Salvador Hotels and Accommodation

(Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

Being such a large city, there is a huge choice of accommodation available throughout Salvador. Many holiday makers choose to look for hotels within the Upper Town (Cidade Alta) area of Salvador, next to the action, nightlife, restaurants and shops. Nearby, both the Carmo and San Antonio neighbourhoods come with plenty of 'pousadas' (Brazilian B&Bs / guest houses).

Others prefer to look for accommodation options around the beach suburbs of Salvador, which are known for being a very pleasant place to stay. Hotels within the Historic Centre (Pelourinho) are often full of character, being renovated period buildings, and many offer affordable lodging with a view of the harbour and the Old Customs House. It should be noted that the week-long carnival (carnaval) celebrations in February see the demand for accommodation soar, with hotels quickly filling to capacity. Booking ahead at this time is therefore a necessity.

Where to Stay

The most popular family orientated hotels in Salvador are to be found lining the Atlantic coastline, while more intimate accommodation resides around the Porto da Barra, where many choices line the Avenida Sete de Setembro. Budget lodging is available if you are prepared to look hard enough, and for backpackers, the Albergue do Passo on the Rua do Passo is a good hostel, being just a few blocks from the cobblestones of Pelourinho.

Families and couples in Salvador wishing to stay alongside the beach generally agree that the Barra suburb is the most appealing lodging area, mainly due to its relative proximity to Pelourinho (approximately 5 km / 3 miles). Accommodation in Barra includes not only modern hotels and charming pousadas, but also youth hostels (albergues) and even camping sites with easy access to the Praia de Catussaba beachfront. Just a short distance from Barra, hotels within the Vitoria area of Salvador are known for their bay views and cable cars, which descend down the cliffs to private terraces.