Casa do Amarelindo is a small boutique hotel in the Pelourinho, the cobbled colonial heart of Salvador, where pastel-coloured townhouses, baroque churches and drum rehearsals fill the streets. Guests give it very high ratings, and reviewers praise the helpful staff, the restaurant and bar, the clean pool and the privacy of the balconies. Rooms differ from one to the next, so check the room type when you book. Expect the character of a restored historic house rather than the uniform feel of a chain hotel. This is one of the best places in the city for travellers who want to sleep inside the historic quarter, step out in the morning and be among the squares, museums and churches within minutes. It is also a sensible base for evenings, as the Pelourinho is lively with music and restaurants, and a dinner on site means you can avoid late taxi rides. Facilities are modest compared with a large resort, but the pool, the restaurant and the bar give the property a relaxed, social feel.
Location and getting around
The Pelourinho is the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Salvador, an upper-town district of steep cobbled lanes, colonial squares and baroque churches. Largo do Pelourinho, Terreiro de Jesus and the Elevador Lacerda down to the lower city are within walking distance, so most sights can be covered on foot, ideally in the cooler morning hours.
The streets are steep and the cobbles uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and take care after dark, as in any historic centre. For the beaches, the airport and the neighbourhoods of Barra and Rio Vermelho you will need a taxi or rideshare, and it helps to ask the staff to arrange a trusted driver.
Rooms and facilities
Expect individually decorated rooms in a heritage building, some with balconies. The pool is a welcome retreat after a hot day of sightseeing, and the restaurant and bar serve food and drinks on site. Staff are repeatedly described as helpful, which matters in a historic district where local advice on safe routes, restaurants and tours is valuable.
Because of the age of the building, rooms and bathrooms vary in size and layout, and some can be on stairs rather than a lift, so tell the hotel about mobility needs when you book. Breakfast arrangements and parking differ by rate, so check when you book. Who it suits: couples, culture lovers, food lovers and first-time visitors who want atmosphere.
It is a good match for people who want to take part in the music, capoeira and street life of the Pelourinho, and for travellers combining a few nights here with a beach stay elsewhere on the coast.
It is less suited to families with very young children or anyone wanting a large pool deck or sea views. Good to know: the Pelourinho is busiest on weekends and during festivals, when music can carry late into the night, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper. Rates are among the higher ones in the historic centre, so book early for January to March.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Pool
- ✓Historic building in the Pelourinho
- ✓Rooms with balconies in some cases
- ✓Helpful staff
- ✓Short walk to main squares and churches
- ✓Wi-Fi (check when you book)
- ✓Breakfast options (check when you book)
Good questions
Where is Casa do Amarelindo?+
It is in the Pelourinho, the historic centre of Salvador, within walking distance of the main squares and churches.
Does it have a pool and restaurant?+
Yes, guests mention a pool, a restaurant and a bar on site.
Is it good for beaches?+
The beaches are a taxi or rideshare ride away, so it suits travellers who prioritise the old town.
