Gran Hotel Stella Maris Urban Resort

The Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort is a large yellow oasis on a lovely beach in an otherwise nondescript area outside of the city. The property’s lobby is spacious with vaulted ceilings that accommodate a series of tall sculptures and plants arranged in islands throughout the long corridor, giving it a look reminiscent of a shopping mall. There are many clusters of chairs and love seats that allow for comfortable, private lounging. Although the large area is sparsely decorated, there are a few vases on tables set into walls and rustic artwork that lends a level of sophistication. While the exterior of the building is not particularly attractive, the pool area and beach beyond are lovely. Keep in mind the sand is sparsely shaded with just a few spindly palm trees.Besides some tapestries and hand-painted plates on the walls, the restaurant areas are scantly decorated and equipped with unremarkable furniture designed to accommodate hundreds of guests. Rooms are equally bland, save for a few bright colors in the paint and upholstery. Nonetheless, compared to many other local hotels, the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort does have resort offerings. Be prepared for big local crowds during the high season.

While Salvador’s historic district of Pelourinho is a bit of a haul away -- about 30 minutes southwest by car or taxi -- the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort is directly on the beach, which is one of the loveliest in the region and, compared to others nearby, one of the safest and most peaceful. Besides the beach, there’s not much within walking distance of the hotel. Getting to Salvador International Airport only takes slightly more than 10 minutes by car, with travel times to the Northeastern Complex and northern shopping district about the same. Attractions like Lagoa do Abaeté, Vinicius de Moraes Square, and Itapuã Lighthouse are nearby as well.

There are well over 300 rooms at the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort and, like many in the area, they’re rather basic. The standout feature is the presence of a small balcony in each room offering a pleasant sea breeze and, in most cases, a lovely view of the beach and water. Although large, the beds are a bit hard and the furniture -- a desk with two chairs, armchair, nightstands, and tables -- are plain and wooden with little to no cushioning. Bathrooms are clean but basic, equipped with a large, enclosed stand-up shower, marble counter, and hairdryer. Each room has a modern flat-screen TV set into the wall, mini-fridge, safe, and free reliable Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s most winning features are its kids’ club and many amenities geared toward families and children. In addition to the large pool and easy access to the beach, the Gran Hotel Stella Maris Resort has a game room with foosball and table tennis, a toy and nursery area for smaller children, and daily activities such as water polo and pool games. Although the beach is pleasant and picturesque, it’s not recommended for swimming because of strong waves and undertows.The hotel’s restaurant, Palmares, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, with an on-site Italian eatery providing options a la carte. There’s a fitness center open 24 hours, though some of the equipment needs to be updated. Free parking is also offered in a private lot on-site. Hotel reception can arrange taxi service, hotel transfers, laundry, and ironing. Although not ideal for serious business travelers, there is a small office area with computers, a copy machine, and a printer. There's free reliable Internet access throughout the property.