Fera Palace Hotel
Salvador, Brazil
Centro Historico
Vibe
Sunny double-height lobby spaces retain their 1930s glamour, welcoming guests into a lively cultural scene with deep Bahian roots.
“Restored Art Deco citadel”
A 1934 Flatiron-style Art Deco landmark with an IPHAN-listed facade and 640 restored original wooden windows.
Adam Kurdahl restored high-ceilinged spaces, pairing original architectural bones with mirrored cabinets and tailored mid-century lines.
Bespoke artworks by Bahian artist Nádia Taquary join photographs documenting Salvador's vibrant street life and culture.
On historic Rua Chile near Praça Castro Alves, steps from the Elevador Lacerda and Pelourinho.
“In the public spaces, the original Art Deco styling has been beautifully preserved, and seamlessly merged with complementary modern elements.”
Rooms
Mid-century furnishings and mirrored drinks cabinets complement restored wooden windows framing scenes of the historic city outside.
“The interiors, also by Kurdahl, retain the original windows, while the rooms and public spaces are feature aged brushed steel fixtures, solid Chesterfields, and mirrored drinks cabinets.”
Wellness
A 25-meter rooftop infinity pool stretches toward the Bay of All Saints, alongside a dedicated massage menu and gym.
Backstory
Commissioned in 1934 in the Flatiron style, the hotel hosted Carmen Miranda and Orson Welles during its midcentury golden age.
Eat & drink
Lobby-level Bar do Fera pairs live jazz with cocktails, while the open-air rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired tasting menus.
The neighborhood
Set on historic Rua Chile, the hotel sits moments from Praça Castro Alves, the Lacerda Elevator, and Pelourinho's cobbled streets.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.