The upper-middle-range Hotel Casa do Amarelindo is a beautifully restored boutique gem in the historic center of Salvador, set amid colorful colonial buildings. This charming three-and-a-half-pearl property looks out over All Saints Bay, and its small rooftop pool is a rarity in Pelourinho. Other notable features include a traditional restaurant serving up home-style fare and a tropical garden bar. The 10 rooms are simple and stylish, with African-colonial decor and amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and Nespresso machines. The French owners live on-site, making things feel even more familial. This is a hotel for tourist couples and solo travelers; children under 14 aren't permitted. Downsides? The hotel can be tricky to find and there’s no parking. For a similar experience, travelers could check out the six-room Aram Yami Hotel.

The 206-room Hotel Deville Prime Salvador is an upscale hotel located close to the beach in Itapua and about a 15-minute drive from the airport. However, it's at least 45 minutes from Salvador's city center and the Pelourinho district. Rooms are spacious and modern, and feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Those on upper floors have balconies with nice views of the sea. A restaurant serves all meals, including a free breakfast buffet, and there are bars in the lobby and by the huge outdoor pool. The fitness center is well-equipped, and there's indoor and outdoor recreation plus corporate event space. Travelers preferring to be right on the beach could check out the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort instead, which is even closer to the airport.