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.
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.
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.
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.
Mar Brasil Hotel is set against the Bounty-ad backdrop of Itapuã, a former fishing village just outside the center of Salvador known for bohemian, easy-going vibes. Palm trees are dotted around the property and the bucolic garden, and you can take dips in the pool after a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits and tapioca treats. As the former home of poet Vinicius de Moraes and his actress wife Gessy Gesse, this modern place has a long history to tell and even hosts a monthly live music night to continue their artistic legacy.
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.
Beautiful views of All Saints Bay is just one reason to stay at Aram Yamí. This boutique hotel also has a contemporary vibe set against the colonial style of the 19th-century building. Service is sure to be personalized, thanks to the small number of rooms in the hotel: there’s only five available. Be sure to take advantage of the swimming pool on the roof, or, if you’ve booked the ground-floor suite, enjoy the private pool in your quarters.
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.
Elevate your stay in Salvador when you head to Zank boutique hotel. Set in the trendy neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, Zank blends the best of minimal modern style with the seaside vibe of Salvador. There’s a little library with traditional Brazilian literature, original artwork, and a terrace pool and hot tub with bay views. The hotel location is perfect for easy access to restaurants and the coast, or stay in and enjoy the traditional Bahia cuisine prepared on-site at the Zank restaurant.
Explore the historic Pelourinho neighborhood of Salvador and stay in the nearby boutique Hotel Studio do Carmo, which sits in an 18th-century building. Studio de Carmo has a perfect view of one of the most beautiful sights in Salvador, the elegant staircase of the church Santissimo Sacramento do Passo. The hotel also has all the modern amenities any traveler would need and colorful Bahian décor with a splash of Italian styling to welcome you to the city.
Enjoy the grandeur of colonial times with a stay at Pestana Convento do Carmo, which was among the first luxury hotels set in an historic property in Bahia and in all of Brazil. The building was constructed in 1586 as a friary and has survived more than 400 years to become one of the top luxury hotels in Brazil. The boutique getaway is generously decorated with colonial-era furniture and artwork, creating an elegant atmosphere in the heart of a modern city.
This 19th-century building in Pelourinho, in the historical center, has five floors and just 10 rooms, making it an exclusive place to stay. Casa do Amerlindo also offers a restaurant, two bars, and a rooftop terrace perfect for sunset drinks. There’s also a fitness room and two patios filled with tropical plants to make your stay a relaxing one. With staff that speak Spanish, Portuguese, French and English, it will be easy to discover the history of Salvador with Casa do Amarelindo as your home base.
The boutique hotel Solar dos Deuses is perfectly situated as a jumping-off point to discover all the sights of Salvador. The hotel is located in the same square as the most beautiful church in Salvador, the São Francisco Church and Convent, but the hotel property is charming in its own right. It is set inside a 17th-century mansion and pays homage to Bahia with local artwork and furniture. The hotel has seven rooms, each adorned with the Afro-Brazilian deities of Candomblé, making your accommodation the first stop on your cultural tour of Salvador.
If you’re looking for a Bahia beach break during your Salvador trip, head to Pousada Porto da Lua, around a 90 minute drive from the city. Close to the beach, this is one of the top stays in Praia do Forte; unwind in the beachfront restaurant and lounge after a day of sightseeing. Each of the 27 rooms has an ocean view, making this an excellent place to enjoy the coastal charm of the northeastern coast of Brazil.
For beach lovers looking for eclectic accommodation, look no further than Cocoon. This boutique hotel is located close to the popular beach, Praia de Jaguaribe, and the Cocoon staff are renowned for their kind, helpful service. The hotel has a minimalist design, with pops of personality throughout.
The sunset views at Albergue Pedra da Sereia are stunning, and paired with a caipirinha – the national cocktail of Brazil – and a comfy hammock they become legendary. This boutique hostel is located in hip Rio Vermelho and has plenty of sidewalk restaurants and bars to keep you satisfied during your stay. The hotel is a relaxing beachfront base that is simple but cozy, with a friendly host who can set up Portuguese lessons, surfing, capoeira or diving.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Georganne Hassell.
These recommendations were updated on May 11, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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