Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho 3M, Salvador

Advantages: Nicely restored tourist friendly old town
Disadvantages: The ladies hunt in packs

...Salvador, in the state of Bahia, north east Brazil (or São Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos as it was named in the past) was the first colonial capital city of Brazil and, although power shifted to Rio de Janeiro in the late eighteenth century, then to Brasilia in 1960, it retains much of it's past grandeur and colonial architecture. One of the main reasons to come here, however, is the wonderful mix of cultural influences that make the cuisine, music and lifestyle here so different even to other parts of Brazil. The population of over three million, consists mainly of people with African origins descended from slaves, although there have been many other strong influences through Salvador's history. Salvador is also famous for it's carnival and street parties. The final stop on my extensive two-week tour of Brazil was to Salvador... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Spectacular, exciting and perfect for budget travellers.
Disadvantages: Is that a knife in your pocket or are you just trying to rob me?

...it is always useful to have some ready in case you are approached by a knife wielding mugger. We were victims to an extent ourselves. Our apartment was given the once over (incredibly, just 2 Irish football jerseys were taken) for valuables. We knew it was an inside job as the door was locked when we got back. That said we felt that for a 3 week stay we got away lightly. Rio was the last stop on our 15 month round the world trip. Since writing this we have returned to normality. Looking back it was probably the scariest place we visited, this left a bit of a bad taste. There is much more to Brazil than Rio so next time we're back (and we will) Natal, Salvador and the beaches south of Porto Seguro will be programmed into our compasses. Now where's the job section of the Irish Times.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: We got out alive.
Disadvantages: The whole place.

...We arrived in Salvador in the middle of a strike. But it seems there's always a strike in Salvador. The electricity workers were on strike for a 140% rise because they hadn't had one since April and it was now August. The hotel workers joined them after a couple of days for similar reasons, and we had to clean our own rooms and make our own beds, we even had to cook our own breakfasts if we wanted something hot. The management put the food out at the crack of dawn and left us to fend for ourselves. Every morning we woke at 6 am to the sound of whistles, yelling and loud hailers, as the strikers formed their picket line right outside the hotel. This racket went on all day but it was difficult to avoid. Two more days and the airlines went on strike for 180% rise and there were people stranded who couldn't get home, or to their next... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful