Salvador da Bahia Travel Forum

Hello,

I'll be in Salvador da Bahia from Sept 4th till Sept 7th and I have to choose between 4 hotels.
My whish is to be as near as possible from the historical center of the town and to be informed of the distance of these hotels from the airport (+ taxi rates for the transfer).
The hotels are:
- SOL BAHIA 4*
- PORTO FOROL 3*
- COCOON & LOUNDGE 4*
- BAHIA OTHON 5*
Thanks a lot for your help because I've got only a few hours to decide...!!
*Pol*

Here is the page with (pre-paid) taxi TaxiComtas prices by zone:
http://www.taxicomtas.com.br/precos.php#
The regular taxis in the line outside the airport may be a bit cheaper. Taxis may use the scenic coastal road or the inland highway.
It takes about an hour by air conditioned "executivo" bus service (under R$5)from the airport along the coastline to Barra and another 15 minutes to Pelourinho.

Here is a long list of hotels in a range of neighborhoods and prices:
http://www.bahia-online.net/lodging2.htm

The historic district is called Pelourinho. It and the beach neighborhood(s) in Porto da Barra and Farol da Barra, a 10-20 minute public bus ride (or R$10-15 taxi) away, are the most popular tourist neighborhoods to stay in. However, all the music and nightlife is not limited to Pelourinho.

As to these 4 hotels:
Porto Farol apartments is probably closest, in the Farol da Barra beach neighborhood. (R$76,14 by TaxiComtas from airport)
The Othon Palace is a VERY nice hotel in Ondina, the next neighborhood out from the Farol. If you're paying more than US$77/night, you ought to bid on www.skyauction.com for a room. There is no beach, but there is a pool. (R$76,14 by TaxiComtas from airport)
The Cocoon is out in the direction of the airport in Juagaribe and you will spend considerable time and money getting into Pelourinho. www.skyauction.com for a room. There is no beach, but there is a pool. (R$38,75 by TaxiComtas from airport)
The Sol Bahia is in Patamares, out by the airport. So even more time and money. (R$38,75 by TaxiComtas from airport)

There are some places right in Pelourinho and adjoining Santo Antonio as well.

Hotel Redfish http://www.bahia-online.net/hotelredfish.htm
Pousada de Boqueirao http://www.pousadaboqueirao.com.br/english/english.htm
Pousada Beija Flor http://www.beijaflorpousada.com.br/ingles.htm
Pousada de Pilar http://www.pousadadopilar.com/pousada.htm

Portas Velhas boutique hotel http://www.discoverbrazil.com/hotels/brazil/25/summary/

Convento do Carmo (the newest luxury offering) http://www.circumvista.com/convento_do_carmo.html

This site has the best, most complete information about Salvador:
http://www.bahia-online.net/

Wow you are so knowledgeable!!!@ Bahiana77!