Hotel Villa Bahia sits on the Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco in the middle of Pelourinho, in a restored colonial setting. It is a four-class property, described as an upscale boutique hotel with individually furnished rooms. The facilities are generous for an old-town hotel: an outdoor pool, a garden, a rooftop terrace, a free buffet breakfast, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk with concierge service. It suits couples, first-time visitors and culture lovers who want to walk out of the door into the historic centre rather than commute to it.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco 16 and 18, one of the best-known squares in Pelourinho. Almost everything in the historic centre is within a short walk, including the Terreiro de Jesus, the MAFRO museum, restaurants and the evening music on the squares. The famous Igreja e Convento de São Francisco on the same square has been closed for restoration, so check before you plan to go inside, but the square itself remains lively.
For the Lacerda Elevator, Barra and the airport, use a taxi or ride-hailing car, and take one rather than walking the steep lanes late at night.
The rooms and the facilities
Rooms are individually furnished with air conditioning, premium bedding, free Wi-Fi and in-room safes, and many guests praise the quiet courtyard and garden. The outdoor pool and the rooftop terrace are the highlights after a day on cobbles. The concierge can arrange guides, shows and day trips, and laundry facilities are on site.
What to know
Breakfast is a free buffet served in the morning, which is a real saving in a city where breakfast is often extra. There is no on-site parking, so plan to arrive by taxi and use public car parks nearby if you have a rental car. Check-in begins in the afternoon, and check-out is at noon. Pelourinho is busy at weekends, so ask for a room away from the square if you want a quiet night. Book well ahead for Carnival and the high season.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Garden
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Free buffet breakfast
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓24-hour front desk and concierge
- ✓Laundry facilities
Good questions
Is breakfast included at Hotel Villa Bahia?+
Yes, a free buffet breakfast is served each morning. Check the hours when you arrive.
Does the hotel have parking?+
No, there is no on-site parking. Arrive by taxi or ride-hailing car, since Pelourinho streets are steep and narrow.
Is the hotel good for exploring on foot?+
Yes, it stands in the middle of Pelourinho, so the main squares, museums and restaurants are within a short walk. Use a car for evenings and for longer trips.
