The best hotels in Salvador

What are the best hotels in Salvador?

Salvador is a lively coastal city in Bahia, Brazil, full of colourful colonial buildings, cobbled streets, golden beaches and a fantastic Afro-Brazilian food and music scene. The best places to stay range from romantic historic hideaways to smart city hotels, but Villa Bahia stands out for its beautifully restored colonial houses, antique furnishings and peaceful courtyard. For something more glamorous, Fera Palace Hotel has elegant rooms, a great central location and a rooftop pool overlooking the Bay of All Saints. Both make excellent bases for getting to know the city.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Salvador or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Bahia.

The Best Places to Stay in Salvador

For old town romance

• Set in a colourful townhouse in the heart of Salvador’s historic Pelourinho, Casa do Amarelindo makes a lovely base for couples. Expect elegant rooms, warm colours and colonial touches, plus a rooftop terrace where you can relax with a drink after a day exploring the cobbled streets. Intimate, peaceful and full of charm.
• Right in the middle of the Old Town, Villa Bahia occupies two restored colonial houses, with colourful interiors, antique furnishings and plenty of historic character. Rooms are individually decorated, giving the place a more personal feel, while the courtyard and swimming pool offer a welcome escape from the bustle outside. Perfect for couples keen to explore on foot.
• Aram Yami is housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion in Santo António Além do Carmo. Baroque details, striking wallpapers and individually styled rooms give it lots of personality, while the rooftop pool looks out across the Bay of All Saints. A lovely choice for a romantic escape with a little extra character.

For a classic city stay

• Set in a landmark Art Deco building in central Salvador, Fera Palace Hotel makes sightseeing and exploring the city’s restaurants very easy. Rooms are smart and elegant, with thoughtful contemporary touches, while the rooftop swimming pool is the star of the show, offering sweeping views across the Bay of All Saints. Add a polished restaurant and attentive service, and you have a very comfortable city base.
• Fasano Salvador brings a sense of old-school glamour to the city centre. Expect carefully designed rooms, refined interiors and the high standards associated with the Fasano name. The restaurant is a location in its own right, while the rooftop pool and bar serve up spectacular ocean views. Well placed for exploring Salvador’s historic sights and lively dining scene.

For pure luxury

• Set within a former 16th century Carmelite convent in Pelourinho, Convento do Carmo is one of Salvador’s most distinctive luxury stays. Original architectural details, grand communal spaces and individually styled rooms give it a wonderful sense of history, while the restaurant serves refined Bahian cuisine. Expect an atmospheric setting, attentive hospitality and a more characterful take on indulgence than a conventional luxury hotel.

For a boutique base

• Set in Salvador’s lively Rio Vermelho district, Zank by Toque Hotel is a handy base for beach days, market visits and evenings out. Inside, retro touches and contemporary design give the rooms heaps of character, while the restaurant, sea-view pool and rooftop terrace offer great spots to unwind. There’s also a proper spa with a hammam, sauna and hot tub.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Salvador’s closest airport is Salvador International Airport, around 30–40 minutes by car from the city centre, depending on traffic. Public buses and taxis are also available.

• If you plan to explore beyond Salvador, hiring a car can be useful for visiting nearby beaches and coastal towns. We recommend booking through our online partner Rentalcars.

• Salvador is warm year-round, but summer (December to March) is hot, lively and particularly busy, especially during Carnival. September to November can be a good time to visit, with warm weather and fewer crowds. Rain is more common from April to July, so pack accordingly.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Bahia,
• Explore all our suggestions of the best places to stay in Brazil,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.