I stayed in Salvador for 14 nights. I was due to stay in the Pelhourino (historic) area for the full duration, but after 7 nights there I had had enough of the noise, with the Pousada I was staying at being on a noisy road. I needed peace!
I then booked into the Cocoon Hotel. Well it was just what I wanted. Very quiet and calm. Admittedly it is about 20-30 mins back into Salvador but it is a great location for the beaches and two minutes to bus stops taking you up and down the coast. Re the negative comments on the location in other reviews. I don't get it. It is in a nice suburban area, with Pilates centres and a children’s nursery. It is not surrounded by bars and restaurants but I think that's the appeal. The Hotel served nice food, also with a pizza and sushi places opposite and an open air Italian restaurant nearby (head towards the beach then walk a few minutes left). There is also a big supermarket 5 minutes away (go right instead, or for a short cut take fork to the right facing the beach each time). I’ve also included photos.
The Hotel itself was lovely. Very clean, tv with many English channels, really friendly and happy staff etc. I agree with one reviewer though that a map of area, bus routes, attractions nearby etc would be useful. Also if a taxi driver does not turn on their metre get out or tell them to turn it on. It is a sign they plan to overcharge you.
Re beaches, the ones across from the hotel were very nice. I’ve included a picture of the area you walk over to get to them). Also on one occasion I got a bus to Itapoa beach then walked along the beach past all the noisy parts to the area with the fishing boats. Lovely and quiet and you could hire a kayak for 10 reals for half an hour. Also nice portly fella with grey hair was a great host and liaised with other vendors to bring hot food and even watched my bag etc. (see photo).
Also did the schooner trip arranged by the hotel which was fun, with the trip to the islands being lovely too and the staff playing samba and dancing as we travelled on the sea, clearly having a lot of fun themselves. Also Tuesday nights is the night to go to Pelhourino. Samba bands playing all over the place and Oludum is a must see (they also play on a Sunday evening). Just don't walk where you don't see police having a visible presence. And if someone tries to tie a bracelet on you, only accept it if you are prepared to pay! Likewise taking photos of the Capioera dancers or women dressed in traditional costumes. They will hassle you to pay.
But back to the Cocoon Hotel. I really enjoyed my stay and have no hesitation in recommending it. Regarding the negative comments I’ve seen online, I’ve mentioned the location. What I wanted. I accept not for all. As to no privacy, the patio windows are covered by an orange mesh that adds lots of light and can be seen out of, but can’t be seen into. The bathroom is also totally private when the sliding door is pulled across. Regarding someone’s bizarre comment that the hotel was for ‘homosexuals’, apart from the fact that that should not be an issue, when I was there, there were single people, couples, families etc. Just a very ordinary mix of people.
I’d certainly stay there again.
- Cocoon Hotel Salvador
- Cocoon Hotel
