5 Best Hotels in Salvador, Salvador and the Bahia Coast

Name: Villa Bahia
Address: Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco 16/18, Salvador, Bahia, 40020–280, Brazil
Telephone: 071-3322–4271
Price range: $$$$
Location: Pelourinho

The Centro Histórico and the nearby neighborhood of Santo Antonio offer a good selection of places to stay, many of which combine a unique atmosphere with immediate access to the colonial charms of the Pelourinho. Heading south into the Vitória neighborhood along Avenida 7 de Setembro are a number of inexpensive establishments convenient to beaches and sights. In the fashionable Barra neighborhood, many hotels are within walking distance of the beach, while Rio Vermelho is the favored choice of most Brazilians and where the city’s best bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can be found, although it is a 20-minute taxi ride from downtown. High seasons are from December to March and the month of July. For Carnival, reservations must be made months in advance, and prices are substantially higher.

Villa Bahia

$$$$ | Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco 16/18, Salvador, 40020–280, Brazil Fodor's Choice

The most evocative place to stay in town, this boutique hotel combines beautiful design inspired by Salvador’s colorful history and a fabulous restaurant with a privileged location in the heart of the Pelourinho. Run by French hospitality group Voyageurs Du Monde, its 17 rooms (most featuring double-height French doors or private balconies) conjure up the magic of Salvador’s Golden Age, when Brazil’s first capital marked a pivotal point in the Portuguese empire’s trade route to the East. Each room is inspired by one of the former colonies, coupling antiques and original maps with locally sourced, reclaimed wooden furniture: bed down in Goa, and you’ll sleep in an antique maharajah’s litter. Long breakfasts served by ever-smiling staff are taken in a verdant interior courtyard, while the restaurant provides a haven for visitors to Salvador’s historic center, serving sophisticated Brazilian specialties such as palm heart spaghetti with prawns and grilled Pirarucu (Amazonian fresh-water fish) with beetroot carpaccio. Enjoy a perfectly balanced caipirinha in the shadow of the magnificent faded gold spires of the Igreja de São Francisco.

Zank by Toque Hotel

$$$ | Rua Almirante Barroso 161, Salvador, 41950–350, Brazil Fodor's Choice

It’s the combination of elegant design, sophisticated service, and location overlooking the curved beach of bohemian neighborhood Rio Vermelho that makes this converted colonial mansion such a winner. A stylishly understated color scheme in the rooms complements high ceilings, while giant white hammocks are strung up amongst the palms in the tropical courtyard. Iconic Brazilian design pieces from the '50s are scattered throughout the living and dining areas, where sophisticated cocktails are served at the bar or taken out onto the terrace. On the rooftop, guests take stock of the ocean view from crimson red loungers set around the compact pool, and the hotel has a sauna, spa, and beauty salon.

Aram Yami Hotel

$$$$ | Rua Direita de Santo Antonio 132, Salvador, 40301–280, Brazil

This intimate boutique hotel on the outskirts of the Pelourinho—featuring personalized service, beautiful rooms, and a unique design—is a favorite among couples celebrating something special. Owned by architect Juan Piccon Navarro from Barcelona, the vibe is more sleek European with a hint of Bali than rustic Bahian, but the view from the infinity pool over the bustling, deep blue bay of Baía de Todos Santos could be nowhere but Salvador. For families, or couples seeking more privacy, the master suite takes up an entire floor and comes with a second bedroom, private terrace, and plunge pool.

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Hotel Mercure Salvador

$ | Rua Fonte de Boi 215, Salvador, 40210–090, Brazil

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.

Sheraton da Bahia

$$ | Av. Sete de Setembro 1537, Salvador, 40080–001, Brazil

One of the most sophisticated choices for business travelers and families alike, this modern hotel in well-heeled Campo Grande offers sleek, spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and internationally recognized bilingual service. It's a short taxi ride from the principal sights and Salvador's business hub. The hotel's design recaptures the glamour of the 1950s, with leather armchairs in the style of Sergio Rodrigues and a grand piano in the cocktail bar. The extensive list of amenities includes a spa, travel agency for organizing transfers and trips through Bahia, money-exchange service, numerous events rooms, and an international buffet for lunch and dinner.

Salvador and the Bahia Coast

Salvador and the Bahia Coast

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