The Catussaba Resort Hotel is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a simple and traditional property offering good value, and has spacious tropical gardens -- complete with roaming peacocks -- that front sandy Itapua Beach. However, it’s tired with signs of wear and lacks charm. Unfortunately, rusty fixtures and fittings are a common sight. Rooms are dark, and the large public spaces feel soulless. Travelers should also be aware that during our visit, hotel security was reluctant to let us wander along the sands. It’s also worth noting that the hotel is popular for local weddings and events, which can mean lots of lively activity and noise. There’s also loud music when the animation team gets going down by the pool. The hotel draws plenty of local couples and families seeking fun in the sun -- particularly on weekends -- as well as some business travelers and tourist couples looking for beachfront value above all else. 

The Catussaba Resort Hotel has direct access to Itapua Beach, although most of its guests tend to stay within the resort. The beach isn’t suitable for swimming due to rough waves. The location is fine for tourists who like to spend their time enjoying resort facilities, but it’s not terribly convenient for travelers looking to explore historic downtown Salvador -- the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pelourinho (or Pelo) -- which is about 30 minutes away by car or taxi. Besides the beach, there’s not much within walking distance of the hotel. It’s a five- to 10-minute drive to reach attractions like Itapua Lighthouse, Vinicius de Moraes Square, and the gorgeous Lagoa do Abaete. Getting to Salvador International Airport only takes 10 minutes by car.

Rooms at the Catussaba Resort Hotel are simple and traditional, with inoffensive neutral decor, tiled floors, and basic minimal furniture like small dining tables, wardrobes, and large mirrors. Previous guests commend the cleanliness of the rooms, but like the rest of the resort, there’s wear and tear and a renovation is overdue. Some rooms have limited natural light. On the plus side, most rooms have a balcony and some have views of the ocean. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- although the reliability depends on your room. There’s also a fridge stocked with water and local beer. Monochrome marble and tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers and wall-mounted hairdryers. There’s little difference between the rooms in terms of decor and amenities; Standard Rooms are a decent size, while the Presidential Suite is far more spacious.

The hotel’s beachfront setting is its highlight, though the rough surf means that a stay here is more about the views of the beach from the tropical gardens than the beach itself. In the palm-clad gardens, there are four interlinking swimming pools (where animation activities are regularly held) and plenty of sun loungers. Further sports and leisure facilities include four tennis courts and a fitness center, and kids have use of basic indoor and outdoor play areas. Two restaurants serve up traditional buffet and a la carte dishes, including popular Moqueca (a shrimp stew), and for drinks there’s a lounge bar and a pub. Breakfast will cost you extra. A couple of simple meeting rooms and event spaces sometimes host parties and weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but it can be unreliable. There’s plenty of free on-site parking.