Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho, Salvador

Mercure is a brand new hotel located adjacent to Ibis and within walking distance of the Pestana. It surpassed my expectations with a great infinity pool and lounge area, swim up bar, nice restaurant, clean gym facilities, clean (and new) rooms, free in-room Internet, business center, and English-speaking front desk. This hotel is so new that even the cab drivers don't really know what it's called. The hotel is a bit far from Pelourinho (costing around R$20) but I feel it was a good home base from where you could hit other beaches, the Aeroclube Plaza, and other restaurants along the beach.