Where to Stay in Salvador, Brazil For Carnival: Top 7 Hotels

By Dan

São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, Brazil, or just Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and is home to 2.9 million people, the fourth largest city in the country. Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, it became the first capital of Brazil and is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.The Pelourinho district of Salvador is still home to many buildings and monuments from this time and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1985.

However, history is not the only reason tourists flock to this city as the main attraction is the annual Bahian Carnival, with the main celebrations taking place in Salvador, with an estimated 1.5 million tourists joining the party each year, in addition to 1 million locals. The main rival to the world famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The carnival revolves around traditional Afro-Brazilian culture and is a hubbub of food, music, dancing, capoeira and literary events. It officially lasts for six days, starting on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday (February). The main sites of the festival are; Campo Grande track, Pelourinho & Barra-Ondina track.

As you would expect, the sheer demand for the Salvador carnival requires anyone who plans on staying in the city to book very early, with the best hotels in Salvador usually filling up months before the festivities begin. If you are looking to arrange your accommodation early but are unsure where to start, then this article details the 7 best hotels in Salvador during the Bahian Carnival.

Zank by Toque Hotel

Zank by Toque Hotel
Photo credit: booking.com

This popular boutique hotel is located in the historic neighbourhood of Rio Vermelho, just a 3 minutes walk from the beach (Praia da Paciencia). Decorated in a mixture of baroque and contemporary styles and boasting great sea views, this hotel is a great choice for anyone who wants to take a break from the party and enjoy some luxury.

This hotel features a small pool and an excellent spa & sauna, plus people who book ahead can also upgrade their room to have a private whirlpool. Anyone looking to keep an eye on work while on vacation can also enjoy great WiFi throughout the premises. You can even enjoy drinks in the hotel’s beautiful yard and gardens. Rated highly for its excellent location and its friendly, attentive staff, with room service offered, as well as a 24-hour reception to ensure your stay goes without a hitch.

The on-site Do Toque Restaurant provides a romantic setting for an evening meal and serves a daily breakfast which is always met with positive comments in any reviews. This 5 star rated hotel is very popular with couples looking to relax away from the busy streets.

Key Features

  • Sea Views
  • Spa & Sauna
  • Excellent Location
  • Highly rated restaurant

Address: R. Alm. Barroso, 161 – Rio Vermelho, Salvador – BA, 41950-350, Brazil

Best for: Couples

Rating: 8.2/10

Fiesta Bahia Hotel

Fiesta Bahia Hotel
Photo credit: booking.com

The Fiesta Hotel is aptly named to use as a base during the Salvador Carnival, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a range of activities to relax by day and party by night. This is a great option if you do not want to stay in the middle of the action, as it is located 3 miles from the centre, providing an opportunity to escape the noise and bustle and relax in your own safe haven.

This hotel has swimming pools, a gym, games room and children’s play area, making it one of the best choices on our list for families. It is also located directly opposite Itaigara´s Shopping Mall and is 1,300 yards from Pituba beach. Guests can also make use of Salvador’s excellent transport links and visit the popular Mercado Modelo Market, or enjoy the historic beauty of Pelourinho.

Rooms are equipped with all-important air conditioning, as well as amenities you would expect in a well regarded hotel such as this. The restaurant serves both international and traditional Brazilian meals, with a poolside bar and main lobby bar. Reviews dish praise on the hotel’s excellent staff and child friendly facilities.

Key Features

  • Situated away from the busy city centre
  • Family Friendly
  • Good local amenities
  • Excellent staff and customer service

Address: Av. Antônio Carlos Magalhães, 741 – Itaigara, Salvador – BA, 40280-000, Brazil

Best for: Families

Rating: 8.4/10

Wish Hotel da Bahia

Wish Hotel da Bahia
Photo credit: booking.com

Situated in downtown Salvador, the Wish Hotel offers relaxing, comfortable accommodation and is also pet-friendly. Guests can lounge by the pool, or work off the previous night’s food and drink in the fully-equipped gym. The hotel’s luxury spa also provides a place to relax and detox, so guests can leave feeling relaxed after a heavy week of partying at the Salvador Carnival.

