13 Best Hotels in Salvador and the Bahia Coast, Brazil

Guests rave about the endless gourmet breakfasts at this beautiful restored colonial house a few minutes stroll from the center of town. Owner artist Alcino is on hand to provide insider information and personalized service. It's an intimate experience akin to staying at a friend's home: guests commune over daily changing delicacies such as passion-fruit mousse and manioc pizza, alongside an elaborate display of tropical fruits and homemade breads and jams, all served at a long communal table in a elegant interior courtyard, where hammocks await for post-breakfast snoozes. Rooms are simple and compact, decorated with traditional wooden furniture and antiques. Scattered between two floors of the house, of the 10 rooms, three have shared bathrooms. Those sensitive to noise should ask for one of the rooms on the first floor.

A long-standing favorite in the Rio Vermelho district, this quirky 19th-century mansion is full of character, offering friendly service, delicious breakfasts, and small but comfortable rooms. If you're looking for space, ask for one of the six split-level suites. Extra attention is devoted to the decor, which includes pottery and embroidery from local artisans, although certain details, such as the air-conditioning units and mattresses, could do with an update. There is one wheelchair-accessible room for guests with disabilities, unusual for a small hotel.

In the bohemian district of Rio Vermelho, this reliable hotel combines sleek, modern design, quality service, and a stunning rooftop infinity pool a short distance from some of the city's most happening bars and restaurants. Rising above a rocky section of sand, most of the rooms have a sea view, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Alongside on-site conference and meeting rooms and a self-service business center, the hotel can arrange mobile-phone hire and translation/interpretation assistance for business travelers. Though the beach is not the best for swimming, there's another option for guests: the hotel's large infinity pool proves a focal point for travelers and businesspeople to unwind over caju caipiroskas. The Casarão restaurant has tables on a deck overlooking the ocean.

The main draw at this charming pousada are the rooms, which are large, comfortable, well-decorated, and appointed with king-size beds, balconies, and hammocks. The pousada is located in a leafy garden and there is a small swimming pool on the terrace with fantastic views out to sea.

If you're seeking a home away from home, look no further than this simple pousada's clean, spacious, white-walled rooms, where the English-speaking owners will entertain you with tales of the history of the Chapada. The hearty breakfast will reveal the origin of the inn's name, Jelly House—dozens of homemade jams and jellys that include regional fruits such as umbú, seriguela, and cajú are featured with your morning fare. The owner, Zé Carlos, is a bird-watching enthusiast and has escorted tourists and biologists on tours of the Chapada.

From Brazilian actresses to professors, the list of returning customers to this charming, Italian-style pensione is as varied as the legendary breakfast, served amongst tropical plants on the sun-drenched veranda to spectacular views over the bay. The property opened more than 20 years ago, and while some areas could do with a lick of paint, the pousada's heart and soul shines through, with local art lining the walls. Simple rooms, divided between two colonial houses, are eclectic in character. The veranda in No. 11 proved romantic enough even for Ricky Martin, who filmed a music video here. For fabulous sea views, request No. 1. All rooms except one come with a private bathroom.

You can stay overnight in one of the large rooms at this onetime Carmelite monastery that dates back to the 17th century. Opt for one of the remodeled rooms on the first floor, while the ground floor is best avoided, as rooms can be damp and moldy. During the day you can have a good lunch here.

This pleasant B&B a few steps from Barra Beach wins over independent travelers, couples, and families alike with its competitive prices and Mediterranean-style design. While the breakfasts are on the basic side, rooms come equipped with comfortable beds, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Light sleepers should avoid rooms closest to the kitchen, while groups will find the best value in the master suite, complete with two bedrooms and a private terrace. Charming Irish owner Sean and his small team of English-speaking staff are on hand to provide local tips and advice on how best to navigate the bus system.

This well-run pousada 50 meters back from Boca da Barra Beach ticks all the boxes for those looking to kick back in paradise on a budget: simple, spacious rooms, a tropical garden complete with giant hammocks, and a lavish, homemade breakfast that changes daily. American owner Charles will organize trips around the island, while brother Mark takes control of the kitchen, which is open to the pubic six nights a week—don't miss the lobster with coconut and corn, gumbo soup, or the homemade brownies.