Yes, the hotel structure is undeniably beautiful. But, for us, thats where it ended.

Our room was like a cave. I understand that because of the age of the building there are no lights overhead. The rooms rely on floorlamps. Our room had three lamps - one of which did not work the whole time (and after two calls to the front desk I gave up). Seriously, the rooms we so dark.

The food was just gross. Half-way through our dinner at the hotel I got so sick that I had to leave mid-meal. I proceeded to vomit all night long. Yes, they took the one meal off the final bill.

Room service was equally poor. There was a serious disconnect between what the menu was and what they offered. One more than one occasion we were told that they did not have a given item and it took a minimum of three calls to actually get the order correct.

One day I decided that I was going to walk without my young daughter. It was very hot and I knew she'd rather stay at the hotel. I called three times and was assured everything was set for the next morning at 11AM. When I went to the front at 11AM I was greeted by the original person I spoke with like I had three heads. "Oh, shall I try to call for a sitter for you" was his response.

My biggest disappointment was the lack of concierge or just care toward their guests (or me). One three occasions I went to the front desk to ask questions, get some information, etc and one three occasions I had the same dismal map given to me. Thanks so an amazing tour guide I found on my own we saw some amazing stuff. However, the hotel did not offer ONE recommendation!!

This hotel charges a lot of money and I could not wait to leave!

This is a super hotel with a lot of atmosphere and you really get something of the feel of how it would have been when the monks lived there. They have retained many of the features that make it such an intersting place to stay.
There is also a sacristy within the hotel which is kept locked but will be opened for guests to view which is quite stunning and indeed is a World Heritage Site.
The rooms are great with very comfortable beds and bathrooms.
I do not think the food warrants a 5 star rating and so I would suggest if you stay here eat at an outside restaurant.
Breakfast was very good.
Staff were generally helpful.
The hotel has a good location too being very central for the main historic tourist area.

We really enjoyed staying here. The convent is beautiful and the rooms are lovely. It is right in the heart of the old town - the area is quite dodgy - particularly after dark- so best to catch cabs and stick to main streets.

This 'leading' hotel needs leadership. The hotel failed to arrange for our airport pickup, did get us to our room promptly, but ignored us when we went down to the restaurant for a meal: we eventually sat ourselves, then waited 20 minutes for a menu and it took another half hour to order and secure a glass of wine. Asking for Salt and pepper was a massive issue. The meal was perhaps the blandest we had during our week in Bahia. Too bad they can't execute on what should be a no brainer.