Recife
Just a 20-minute bus ride from downtown, the beach neighborhood of Boa Viagem offers a variety of hotels, some good restaurants, and a bit of nightlife, all with easy access to the beach. Unfortunately, none of the hotels in Recife really stand out. However, whatever Recife lacks in interesting hotels, Olinda more than makes up for with a number of gorgeous pousadas, most in buildings 200 years old or more. Olinda also has some of the best restaurants in the area, and there's great daytime sightseeing. We recommend staying in Olinda for at least 1 or 2 nights and exploring the city from there. A bus between Olinda and Recife takes about 30 minutes and taxis are affordable as well.
Boa Viagem/Piedade -- Recife's main hotel neighborhood for tourists is Boa Viagem, as close as you can get to downtown and Olinda while still being in a safe neighborhood on a lovely, clean beach. Most of the hotels are located within 3 blocks of the water, if not directly on the beachside Avenida Boa Viagem. From late March to June and August through October, rates can drop 50%, sometimes even more.
Olinda
Olinda's pousadas, located in the city's historic center, provide charming and comfortable accommodations. Staying in a 200-year-old building does mean giving up a few modern conveniences (especially elevators), but in return these pousadas offer personalized, attentive service and beautifully furnished digs in a unique setting.
Note: No buses run within Olinda, as it is a small hillside neighborhood. However, all restaurants, accommodations, and attractions are within walking distance of the main bus station.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
