Much of what others said is true...cute little hotel, quaint, nice service, but after seeing a bit of Salvador, I thought it would be better to stay in a neighborhood with access to buses. Breakfast was delicious, but there was no hot option (usually Brazilian bfasts include eggs, too) and it go kind of monotonous after a few days. Return taxi is impossible to organize if you don't have a cell phone, so we usually only used the voucher one way. The voucher only goes to Pelourinho, so that's kind of weird, too...you can only spend so much time in that area! The room is very cute, a/c worked great, but yes, the carpet was a bit stained.

The hotel itself is great, with quaint old furniture and the concept of the old doors from various parts is very interesting. Service is good and they offer a drop and pick up service to and from Pelourinho. The only problem is the location, you absolutely need to call a cab to pick you up and need to get dropped to the hotel door.

Casa das Portas Velhas is a true little jewel once you cross the entrance. Warm and dedicated reception, the lobby and the tiny bar make you feel at home and quickly forget about the gadgets of a huge world-chain hotel. Interior decorations have a consistent thread with old wooden doors and keys, that explain the portuguese name of the hotel. Rooms (only 15) are equally warm and comfortable, bathrooms not big but well designed.
Outside Casa...not a great view, be prepared when you arrive there. Run-down buildings all around the square siding and facing the Casa; walking around not pleasant or recommendable, to the extent that the hotel offers a free-taxi ride to the nearby Pelourinho area. Don't misunderstand... the hotel is very close (5 min.by taxi) to center of Salvador, much closer than many other alternatives. Salvador is a big city. Yet, if one likes to see and breath the true daily life of this peculiar brazilian city where people live around the line of poverty and buy food or play football in the streets, overall a Casa das portas velhas can give you a much better flavor of Salvador than other cleaner locations like Barra.
Inside the hotel is almost perfect for lovers of boutique hotels. Breakfast of good quality and choice (lots of fruits) is served in a small patio at a Bahian's pace... In the same place at lunch and dinner an italian chef from Sorrento (Vincenzo) can surprise you with his cooking art in a very relaxed setting so to stop you from dining outside.
The ladies at the reception were always friendly and full of good suggestions.
If you want to visit Salvador with a brilliant and unconventional guide, mention Luis at the reception and you will not regret the decision.

-At first, a bit worried since other travellers wrote it is in a bad neighbourhood, but based on my stay I would go back.
-Front desk extremely helpful and friendly. They took time to give directions and advice on sites and restaurants. Excellent English - a lot of staff travelled abroad (i.e. Europe, USA)
- We were greeted with a welcome drink - coconut water ... a nice refresher after a long flight.
-Boutique hotel with great decorating. The old doors of the original building add history and meaning to the decor.
- Lovely room .. provided bath robe and slippers. The room smelled like rose petals.
- Originally, there was a problem with the safe in our room. We were moved to another room in no time and the staff helped us transfer clothes and other luggage.
- The breakfast area was a beautiful garden setting. The food was excellent - eggs, plantain, lots of fruit.
- There was a hot pool beyond the breakfast area, but we didn't use it.
- Internet was free - added bonus.
- The gift shop had a lot of unique one of a kind crafts
- The only issue is the bad neighbourhood. Even though, the hotel is across the street from a church and police station ... its not recommended to wander too far. There are two very good local sea food places just across the street and the taxis cost literally nothing.