Village Novo - Beach Suítes

We had a lovely stay at Hotel Village Novo. We had a balcony room and I loved hearing the waves at night. Brian and Christiane were great hosts. They speak English. Although the staff did not speak English, we were able to use Spanish, google translate and gestures. To us, this is part of travel and it was easy to get our messages across. The breakfast was delicious and there was a good variety of eggs, fruits, cheese and pastries. There is a buffet and a menu for ordering certain items but we found the buffet to be sufficient. There was also meat but we don’t eat that, it’s there if you want it. The location was great. It was a safe area for walking around, across from the beach and a short cab ride to other parts of the city.

The location is a great one if you like to get out of your room and walk at the nice Porto da Barra. We have done it 9 years ago and it was great in this no frills place. Unfortunately we got there this time and our reserved and paid room was not available. The reception started taking our bags to “our room “ but we noticed that it was not what we reserved. They said it was “even better than the one we reserved “ and they could not find our reservation. Fortunately we had a copy of it and could show that it was paid in full and the room we paid for. We went to see the alternative room they offered . It was a room in an apartment at a next door building. I wasn’t prepared to be sharing an apartment with people I don’t know. The reception tried for one hour to contact the owner to understand what happened. We found another hotel immediately and left. Next day we got the payment back to our account by PayPal. I don’t think we will go back there or recommend it for our friends. Mistakes happen, but the general attitude of take it or leave it is not what we expect from a “Pousada” in Salvador. We asked to use the bathroom downstairs ( they have a bar) to find it without toilet paper. Ask for it and witness an attitude of “couldn’t care less “. I am sorry for them. That isn’t what made them a great place in the past. We are native speakers and have lived in Salvador in the past. No cultural issues here or misunderstandings.

I arrived at this place during Oct-16, it was pretty late at evening so there were not too many available options. The receptionist did not speak a word of English (which is pretty common in Brasil), but she didn't even try to be helpful and use a translation app as I suggested. The room did not feel clean at all, the place is old, bottom line - I just wanted to sleep the night and walk out. Unfortunately, my room was on the first floor, so I heard all the street noise until about 3 AM. When I wanted to check out at morning, another receptionist claimed I didn't pay, as the previous one told me they were out of paper to print the receipt. The only good thing I have to mention is the location, yet, as mentioned - at least from the first floor you hear everything.

Had the pleasure of spending my winter holidays at this delightful, boutique hotel. In fact, the hotel is a period building beautifully restored by American entrepreneur Bryan Houck and his wife Cristiane Da Silva. They run this jewel of hotel like a true home - their staff too make you feel incredibly at 'home'. I must return asap

My wife and I and various family have been visiting Village Novo over the past 8 years, and we can honestly say there is no down side to staying here. The staff is friendly, the location ideal, the food is great, and the price affordable and more than fair. It's a unique place that provides a perfect beach setting for experiencing Salvador.