homes in the area ... it surpassed our expectations. #homeAWAYfromhome Highly recommend!! ----------------------------------------------------- G R E A T L O C A T I O N Beautiful area, consistent block, walkable to just about all the premier historical sites. A win, win!! ---------------------------------------------------- D O N' T M I S S O U T Sooo much history amongst the properties in Salem ...this lovely B&B gives an up close and personal feel to the special history that took place in this area. ----------------------------------------------------- Thank you for the roadmap, recommendations, spices, umbrella and most of all, for allowing us to experience such a memorable time! It most certainly catapulted our overall trip into Salem. Will miss you Tucker (their mascot, sweet rescue dog). Till we meet again ... ... .... -Vaya con Dios

Fantastic and kind hosts, a well-decorated and wonderful house, delicious breakfast! The hosts were extremely welcoming and had two WONDERFUL dogs. The beds were some of the most comfortable I have slept on, and the toiletries were luxurious. Really can't emphasize enough how delicious the breakfast was, and the hosts went out of their way to accommodate food allergies. We are already planning our next visit!

I took my mother on a two week vacation through New England for her birthday. Here, my three sisters surprised my mom and we all stayed in the house together. Nancy was incredible with helping us plan this. She was also super helpful on what we should do and where to eat. The breakfast was delicious and rooms were spacious. Walking distance to EVERYTHING! The home is beautiful and there is a fire pit out back they were more than willing to help us use. And they have the sweetest dog that's there to greet you when you come back! We loved every bit of our stay.

Wonderful! Spent 5 days there and could not be happier- Jim and Nancy.are the perfect hosts- Rooms lovely and breakfasts delicious everyday. That is the go- to place in Salem MA

If Salem was not so far from KS, we would come stay at the Amelia Payson House every year. Our room was very welcoming, clean and spacious. We stayed 5 nights and enjoyed being able to walk to the commuter rail station and to various delicious restaurants and attractions. They served a wonderful breakfast each morning and were always helpful when we had a question. Tyson is the best :) The only suggestion I would even think about making would be a firmer mattress, but most people think our bed is way too hard at home!

Nancy and Jim were outstanding hosts. I felt at home and safe. Rooms were clean, spacious and comfortable. Breakfasts were delicious. It is located on a charming little street just a five minute walk from the hustle and bustle of everything. I would recommend this accommodation to anyone, you won't be disappointed!

Nancy and Jim are extremely warm, informative and accommodating.The rooms are freshly and nicely redone and-what else- roomy! In addition, there is a common sitting room nearby with coffee and biscotti and TV. My car was able to stay parked for the three nights off street in the driveway while I explored the city on foot and, one day, by trolley. The Peabody Essex museum is a 10 minute walk away.With reference to another review, I found the light morning traffic to be soft sounds of a small city awakening; earplugs not at all necessary those May days. I plan to return. Thank you!

Nancy and Jim treated us as family. They prepared homemade breakfasts for us each morning. The small touches such as bottled water, a Keurig coffee machine made feel at home. The home is spotless and very comfortable. High quality linens, towels, comfortable beds and furnishings. We stayed 3 nights for a Salem wedding and enjoyed the central living area with family that came in from out of town. I highly recommend the Amelia Pason house. Thank you to our gracious hosts. We will be back.

The Amelia Payson House is close to all of the Salem attractions and just down the street from the Commons. It's comfortable in the way a B&B should be, although I spent most of my time walking around town. It has limited off street parking, but on street parking wasn't a problem in November.

OK, it's a little pink and froofy, but the rooms are clean and spacious, the owners are really friendly, and it is coneniently located within easy walk of the wharf, the pedestrian walk, the commons, and the train station. The traffic is a little loud out the window in the morning (it's on Route 1A), but bring some ear plugs and you're all set. Off street parking available behind the house. Reasonable rates. I recommend it!

Just returned from our 7th visit! The Amelia Payson House is perfect in every way including location. It is just a short stroll to everything. The home itself has the charm of years long gone while providing all the modern comforts you desire. The proprietors, Don & Ada, make the experience complete. From the moment they open the door and welcome you into their home, you are relaxed. And from the moment you leave, you will find yourself talking about when you'll return. While there you will also enjoy a delicious breakfast around a diningroom table of other visitors that magically become friends.