Zank Hotel

A super-stylish hotel in a buzzing but untouristy part of Salvador

Up a steep side street, behind a colonial facade, sits this swish, white-walled, thoroughly modern hotel, where attention to detail and cutting-edge design go hand in hand. Owned by 3 glamorous sisters, it exudes a cool, laid-back air, with all rooms looking out towards the ocean. Past reception there's a small dining room which leads outside to a garden and the main part of the hotel containing the majority of bedrooms. There's also a decked area, which is perfect for watching the sun go down over Praia da Paciencia below. On the roof you'll find an infinity plunge pool with a fantastic view over the neighbourhood, as well as a spa area.

Its location, in the Rio Vermelho neighbourhood, offers an authentic slice of middle-class Brazilian life. In the evening, walk down the hill and turn left past the strip of bars until you reach a small, buzzing square packed with outdoor bars and young, trendy and friendly Soteropolitanos (local Salvadoreans). Join them to drink beer and feast on acaraje - delicious deep-fried snacks that are a link to the area’s rich African heritage.

Highs

• Hip, trendy design throughout
• Great nightlife within walking distance
• Situated 15 minutes from the airport and the historic Pelhourinho neighbourhood
• There's a pretty beach 5 minutes away

Lows

• You may feel a bit cut off if you want the full-on Salvador experience of painted houses and narrow cobbled streets (i.e. Pelhourinho), but it's only a 15-minute taxi ride away
• There were a couple of teething problems when it opened, but reports indicate that these have settled down