Vila Gale Salvador

An oddly-shaped eyesore from the outside, the interior of the Vila Galé is classy and welcoming, with a warmly-lit reception area and lobby. A small but comfortable lounge area can be found with a few leather sofas and benches. The dimly lit bar with additional seating is located in the corner of the open common area, while the restaurant, equipped with hanging lamps, is separated by an elegant partition. Like many hotels in Brazil, the decor is minimal but interesting; a couple of large pieces of original woven artwork adorn the lobby walls and there’s a token wall hanging in each of the spacious rooms. Although the pool is small, the connected lounge area and bar is set in a fun but classy wooden hut, and the whole space overlooks the ocean.

The Vila Galé is situated in Ondina, directly on the waterfront. The beach below, though picturesque, is rocky and not suitable for swimming with its crashing waves. Salvador’s historic Bahia area can be reached quickly via an affordable taxi ride. The famous Itapuã Lighthouse and surrounding seafood restaurants are close by as well, while a popular Italian restaurant -- Alfredo di Roma’s -- is just a couple of minutes down the road by foot. The drive or taxi ride to the airport is 30 minutes northeast.

The property’s 224 rooms are slick, shiny, and large. Units with ocean views are worth it for the sea breeze and lullaby of crashing waves, although none have balconies. In each room there’s a large square bed -- on the harder side -- a single piece of wall art, a couple of cushy leather chairs, a desk, and a small flat-screen TV on a wooden table. A few other accents, like hairdryers and phones, could stand to be updated. Each room also comes with a safe, mini-fridge, minibar, and air-conditioning. A charge is required for Wi-Fi access.

Besides the pool and outdoor hot tub, the hotel has a small spa offering massages and body treatments. There’s also a fitness center with several weight machines, a treadmill, and a stationary bike. Drinking options can be found via the pool and lobby bar, while the on-site restaurant Versátil serves a buffet-style breakfast -- fresh fruits, juices, and an assortment of breads and pastries -- along with lunch and dinner. A paid parking garage is found under the hotel and the gift shop sells a wide variety of souvenirs and locally made trinkets. Laundry service is offered as well. For business travelers, several meeting rooms are available in an array of configurations.