Hotel 7 Colinas, Olinda, Pernambuco
"charmingly sophisticated hotel/pousada, right in the historical centre "
| Nearest Airport: | Recife - 37 kms | |||
| Trip Style: | History + Culture | |||
| Pousada Facilities: |
44 bedrooms bar, hammocks, pool, restaurant |
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| Room Facilities: | 220v; air conditioning, minibar, room safe | |||
| Language(s): | English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish | |||
| Recommended attractions: | churches, walking | |||
| Ideal for: | couples, families, friends sharing, solo travellers | |||
| Price Category: | $$ bed and breakfast | |||
| Cards Accepted: | Visa, Diners, AMEX | |||
| Web Site: | http://www.hotel7colinas.com.br | |||
| Pousada Guest Book: |
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Note: Where pousadas are off the beaten track, Google maps only show the nearest town, and are not an accurate guide to location. |
About the pousada
The 7 colinas is often referred to as a pousada and the atmosphere here is definitely more pousada-like than any normal hotel, but where the difference really comes out is in the extra comforts which come as standard. Bathrooms have powershowers and telephones and hairdryers; all rooms have both fans and airconditioning, a TV with good reception, a table to work on, and, blessings of blessings, free wi-fi internet.
Situated in extensive grounds in the heart of the historical centre of Olinda, below the Catedral da Se, the Hotel 7 colinas is blend of new buildings in predominantly colonial style sitting alongside the original 19th century mansion which now houses a museum and small cultural centre. From the restaurant and breakfast room you look out over the lovely swimming pools surrounded by palm trees and flowers. A perfect place to relax in peace and quiet whilst still being in walking distance of all the sights and restaurants and bars.
About the location
Olinda is a world heritage city, 6 km north of Recife which appears to have changed little since the 18th and 19th centuries. Like Tiradentes (Minas Gerais) and Parati (Rio de Janeiro) streets are all cobbled, but just to make finding your way around slightly more complicated streets follow the contours of the hills, and the city is full of steps and nooks and crannies all waiting to be discovered.
In the historical centre there are some 17 churches and 4 museums, 2 markets and plenty of other things to see. That is in addition to the famous carnival and carnival preparations, the Friday street serenades, the wonderful handicrafts and local art, and all the festivals going on throughout the year.
This is definitely not somewhere you want to visit in a hurry.
Not to be missed
- festivals during the year, particularly the classical music festival in September
- walking tours of Olinda and Recife with Paul Barnett
- pumpkin dishes at the Oficina do Sabor; caipirinhas in Bodega do Veio; tapioca in the Praca da Se
- relaxing by the swimming pool in the hotel
Pousada Starpoints
- quiet location in the centre of the historical centre
- airy, well appointed, and comfortable rooms
- swimming pool and jacuzzi surrounded by trees and flowers
| Try a different place if... you prefer smaller and more personal or you don't like the odd noise from children or guests arriving late at night. |
