The Best Boutique Hotels in Salvador
Colorful and vibrant, Salvador is the impressive capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, known for ornate Portuguese-era architecture, Afro-Brazilian traditions and a glistening coastline. Brimming with history, whether you amble through the cobblestone streets or boat-watch at the port in All Saints Bay, this city has an ebullient energy – especially during the annual city carnival, celebrated in February. To enjoy your stay in style, we’ve choreographed a parade of the best boutique hotels in Salvador, all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Fera Palace Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Fera Palace Hotel sits in the heart of the historic center, with 81 apartment-style rooms framed by photos of the city and residents. Keen to get closer still? You’re on the doorstep of the Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture and a short walk from the swanky Bahia Marina. For a post-sightseeing pitstop, head to the rooftop Fera Lounge for a dip in the pool overlooking All Saints Bay and the copper-clad church dome next door. The airy, atrium-spanning hotel restaurant is the spot to sample refined takes on Brazilian classics, such as moqueca seafood stew and beef with cassava leaves.
2. Casa Versace Salvador
Boutique Hotel, Apartment
Casa Versace was built in 1909, and today the teal-toned façade of the hotel endures as part of the Unesco-listed historic city center. There are four apartments tucked within, sleeping between four and six people and styled with tropical-print fabrics, in-room hammocks, trailing plants and plenty of rustic raw-wood furniture. It’s a great place if you’re looking for more autonomy, thanks to lounges and kitchenettes – though an in-house concierge is there to arrange yoga sessions, massages, boat trips, drivers and private chefs when you need a little mollycoddling.
3. Hotel Fasano Salvador
Boutique Hotel
In a building that used to be the headquarters of newspaper A Tarde, you’ll find the glamorous Hotel Fasano. The swanky rooms will have you questioning whether you need to sightsee right away, or if you might just lie in a little longer. For when you do make it out of bed, you’ve got the heart of the historic center on your doorstep, including Gregório de Mattos Theater and the Sacred Art Museum set in a monastery overlooking All Saints Bay.
5. Solar das Artes Pousada Boutique
Boutique Hotel
Art lovers, get yourselves to bohemian Solar das Artes Pousada Boutique for quaint murals and eclectic pictures, set in a colorful colonial building. It’s a short walk from the impressive 17th-century São Marcelo sea fort and the opulent baroque Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the intimate, rustic dining room, so you can dig into freshly baked goods and sip coffee from an antique cup on the dappled outdoor terrace before heading out to explore.
6. Villa Bahia
Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Villa
Stay in the historic center of Salvador, the Pelourinho, and consider making Villa Bahia your home base. Villa Bahia is composed of two adjoining colonial mansions that hark back to the Portuguese era. The property has beautiful courtyards, including a rooftop terrace, and overlooks the Unesco historic center of Salvador. It’s also a property that has implemented sustainable development practices, helping to preserve the historic beauty of the city.
7. Zank
Hotel
8. Studio do Carmo
Hotel
9. Pestana Convento do Carmo
Hotel
10. Casa do Amarelindo
Hotel
11. Solar dos Deuses
Hotel
12. Pousada Porto da Lua
Hotel
13. Cocoon
Hotel
14. Albergue Pedra da Sereia
Hotel
This is an updated version of an article originally by Georganne Hassell.
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