Hotel Pestana Bahia

The hotel is located in the residential neighbourhood of Rio Vermelho, on the southern point of Salvador da Bahia, 9 miles from the historic centre, or 20 minutes by taxi or car (approximately 30 minutes by bus), and 12.5 miles from the international airport (count about 20 minutes for transfers by car).

This superior category hotel holds its promise of a comfortable, delightful stay, away from the hubbub of the Salvador de Bahia town. Very friendly atmosphere. However, the authentic historic centre and swimming beaches are farther. On the other hand, those who want to rest will be enchanted by the accommodations and excellent service.
The hotel has an activity leader for entertainment, as well as a qualified fitness instructor. Piano-bar shows by Brazilian singers are organised periodically. Shuttles to the bay's most beautiful beaches are available free of charge, Monday to Friday.

Bought by a Spanish hotel chain in 2001, the Pestana Bahia is one of the two five-star hotels in Salvador da Bahia. It was renovated in 2006 and is composed of a 23-storey building without any particular charm. There are a VIP restaurant and a terrace on the last floor. Common areas are comfortable, and impeccably fitted. They are accessed on the basement level by an elevator opening onto a paved, Portuguese-style floor. The lobby is strongly air conditioned, and opens onto the restaurant, the playroom, the shops, the nice, well-equipped fitness room (swimming pool and sea view), and the pool patio. Nice view of the ocean. Hotel guests can relax on deckchairs and enjoy a convivial, pleasant atmosphere.

During our last visit, room renovation was almost completed. Fitted carpet was replaced by wooden floors, and Internet connections have been installed in all rooms. As it is the case for the entire hotel, their decor is tasteful. A king size bed, beige curtains, and modern paintings compose a classy setting. The rooms are spacious (approximately 215 feet²) and feature a satellite television, direct telephone with international access, alarm clock, safe (free), individual air conditioning, full mini-bar, small balcony, bathroom with shower or bathtub, welcome toiletries, hair dryer. Toilets are in the bathroom. 24-hour room service. All rooms overlook the ocean.

The main restaurant, Cais de Ribeira, serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style. Dinner is served à la carte. The dining room is divided in several parts. One part, by the large bay window, overlooks the sea, and another part, on a platform, overlooks the swimming pool. Beautiful, well-stocked buffets in a bright room, decorated with flowers, and strongly air conditioned. Local and international cuisine. Also, theme evenings are organised on week-ends on the large covered patio overlooking the swimming pool (barbecue, Brazilian evenings, etc.). A snack bar offers a menu with wide selections by the pool deckchairs: meat, fish, salads, and homemade sandwiches.

A small cove, 1,640 feet from the hotel, offers a pleasant, quiet, isolated area. However, swimming is dangerous due to cliffs and rocks in the sometimes raging ocean water. No amenities. The hotel offers, however, free shuttle transfers to the most beautiful beaches of Salvador da Bahia.