Salem, MA and Cab Questions
 

Hey all! First post here. I'm planning a trip to Salem, MA around Halloween. I've never been before, so my knowledge of the area is basically non-existent outside of the little research I've done of the events in town. Since every hotel was booked in Salem, I booked the Econo Lodge in Danvers, which is only a ten minute drive away. However, since we won't have a car, we need to rely on public transportation or cabs. Since our hotel doesn't provide a shuttle, I am assuming cabs would be the best option? Does anyone know how reliable the cab service is from Danvers to Salem? And about how much they cost and how late they pick up? I'm sure we'll be out late enjoying the festivities, so I want to make sure we'll be able to do that without worrying about getting back to our room.

Also, does anyone know if there are any good restaurants within walking distance from Econo Lodge in Danvers?

Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Kristel

I got stranded at that hotel during a blizzard once, I think it was a Days Inn at the time. Suffice to say that the scariest part of your Halloween trip will be the hotel.

Nothing available in Peabody? How about Beverly Garden Suites just north of Salem?

Yeah, I basically picked that hotel because it was cheap and the lady taking my reservation said it was a ten minute drive. How did you get stranded? No cabs available? Is the transportation spotty there in general?

There are cabs for sure, and Uber...but if Salem hotels are full and it's a busy weekend, you'll be competing with lots of people for transportation. I don't think you'll have trouble but it's not NYC, there won't be cabs pulling up every few minutes wherever you are. You phone. You wait.

There's a bus to Salem, only until 7:30pm or so, it takes 30 minutes though, not 10-12 mins like a taxi.

Oh, and get a "quote" from the cab driver before getting into a cab. There are lots of ways to drive from Danvers to Salem and a bad cabbie might take you on a joyride.

Bring your own bedsheet & pillowcase. Seriously.

I suggest you try to find a different hotel. This hotel has in the past been used as a "welfare motel" - meaning MA houses homeless families there. During that time, there have been few other guests. I stress I do not know the current occupancy of the hotel - MA is trying to greatly reduce motels as a housing option for homeless people.

Taking a cab or Uber to Salem will not be a problem. But it is mobbed around Halloween and streets can become gridlocked - so while I don't think you will end up sleeping on the street, cab availability will be a game-time decision as far as how and where. Lots of drunks looking for cabs on crowded streets.

Have you read the reviews of the Econo Lodge? One person wanted to sleep in their car rather than stay there. And you won't have a car.

Do try the suggestion of the Beverly Garden Suites. You can take the train to Salem from there. Maybe you can take the train back later at night, but it depends on the scheduling. But it's closer to Salem and a shorter cab ride.

It might be cheaper to rent a car and drive to Salem or an adjoining town (and take the train), which would give you more inexpensive options for hotels. Salem gets very crowded on weekends in October leading up to Halloween and, of course, on Halloween itself.

This trip report (and the previous thread asking for information for the same trip) may help you figure out how to plan s stay in Danvers for sightseeing in Salem and the area.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...achusetts.html
The hotel these folks used was apparently satisfactory, but they did have a car. Not a good idea, IMO, to try staying in that area without a car. Those suburbs are simply isn't built for it.