2 Best Hotels in Olinda, The Northeast

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.

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.