Your stay — Poussada olida mare
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Olinda.
The Property — Poussada olida mare
Pousada Olida Mare sits in a restored 19th-century townhouse on a cobbled street in Olinda's historic centre. The lobby feels like a private colonial sitting room: cool blue-and-white tiles, dark wooden furniture, and a small internal courtyard with a plunge pool. Not luxury, but clean and characterful, with breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the Atlantic. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be steps from Olinda's churches, galleries and Carnival parade routes, not a poolside resort.
Chronicles of Olinda
Olinda was founded in 1535 by the Portuguese nobleman Duarte Coelho, making it one of Brazil's oldest colonial settlements. It grew rich on sugar cane, and its hilltop position, with baroque churches and pastel-painted mansions, earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1982. Dutch invaders occupied the city from 1630 to 1654, setting off a unique architectural fusion of Portuguese and Dutch styles. Today Olinda thrives as the cultural and artistic counterpoint to Recife, famous for its giant puppets, frevo music and fiercely preserved colonial skyline.
Best Time to Visit
Full Olinda guide →Best months
September to November: winter has passed but summer rains haven't fully arrived; days are warm (25-28°C), the city is quiet, and hotel rates are moderate.
Peak / festival surge
February (or early March, depending on Carnival): Olinda's Carnival draws enormous crowds of revellers and street dancers. Hotel prices can triple, and the pousada often requires multi-night bookings and full prepayment.
Budget shoulder season
April and May: just after Carnival and the summer heat (28-30°C) gives way to cooler temperatures and lower prices. Rain is more frequent but still intermittent, and flights to Recife are cheaper.
Weather & packing
Olinda sits on the coast just south of the Equator, so humidity is high year-round and brief tropical downpours happen even in the dry season. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry clothing; leave jeans at home.
Live City Briefing — Olinda
- A new cycle lane along Avenida Olinda Mimosa now connects the historic centre to the Praia do Rio Doce, making it easier to skip taxis between the pousada and the beach.
- Restoration work on the Igreja da Sé (Olinda's cathedral) is due to finish in mid-2026; scaffolding currently obscures part of the facade, but the viewpoint next to it remains open.
- Carnival 2026 dates have been confirmed for 21–24 February; the pousada is already taking reservations for the following year, so book early if you plan a 2027 stay.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Poussada olida mare, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor (first floor above ground) facing the internal courtyard rather than the street. This minimises traffic noise from Olinda's narrow, cobbled roads while still allowing some natural light and a breeze. The courtyard side is typically quieter in old colonial buildings.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms (terrace level) facing the street. These catch early morning foot traffic, delivery vehicles, and noise from local bars that open by late afternoon. Also skip any room adjacent to the breakfast area or the single lift shaft if present — the lift mechanism in a 3-star property can be rattly.
Best views
Rooms on the top floor (third level) with windows facing east — you may catch a sliver of ocean view over the rooftops of Olinda's old town, especially towards the coast. But don't expect sea; the real view here is of terracotta roofs and church domes, which is the charm of the location.
Quietest floors
Second floor (first above ground) up to third floor, provided they face the interior courtyard or the side alley rather than the main road. Olinda's historic centre buildings rarely exceed three storeys, so top-floor rooms are also quieter and cooler.
🔊 Noise notes
Olinda's streets are cobbled and very narrow — traffic noise is amplified between close-set pastel houses. Expect early morning church bells from nearby Basílica de São Bento (around 7am) and occasional loud music from local bars on Rua do Amparo, especially on weekends. The pousada's position in the historic centre means street noise is a fact of life; earplugs recommended.
Insider tips
1. Park at the official lot 200 metres uphill (follow signs for 'Estacionamento Alto da Sé') — don't try to drive to the pousada's doorstep; the one-way system is a nightmare and you'll likely scrape a mirror. 2. Request a room key for the main gate when you check in — the pousada locks the street door after 22:00, and returning late without a key means buzzing a sleepy receptionist.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Poussada olida mare
Free Wi-Fi throughout; sufficient for browsing and email; may drop during peak evening hours (around 19:00-21:00)
No passenger lift; the property has two floors and is stairs-only
No complimentary newspaper or digital newsstand; some printed local newspapers available in the common lounge for guests to read
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 costs R$80 (subject to availability)
Free baggage storage at reception before check-in and after check-out
No step-free access; entrance has a single step and there is no ramp; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or bathrooms; not recommended for guests with limited mobility
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Estacionamento do Carmo (Rua do Amparo) at R$25 per 12 hours (open 07:00-22:00); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no additional city tax charged at this property)
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required to guarantee booking; incidental card hold of R$200 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Igreja de São José dos Pescadores (358 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: ARC Afoxé Alafin Oyó (408 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Convento e Igreja de São Francisco (499 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Graças (584 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galeria Laranja Cravo — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Praça Dantas Barreto — 116 m · ~1 min walk
Museu de Arte Sacra de Pernambuco — 906 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Itaú — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Drogaria São Paulo — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Matias de Albuquerque — 2.2 km · ~27 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Brazilian Real, BRL
Use bank ATMs (avoid airport and tourist-area exchanges which give poor rates; Banco do Brasil and Bradesco are reliable).
Credit and debit cards widely accepted, including contactless; mobile pay (e.g., Google Pay) less common in small shops.
No obligation, but 10% service charge often added in restaurants (if not, rounding up is fine). Taxis: round up. Hotel staff: R$5-10 for porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso (cafezinho) at a bar or bakery: R$4-6.
A prato feito (set meal of rice, beans, protein) at a local restaurant: R$18-25.
A main course at a simple pizzeria or lanchonete: R$20-30.
