Pousada Convento da Conceição

The shared areas give you plenty of room to meditate, from the foyers to the central courtyard and dining halls. Add in the quiet atmosphere and it's a peaceful haven that can really lift your spirits, all at a very affordable price. The convent has been thoughtfully restored and adapted as a pousada for travelers and visitors to Olinda. The rooms are modest but very well maintained. You'll share bathrooms, though there are plenty and they're clean. It's a beautiful place to spend the night if you're interested in the country's cultural heritage.

We had a huge veranda off our room with a view of the lighthouse and the sea beyond it. The bed wasn't very comfortable, though, and there was nowhere to hang or store our things. Breakfast was possibly the worst I've had at a hotel, with almost nothing to choose from. The staff were all very pleasant, and the property is beautiful. This is a unique place, so it's hard to compare with other properties. The former convent isn't open to the public, so staying here is the only way to see it. The bed and breakfast only opened in 2018, but the building dates to 1585 and was originally a convent. It served as one until 2014 and is still owned by the Sisters of Saint Dorothy. There are 31 rooms in total: 14 have private bathrooms, and the other 16 use shared toilet facilities. I'm very glad we stayed. Its historical and architectural significance makes it worth staying here once.

For a short stay in Olinda, one night or two at most, this restored old convent is an ideal base. The rooms are austere, but the building is beautiful.

The building has an interesting history, and most of the staff were lovely. The rooms are very basic.