Hotel Casa do Amarelindo

Occupying a traditional 19th-century house, the mustard-hued Hotel Casa do Amarelindo has been beautifully renovated, combining  colonial Bahia-style decor with African influences to create a tranquil vibe. In the peaceful lobby alone, guests will find terra cotta tiled floors, details like wainscoting, patterned feature walls adorned with wooden tribal masks, and statement pieces like a solid oak table complete with ornamental warriors. There’s also a cool tropical courtyard for complete respite from the buzzing streets outside. The attention to detail in terms of decor and design is evident and this is echoed in the hotel’s personal service; the French owners can offer a wealth of information and even live on-site in one of the suites. There’s a relaxed approach here -- perhaps best demonstrated by breakfast, which is served at any time, in a location of your choice. This is a hotel for tourist couples, and solo travelers will also feel at ease here. Children under 14 are not permitted.

Hotel Casa do Amarelindo fronts a cobblestone street just off the main square in Salvador’s historic downtown district of Pelourinho; a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its colonial architecture, baroque churches, funky bars, wandering samba bands, and colorful capoeira shows. The hotel also has views down to All Saints Bay. Travelers should note that there’s no parking by the hotel and the area isn’t easy to navigate by car; vehicles are not allowed in the main square. The tourist attraction of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is about 25 minutes north by car, while Salvador’s airport is about a 30-minute drive away.

Rooms are stylish, sunny, and simple, with colorful cornflower blue walls, antique dark wood furniture, and local artwork. Rooms are set over three stories (reachable by stairs or elevator) and all have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars. Details like pure cotton sheets, DVD players with free movie rentals from the reception’s library, Nespresso machines, and complimentary local fruit are all welcome touches. Marble and tiled bathrooms feature walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and bidets. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Half of the rooms face the cobbled street, while the others face the bay. Standard Rooms are located on the second floor and have street views, while Superior Rooms occupy the third floor and have terraces overlooking the city rooftops. Deluxe Rooms have balconies or terraces with panoramic views of All Saints Bay, plus more spacious bathrooms with twin sinks and shower/tub combos. Guests needn’t worry about noise from the lively cobblestone street below; the double glazed French windows and sound insulation works well.

Considering its boutique nature, Hotel Casa do Amarelindo does well in both quality and quantity. The small courtyard-style pool is a highlight, with views over the historic rooftops to the Bay of All Saints. The atmospheric Pelo Bistro opens for all meals, serving up a menu of home-style Bahian dishes. Breakfast is included, served all-day and anywhere around the hotel, and features a selection of fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, breads, and home-made preserves. For drinks, the tropical garden bar offers authentic local cachacas and fruit caipirinhas, as well as a tapas selection, and guests can also enjoy drinks on the rooftop terrace. Wi-Fi is free throughout. A tiny fitness room with two or three pieces of cardio equipment completes the facilities. There’s no parking, so it’s worth enquiring about the best drop-off point before you arrive; hotel staff can then help with your luggage.