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.

Probably a good hotel in its day but in need of renovation.

The rooms were large but very sparse with what little furniture showing signs of old-age.

The peeling wallpaper and damp bathroom were disappointing.

Aside from its beaches, the leading attractions in Salvador da Bahia are nearly all in or near the Pelourinho, the nicely restored and extensively policed colonial 'old town.'

The hotels in the Pelourinho itself are inexpensive, but not very good -- and the beach hotels are far, far away from the old town.

The Tropical Bahia is an excellent compromise. It's a 30-minute walk from the Pelourinho -- or a 20-minute bus ride from the main beaches. It's also just a block from Bahia's main performing arts theatre.

Like all of Varig Airlines' hotel properties, Tropical Bahia is an up-scale place with (1) good-sized rooms and well-appointed bathrooms, (2) a good restaurant and a small bar, (3) a few shops and a well-stocked newsstand, and (4) a helpful and friendly staff.

I enjoyed this hotel in AUgust 2003, nice breakfast buffet, friendly english speaking staff, yes a bit outdated with room keys, nice area for day walks, a nice park, staff helped me find a lost camera left in a taxi, and helped find a english speaking cab driver- for a nice city tour.