R$50–100

Although not as dirt cheap as some of the other centrally located options, in terms of value and comfort, the Hotel Colonial Chile (Rua Chile 7, tel. 71/3321-0245, www.chilehotel.com.br, R$70–120 d) is hard to beat. After undergoing a massive renovation, it reopened its doors in early 2006—prior to that, it had been in operation for over a century. The 35 apartments—some of which are lofts and four of which boast terrific sea views—are clean and comfortable, if a little on the starkly minimalist side. More charming are the common dining rooms and living rooms.

R$100–200

From the outside, it looks like just another one of the impersonal high-rise buildings that line the chic and leafy residential neighborhood of Vitória. However, the Hotel Sol Victoria Marina (Av. Sete de Setembro, 2068 Corredor da Vitória, tel. 71/3336-7736, R$160 d) has some aces up its sleeve. Aside from its terrific location—halfway between Barra beach and the Pelourinho—it is equipped with a refreshing pool and its own private cable car, which whisks you down a jungle-carpeted cliff to an ocean pier outfitted with a restaurant/bar and sundeck. Half of the 215 modern and surprisingly affordable rooms feature terrific views of the Bay of All Saints, and the alfresco breakfast buffet offers an impetus to get out of bed early.

© Michael Sommers from Moon Brazil, 2nd Edition