Hotel Grande Da Barra

Located in the Barra neighbourhood, on Avenida 7 de Setembro (between Santa Maria fort and the crafts centre, next to Marazul hotel). The historic centre is 20 minutes away by bus (10 minutes in a taxi, for R$ 15). The airport is 28.5 miles away. Count 40 minutes for transferts by taxi.

The Grande Hotel Da Barra should be chosen for its location, at the foot of the very photogenic Farrol Da Barra. You are not far from the historic centre and you can also enjoy the beach. However, you should not be too demanding regarding the hotel's comfort level: the rooms don't offer many amenities and the furniture is very modest, despite a series of renovations in 2005-2006. However, the restaurant was beautifully renovated.

Built in 1973 and renovated in 2001, then in 2005/2006, the Grande Hotel Da Barra includes a charmless building with six storeys. However, its location facing All Saints bay is magnificent. Inside, the lobby is of the right size, with a sitting room offering comfortable sofas. Pass throught this sitting room to reach the swimming pool: you are in a pleasant patio with ivy and blue azulejos. Unfortunately, this patio would be more attractive without the grey concrete wall of the hotel overlooking it. The swimming pool is small (1,076 feet²) and surrounded with plastic deckchairs.

Over the 116 rooms, 50% have a sea view and 50% overlook the swimming pool patio. They are spacious (approximately 215 feet²), and unfortunately furnished with basic, charmless elements. Additionally, the decor could benefit from more colours to brighten the light-coloured tiles and white walls. Regarding amenities, the rooms feature a bathroom with shower, a mini-bar, individual air conditioning, telephone (to the front desk), and satellite television. A small loggia leaves little space for the rattan table and two chairs. It opens onto a small balcony. 24-hour room service.

Breakfast is served buffet-style. Lunch is à la carte, and dinner is served as a set menu, or buffet-style, depending on the number of guests. The room was refurbished in July 2005 and overlooks the swimming pool. It is pleasant: new furniture in dark wood, light-coloured tiles, giving the room a classy look. You will enjoy simple, but savoury cuisine, with numerous local specialities. Fish, grilled meat, pasta, rice, vegetable, varied salads, etc. To drink, a beer or a bottle of wine (wide choice on the menu) as you wish.

The beach is located on the other side of the avenue. It is medium-sized and offers a beautiful view of All Saints bay. You should bring what you need with you (towel, parasol), because there is nothing available on the beach. No water sports, but on weekends, you will see numerous families and sports enthusiasts (football). The sand surface is not very large, but the atmosphere is authentic! There are not too many rocks in this area. The ocean is of a beautiful blue-green colour, and the right temperature. However, it is hard to swim, because strong waves can make it risky...