Pousada dos Quatro Cantos, Olinda, Pernambuco - beautifully refurbished colonial mansion right in the historical centre

Pousada dos Quatro Cantos is a wonderful place to stay, located right in the heart of historical Olinda, walking distance from nearly all the best bars and restaurants. The pousada itself occupies a grand mansion and listed building, dating back 120 years, and all the original features have been retained, from the high ceilings and huge floor to ceiling windows to beautifully tiled floors. As with all old houses, things don’t always work here, but the staff are, without exception, all helpful and charming, and in the end you just stop worrying

There are 18 suites but only six which really do justice to the beauty and charm of the mansion in which they are housed. Try the luxo, luxo superior, or the suite rooms for a chance to experience the past in grand style and comfort. And the swimming pool and gardens for a leafy place to relax and unwind after all that hill walking visiting the sites!

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.

• pre-carnival rehearsals, and of course carnival itself
• festivals at Easter, in June “festas juninhas”, and classical music in September
• shrimps with mango in a pumpkin at the Oficina do Sabor
• a caipirinha in the grocers shop “Bodega do Veio” round the corner

• location right in the historical centre, walking distance from best restaurants and bars
• lovely 19th century house, with original floors and tiling
• excellent place to base yourself for pre-carnival “ensaios” (rehearsals) and carnival itself

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Price Guide

Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with en-suite shower room, breakfast included.

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