Pestana Convento do Carmo Hotel blends the history of a centuries-old former monastery with the amenities you'd expect at a 4-star property. The original monastery was completed in 1592, and today it mixes ornate decor and luxurious service with original features like wooden beams, murals, and 2 onsite chapels. It's only fitting that this historic hotel is in UNESCO World Heritage Site Pelourinho, Salvador's oldest neighborhood and home to the city's densest area of Portuguese colonial architecture. Musical performances abound in this area, and on Tuesday nights, they are included in a neighborhood-wide celebration with public religious ceremonies. Spectators are welcome, though cameras are not. The historic Terreiro de Jesus, site of several churches through the city's history, and Salvador's commercial shipyard-lined northern coast are both a 5-minute drive away. Exploring the city by car? Parking is complimentary at the hotel.
This historic building frames a neatly landscaped courtyard, where you can relax on lounge chairs and shaded daybeds around the pool. In the evening, the pool becomes an illuminated fountain, offering an enchanting view while you enjoy dinner beneath the story-high arches at the base of the hotel. Conventual restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes, and room service is available 24 hours a day. Breakfast is complimentary each morning and served outdoors when weather allows. At Spa L'Occitane, you can relax under the expert care of one of the staff massage therapists. This hotel also offers a compact fitness center with both cardio and strength-training equipment. And if you want to tell your family about your wonderful trip to Bahia's capital, complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the first floor.
At night, you'll be staying in one of the ancient monks' cells. Floor plans vary, but all are appointed with rich fabrics and LCD TVs with cable. Some rooms have original exposed-beam ceilings. You'll sleep beneath Egyptian-cotton linens, with a pillow of your choosing from the hotel's menu. Turndown service is performed daily, and you'll come home to complimentary cookies by your bed. High-speed (wired) Internet access is complimentary.