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Rooms also come with free-WiFi, air-con, a work desk and chairs, perfect for any digital nomads planning a long stay. A unique addition to this hotel, is an on-site art galley, which features works from 350 renowned artists.

There are two restaurants which serve local and national specialities and the bar is well stocked with drinks from around the world. A breakfast buffet is served daily which consists of fruit, breads and cold meats. The Wish Hotel is housed in a historic building across from Campo Grande Square, in close proximity to attractions such as; Farol da Barra lighthouse, Lacerda Elevator & Barra Beach.

Key Features

  • Luxury Spa
  • Pet Friendly
  • On-Site gallery
  • Close to the main attractions in Salvador

Address: Av. Sete de Setembro, 1537 – Dois de Julho, Salvador – BA, 40060-002, Brazil

Best for: Couples

Rating: 8.7/10

Fera Palace Hotel

Fera Palace Hotel
Photo credit: booking.com

Fera Palace Hotel is based in the heart of Salvador’s old town, just 200 yards from the famous Lacerda Elevator, 350 yards from Mercado Modelo and 550 yards from San Francisco Church – the most popular area in the city. Equipped with an on-site bar and a beautiful rooftop terrace and pool, this hotel earns great reviews for its location and memorable views.

Many of Salvador’s attractions will be right on your doorstep but transport links are close by if you wish to go further afield, so you can see all there is to see during one of the biggest carnivals in the Americas.

This is a stunning boutique hotel with sea views and is perfect for travellers who are keen to take in all of Salvador’s landmarks and sights. In easy walking distance to the main parade and party, this hotel is hard to beat when it comes to providing the best place to stay during the carnival. Rooms come with WiFi, private bathrooms with free toiletries, plus a flat screen TV with cable – Fera Palace also scores high for its levels of service.

Key Features

  • Located in the old town
  • Rooftop terrace and pool
  • On-site bar
  • Well-equipped rooms

Address: R. Chile, 20 – Centro Histórico, Salvador – BA, 40020-070, Brazil

Best for: Solo Travellers, sightseers.

Rating: 8.7/10

Hotel Villa Bahia

Hotel Villa Bahia
Photo credit: booking.com

Also situated in the historical centre, the Hotel Villa Bahia is made up of two colonial buildings which retain their rustic feel, with a roof terrace which provides an incredible panoramic view of Pelourinho and Salvador.

This is another boutique hostel which is sure to delight its guests due to its superb customer service, wonderful decor and added comfort and luxury. Guests can relax in the lavish courtyards, cool down in the swimming pool and enjoy a meal in the restaurant, made with fresh, local ingredients. All rooms have retained their colonial charm but have been fitted with modern amenities such as air conditioning. Baby sitting services are also available for any adults who want to take a night off and let their hair down by joining in the party at Salvador Carnival.

From this hotel you are in easy walking distance of; the old town’s historic churches and buildings, bars, restaurants, art galleries, capoeira & samba schools, banks and currency exchanges. The Jorge Amado Museum, Elevador Lacerda and Praca da Sé are all very close by, so guests can see the best of what Salvador has to offer.

Key Features

  • Based in the historic centre
  • Roof terrace with stunning panoramic views
  • On-site restaurant and swimming pool
  • Baby Sitting services

Address: Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, 16/18 – Pelourinho, Salvador – BA, 40020-280, Brazil

Best for: Families

Rating: 8.9/10

Hotel Fasano Salvador

Hotel Fasano Salvador
Photo credit: booking.com

The Hotel Fasano is as central as it gets, in easy access of all the main transport links, meaning you will have no problem getting a good spot for the main parade and key events. This grand building is one of the most famous hotels in Salvador, based in a former newspaper headquarters which was built in 1912.

