A Stay at The Stepping Stone Inn

SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Destination Salem. Photographed by Jess Shada.

If you are searching for where to stay in Salem, MA, and want something beyond a standard hotel experience, the Stepping Stone Inn offers a stay that feels distinctly personal.

Set at 19 Washington Square North, this Salem bed and breakfast puts you exactly where you want to be. It sits across from Salem Common and just steps from the Salem Witch Museum. Even better, the inn offers free on-site parking, which is a major perk in Salem. You can park once, leave your car behind, and explore the city entirely on foot.

Inside, the inn blends historic charm with thoughtful comfort. The house dates back to 1846, and you will still find original details like plaster ceiling medallions and antique light fixtures. The six guest rooms are designed with modern travelers in mind, each with a private bath, free WiFi, and details like locally made Gardner mattresses and easy-to-find charging outlets.

What makes the Stepping Stone Inn stand out among places to stay in Salem is its personality, which starts with the innkeepers themselves.

Matt Baldassarri and Kelly Romanski bring an unexpected and memorable story to the experience. Matt, a North Shore native and Emerson College graduate, went on to host a national radio show on XM Satellite Radio before returning home. Kelly grew up in Monterey, California, and worked as a concierge at Pebble Beach Resorts before heading to Washington, D.C. The two met in 2005 in a way that feels fitting for Salem — Kelly called into Matt’s radio show to request a song, and that moment turned into a relationship that eventually brought them together to the North Shore.

Today, they run the inn as a true family operation. Their son Bobby, who arrived just ahead of Salem’s busiest season in 2016, has been part of October in Salem ever since. And then there are the cats, who are very much part of the experience. Friendly, social, and often ready to greet guests, they add to the feeling that you are staying somewhere lived-in and welcoming.

That sense of personality carries throughout the inn. Each guest room is named after a place meaningful to Matt and Kelly, from Big Sur and Monterey to Boston and Salem. The design reflects those places in subtle ways, through books, artwork, and small details, without feeling overly themed. It is curated, but never crowded.

During your stay, you’ll experience moments uniquely “Stepping Stone.” You might hear music drifting through the house from a vintage radio that now streams curated playlists. In the morning, you will find “Matt’s Famous Coffee” waiting in the dining room, something guests specifically look forward to. On the right evening, you might even catch an impromptu jam session in the parlor.

For travelers planning a visit during Haunted Happenings, the inn’s location becomes even more valuable. With more than one million visitors coming to Salem in October, staying within walking distance of major attractions can completely change your experience. Here, you are close to the action, but still able to step back into a quieter, more relaxed space at the end of the day.

Rates vary seasonally, with peak demand in October, and select rooms are pet-friendly with advance notice. Booking directly is encouraged for the best availability and pricing.

For those looking for a Salem, MA bed and breakfast that combines location and comfort, the Stepping Stone Inn offers something memorable. It is not just where you stay in Salem: it becomes part of the story of your visit.