Grande Hotel Da Barra

With its excellent location and reasonable rates, this hotel draws families and couples on vacation who are looking for a clean and reliable home base near the beach. The lobby isn't huge, but it has several comfy places in the reception area where guests can hang out on cushy sofas and a long sectional. The decor is simple, with a few bright pieces of art, but guests aren't likely to spend much of their time at the hotel given the hotel's prime location. The most popular hangout space is the pool, which has a bar, as well as the beach. 

This hotel overlooks beautiful Porto da Barra Beach. Guests can walk to the 16th-century Da Barra Lighthouse in 12 minutes, or drive there in eight minutes. Elevador Lacerda, which connects lower and upper Salvador and offers outstanding views, is 15 minutes from the hotel by car. Touristy Mercado Modelo can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, while the Pelourinho historic center is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Plan on just under an hour to reach Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport by car. Transfers can be arranged through the hotel for a fee. 

Rooms are simple and reasonably modern. Decor keeps them bright, and includes wood or tiled floors, clean-lined wooden furniture, and white bed linens topped with aqua bed runners and accent pillows. Walls are mostly white, but some rooms have bright gold accent walls. Expect to see a bit of wear and tear, but overall things are relatively well kept. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Beds range from two twins to doubles, triples, and quadruples. Bathrooms are simple, with white tiled showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some rooms have gorgeous sea views. Others look out onto the pool or the street. Noise can be an issue from other guests and from the surrounding area.

This hotel's beachfront location is its best feature, but it offers a few others as well. Dining takes place in a simple, casual restaurant that serves international and local fare for all meals, and there is a bar there as well. Room service is available. 

The outdoor pool is surrounded by buildings, with a blue and white sailing mural painted on one wall. Lounge chairs and dining tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas are lined up on the deck. A poolside bar serves drinks and light fare. Steps lead down to the wide, sandy beach. Active guests can play volleyball or go swimming in the ocean. Chairs and umbrellas are available for those who prefer to relax. Keep in mind that this beach is often busy and crowded, so if you're seeking a peaceful, sandy escape, you should look elsewhere.

The small fitness center is bright, but equipment is limited to a couple of cardio and weight training machines, plus a few free weights. A small beauty salon provides hair styling services, and massage treatments can be arranged. Events spaces accommodate up to 250 people. A business center has three computers for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.