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Providing an upmarket sophisticated experience, this hotel is perfect to enjoy some respite from the heat and mayhem of the carnival and is great place to recuperate after a long day of travel. Hotel Fasano is just an 11 minutes’ walk from the Bay of All Saints, a 13 minutes’ walk to the nearest metro station, while the Barra Lighthouse is also just 5 km away. This hotel is situated 13 miles away from the Luis Eduardo Magalhães Airport and is easily reached by taxi.

Part of the Fasano Group, this is a hotel developed by an award-winning brand which maintains excellent levels of service and is committed to catering to the highest standards. If you are willing to stretch your budget a little further, you can enjoy the Deluxe Ocean Front Suite, with views of the Todos os Santos Bay. Guests can also enjoy a stunning gastronomic experience at the Fasano Salvador restaurant which serves traditional Italian cusine, the signature of the hotel’s owner and famous restaurateur, Rogério Fasano. Popular dishes include; Costoletta Allá Milanese, Filetto di Manzoalla Rossini, Ossobuco de Veal with White Wine and Herbs and Spaghetti Allá Carbonara. The restaurant also serves Bahian classics, for anyone looking to sample the local specialities.

Key Features

  • Reputable chain of hotels
  • Great location
  • High end restaurant
  • Close to beaches and landmarks
  • Fantastic upgrade options

Address: Praça Castro Alves, 5 – Centro, Salvador – BA, 40020-160, Brazil

Best for: Couples

Rating: 9.3/10

Hotel Casa do Amarelindo

Where to Stay in Salvador
Photo credit: booking.com

If you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the carnival and are looking to be right amongst the action, then the Hotel Casa do Amarelindo is one of the most highly rated places to stay in Salvador and is situated in the Pelourinho neighbourhood, the top rated location in the city, according to Booking.com.

Another upmarket option which is a 14-minute walk from Mercado Modelo, the colourful building was built in 1868 on a picturesque cobblestone street – a quaint and welcoming setting in this beautiful part of the city.

Upgraded rooms feature a terrace or balcony with city or bay views, with some even including a private whirlpool. Bathrooms are also fitted with top of the range, rainfall showers in all rooms. A remarkable, luxury experience in the centre of Salvador.

A hot breakfast is available each morning and facilities include a gourmet restaurant with patio dining, bar, fitness room, outdoor pool and sun terrace. The Pelô Bistrô Restaurant offers a relaxing day time atmosphere and a romantic setting in the evenings. Its menu has a tropical touch, using local ingredients and serves food until 9.30pm. Its extensive wine list showcases the best of South America, including the finest selections from Chile and Argentina. Guests can choose from a tapas and sandwich menu during the day and the bar specialises in cocktails, with the Caipirinha being the star of the show.

Sun seekers should note that the Casa do Amarelindo is just 1 km from Baia de Todos os Santos and 5 km from Porto da Barra Beach.

Key Features

  • Located in the old town
  • Top of the range bathrooms and upgrade options, including private whirlpool
  • Sun terrace and outdoor pool
  • Gourmet restaurant with cocktail bar

Address: R. das Portas do Carmo, 6 – Pelourinho, Salvador – BA, 40026-290, Brazil

Best for: Couples, Sightseers

Rating: 9.4/10

Salvador offers a fantastic mix of small, boutique hotels and grand, luxury complexes which cater for couples, families and solo travellers who have come to the city to enjoy the delights of Salvador Carnival. Many stunning beaches are within easy reach and afternoons can be spent exploring the historic centre and admiring the colonial architecture.

Whether you are looking to attend the many parties during the carnival, marvel at the parade, or are looking for a culinary or musical experience, Salvador provides a range of accommodation which will suit the needs of all types of travellers. We hope our selection of the 7 best hotels in Salvador has been useful and we hope you have a great time at one of the biggest carnivals in Brazil.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers