13 Best Hotels in The Northeast, Brazil

Named after the seven hills that surround the hotel, 7 Colinas is a sprawling oasis that sits amid the trees and flowers of a tropical estate that once belonged to the São Francisco religious order. Rooms are comfortably furnished and face out onto the garden. The large swimming pool, surrounded by Jabuticaba trees, is a haven on hot days and great for kids. From here it's just a short hike up to Alto da Sé. There is a small museum on the hotel grounds, with furniture from the 19th century.

Both the service and decor at this small hotel reflect tremendous attention to detail. The restaurant serves skillfully prepared seafood in a gorgeous pool area that overlooks the beach. The location is ideal, as it's just beyond the crowded portion of Ponta Negra.

The city's smartest business hotel, this glimmering high-rise looks directly over Recife's most popular beach. The sleek, spacious rooms share views of the sea, a neutral design, and modern conveniences such as an in-room iPod doc, plasma TVs, and espresso machines. Enjoy the truly memorable ocean panorama as you soar up to the rooftop terrace and pool in the glass-enclosed elevator; there, alongside plenty of sunbathers, you will find a fully equipped gym, Pilates studio, beauty center, and spa. Visiting businesspeople often drop by to dine at the upmarket Mirage restaurant, while the Brasserie serves a buffet breakfast and a varied á la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

In one of the trendiest parts of Boa Viagem and right across from the beach, this modern hotel has elegantly designed rooms and the sort of smiling, efficient service you would expect from one of Brazil's largest hotel groups. A buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served in the trendy Nabuco restaurant, and there is also an on-site coffee shop that transforms into a Japanese temaki counter in the evening. Gym buffs will love the large workout area and state-of-the-art equipment.

True to its name, which translates as "house on the beach," this intimate pousada opens right onto the sand and has one of the best views in town over the dune. This is a good choice for couples looking to relax over sunset caipirinhas by the pool. For breakfast, the friendly staff serve up freshly cooked tapioca and crepes alongside the usual fresh fruit.

With modern rooms, a rooftop pool, two restaurants, and a bar, this stylish hotel is one of the best options in town. The majority of the rooms come with private verandas that overlook Meireles Beach and all have king-size beds. Admire the view during breakfast over endless tropical fruits and strong Brazilian coffee.

In a converted mansion, this pousada has rooms that vary considerably in size, quality, and price; the suites, with hardwood floors, rival those at the best hotels, but the standard rooms are just average. The individually decorated deluxe rooms are considerably nicer. Carnival decorations enliven the lobby—a hint that this pousada is the place to be during the celebrations, when the patio becomes a sort of VIP area from which guests can watch the parade.

A five-minute walk from Boa Viagem Beach, this slightly dated hotel offers spacious rooms that all come with a small, private veranda. While the lobby decor, outdated gym, and '70s-style hotel shops may leave you feeling like you've stepped back in time, the sprawling outdoor pool area, complete with a waterfall and two kiddie pools, pull you back into the present. A new annex offers the most modern rooms.

Set one block back from the beach, these comfortable apartments are perfect for families and visitors in the city for a long stay. Each unit has one or two bedrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. If you get tired of preparing your own meals, you can head for the restaurant or the coffee shop.

The Othon Palace Fortaleza sits on a small hill right where the beach makes a big curve, affording guests a spectacular view of the beach and Mucuripe Bay. There's comfortable seating in the stylish lobby, where a spiral staircase leads up to meeting rooms. Tastefully decorated rooms are more like small suites.

At the end of Ponta Negra Beach, this resort offers extensive facilities, family-oriented entertainment, and the chance to unwind in the blazing northeastern sun in one of the six swimming pools. The eclectic architectural style stands out, with pirate and cave-painting motifs cultivated through the use of materials such as old driftwood, plaster, marble, and tijolo aparente—locally produced beige bricks. The beach in front is uncrowded, as it's a mile or so from the busy part of Ponta Negra. Rooms are well equipped and adequately sized and the restaurant is open 24 hours a day.