Hotel Pousada Solar dos Deuses

This establishment is at the heart of Pelourinho, the Unesco-listed historic centre of Salvador de Bahia. In a superb 17th century colonial building at 12 Praça do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, it is a stone's throw from Igreja de São Francisco church. The airport is 21 mi away with a transfer time of 40 minutes by taxi.

Because the Solar dos Deuses is located at the heart of the bustling Pelourinho district, you will have little choice but to succumb to the exhilarating rhythms of the batucada. Don't book a room at this hotel if you are in search of silence! It is ideal, however, if you wish to visit the numerous baroque churches that are the pride and joy of Salvador, or walk the streets lined with colourful houses, or even buy unusual souvenirs in the numerous small craft shops (embroidered, woven and carved items). To reach the lower town, there is a 70m elevator that drops you off a few steps from the marina and Mercado Modelo (the best known traditional market in Salvador). The beaches, however, are a 10 minute drive away. They border the southeastern part of the town starting from Farol da Barra. The pousada has no extra amenities, special facilities, or restaurant; it basically just offers rooms, but the suites are superb and your breakfast will be brought up to you in the morning. The stairs are rather steep, so they are not very suitable for the elderly or people with reduced mobility. Room service is available 24 hours a day. If you have your own computer with you, you can take advantage of the free Wifi and ADSL wired Internet access. The pousada closes annually in June.

The Pousada Solar dos Deuses was opened in 2005 in a beautiful 2 storey 17th century building housing 7 superb, charming, and unique suites but no lift. Each suite is named after an Orixá, a local deity in Candomblé, one of the Afro-Brazilian religions. The Spanish owner will be more than happy to help advise you on how to make the most of your stay in Salvador de Bahia.

The guest rooms are more or less all the Pousada Solar dos Deuses has to offer as far as facilities are concerned, so it is just as well that they turned out so well!! They are ridiculously charming, with their brick walls, floors, furniture made of precious Brazilian wood, and pretty paintings. Each one unique, they measure anywhere between 15m² and 30m². The 7 suites are each named after an Orixá deity and are decorated in the relevant colour (blue for the sea, green for the forest, yellow for gold, red for fire, and so on). In addition to the king size bed, there is a sofa bed to sleep 2 extra people, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at a wooden table with 3 chairs. The facilities in all of the rooms include flat a screen satellite television, air conditioning, an electronic code safe (free), a mini bar fridge, a telephone, and free Wifi Internet access. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, there is no balcony. The bathroom is provided with a tropical shower with fixed and tropical heads, a toilet, and hospitality products.

Breakfast is the only meal provided and it is served in your room from 7:30am to 10:30am. There is no shortage of options in the neighbourhood when it comes to lunch and dinner, and especially for tasting the local Moquecas! You can also enjoy a caipirinha at the Pousada at any time of day: just ask!