Olinda's Alto da Sé area has cheap tapioca, pastel, and acarajé stalls, especially during festivals.
Supermarket chains like Supermercado Extra or Assaí (less common in central Olinda; stock up in Recife).
The outdoor market at Mercado da Ribeira (Wednesday and Saturday) sells cheap casual wear; avoid souvenir stalls.
Bus (R$5.60 per ride; no day pass) or taxi/ride app (Uber ~R$12 from Recife airport to central Olinda).
Eat lunch at a padaria (bakery – big selection of savoury snacks). Drink tap water only if boiled/filtered; buy 1.5L bottled water for ~R$3. Use public buses instead of taxis between Olinda and Recife.
Good to know — Olinda
Type C/N · 127/220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ R$5.08 · BRL
Emergency Contacts
OlindaFor general emergencies in Olinda, dial 190 for police, 192 for ambulance, or 193 for fire service. The city's tourist police number is (81) 3429-3300. For non-urgent help, call the municipal Civil Defence on (81) 3439-2679.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Olinda, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Poussada olida mare
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Itaú — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk — pharmacy · Drogaria São Paulo — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
GRU Airport Bus Terminal (Terminal 1/2) → Olinda, Praça do Carmo
💡 Take the 'Recife' line (São Geraldo or Guanabara). Get off at Praça do Carmo—it's a 10-min walk uphill to Casa de Artistas. Buy your ticket at the airport counter, not online, to avoid dynamic pricing.
São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) → Airbnb Casa de Artistas, Olinda
💡 Pre-book via the 99 app a day before; avoid taxis from the airport queue as they can double the price. Agree the toll route (Rodoanel) with the driver upfront.
Recife Bus Station (TIP) → Olinda, Av. Presidente Kennedy
💡 Use bus 101 (Setúbal/Recife) or 203 (Rio Doce). Sit on the right side for views of the colonial skyline. Have exact change in reais; driver won't break notes above R$20.
Recife City Centre or Boa Viagem → Casa de Artistas, Olinda
💡 Hail a 'taxi comum' (white with blue stripe) from a taxi stand—never from the street at night. Ride-app taxis (Uber) are cheaper but wait times can be 15 mins in Olinda's narrow cobbled streets. Request a 'Paratodos' jeep-taxi if you have luggage—they handle the steep hills better.
About Olinda
Wikipedia ↗
Olinda (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɔˈlĩdɐ]) is a historic city in Pernambuco, Brazil, in the Northeast Region. It is located on the country's northeastern Atlantic Ocean coast, in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, the state capital. It has a population of 349,976 people, covers 41.681 square kilome...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Poussada olida mare?
Request a room on the second floor (first floor above ground) facing the internal courtyard rather than the street. This minimises traffic noise from Olinda's narrow, cobbled roads while still allowing some natural light and a breeze. The courtyard side is typically quieter in old colonial buildings.
Which rooms should I avoid at Poussada olida mare?
Avoid ground-floor rooms (terrace level) facing the street. These catch early morning foot traffic, delivery vehicles, and noise from local bars that open by late afternoon. Also skip any room adjacent to the breakfast area or the single lift shaft if present — the lift mechanism in a 3-star property can be rattly.
Is Poussada olida mare noisy?
Olinda's streets are cobbled and very narrow — traffic noise is amplified between close-set pastel houses. Expect early morning church bells from nearby Basílica de São Bento (around 7am) and occasional loud music from local bars on Rua do Amparo, especially on weekends. The pousada's position in the historic centre means street noise is a fact of life; earplugs recommended.
Which rooms have the best views at Poussada olida mare?
Rooms on the top floor (third level) with windows facing east — you may catch a sliver of ocean view over the rooftops of Olinda's old town, especially towards the coast. But don't expect sea; the real view here is of terracotta roofs and church domes, which is the charm of the location.
What are insider tips for staying at Poussada olida mare?
1. Park at the official lot 200 metres uphill (follow signs for 'Estacionamento Alto da Sé') — don't try to drive to the pousada's doorstep; the one-way system is a nightmare and you'll likely scrape a mirror. 2. Request a room key for the main gate when you check in — the pousada locks the street door after 22:00, and returning late without a key means buzzing a sleepy receptionist.
What time is check-in at Poussada olida mare?
Check-in at Poussada olida mare is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Poussada olida mare have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; sufficient for browsing and email; may drop during peak evening hours (around 19:00-21:00)
Is there a city or tourist tax at Poussada olida mare?
None (no additional city tax charged at this property)
Where can I eat cheaply near Poussada olida mare?
A prato feito (set meal of rice, beans, protein) at a local restaurant: R$18-25.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Poussada olida mare?
Bus (R$5.60 per ride; no day pass) or taxi/ride app (Uber ~R$12 from Recife airport to central Olinda).
When is the best time to visit Olinda?
September to November: winter has passed but summer rains haven't fully arrived; days are warm (25-28°C), the city is quiet, and hotel rates are moderate.
Top Attractions in Olinda
💡 Entry to the church is free; the small museum upstairs costs R$5. Weekday mornings are quietest—escape the tourist trail here.
💡 Look for the house number 67—it's a cooperative space with rotating open studios. Go on a Saturday morning when most workshops are active and the owners chat freely.
💡 Free on Tuesdays, but the permanent collection is always gratis. Check the schedule for temporary shows—some may have a small fee (around R$5).
💡 Come just before sunset to claim a spot on the low wall—street vendors sell cold coconut water and grilled cheese for a few reais.
💡 Bring your own towel and snacks—there are no rentals. The best spot is near the rocks at the south end, where locals fish for small fry.