The city of Salvador, Bahia is lovely but it could be dangerous, just don't wear jewelry or look too much like a tourist. Your best bet to be safe is to dress down and avoid walking in the city late at night. I stayed at the Tropical Bahia from January 27, 2005 to February 3, 2005. I left right before carnival to the city of Rio. The hotel physically needs updating but the staff(very helpful and friendly) and the pool makes you forget that your room still has the same design from the 1970's. The area of the hotel is in the middle of the city between the beach and pelundrino(the colonial/tourist area) I personally like the area because all major bus lines stops by the hotel and I felt safe during the night and day but it can be very noisy during the day. If you are in the pool during sunset or late in the afternoon watch out for the micos(little monkeys) and sometimes fruit bats, I personally enjoyed watching them. Basically the hotel includes all the amenities you need but don't expect to feel like you are at the Sheraton.
