Salvaged Stays: historic buildings that became accommodation in Brazil

Traveling can also be a way to experience history. In 2026, a movement is gaining momentum in the hospitality sector: the repurposing of old buildings to create hotels, inns, and vacation homes full of meaning. Known as salvaged stays, these accommodations combine architectural restoration, contemporary design, and heritage appreciation.

The term salvaged stays drew attention after appearing in the report "Unpack '26: The Trends in Travel", from Expedia Group, the conglomerate to which Hotels.com belongs. According to the research, more travelers are seeking hotels with history – which expresses not only a tourism trend, but also a behavioral change.

What characterizes salvaged stays?

Salvaged stays are essentially accommodations set up in pre-existing buildings—often constructed decades or centuries ago—that undergo meticulous processes of restoration and adaptation. Instead of providing "just" luxury, they present themselves as options for those seeking authentic experiences that are connected to memory and local identity.

A central aspect of salvaged stays is the balance between preservation and functionality. The adaptation needs to meet current standards of comfort and safety, including modern installations, accessibility, and sustainable solutions. The result is a dialogue between the old and the new, in which historic architecture becomes the protagonist of the experience.

Furthermore, these accommodations are often located in established urban areas or historic centers. By reoccupying previously underutilized buildings, they contribute to revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening cultural tourism. Thus, salvaged stays are not just places to sleep, but spaces for immersion in the architectural narrative of each destination.

5 options for salvaged stays to discover in Brazil

Brazil, with its historical and architectural diversity, offers relevant examples of this movement. From colonial mansions to repurposed industrial buildings, salvaged stays are gaining ground in different regions of the country. Some examples include:

1. Inns in colonial mansions in Paraty (RJ)

In the historic center of Paraty, various mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries have been transformed into inns. The preserved facades, internal courtyards, and wooden ceilings converse with contemporary furniture. A good example is the Sandi Hotel, which occupies an old mansion that was once the first school in the city and the Mint House during the gold cycle.

2. Boutique hotels in Pelourinho, Salvador (BA)

In the heart of the historic center of Salvador, colorful townhouses underwent restoration to house small hotels and vacation homes. Elements such as Portuguese tiles, iron railings, and high ceilings were preserved. Among the most well-known are Villa Bahia, Casa do Amarelindo, and Convento do Carmo, which was one of the largest and oldest convents of the Carmelite Order in the country.

3. Requalified buildings in São Paulo (SP)

In the capital of São Paulo, old warehouses and historic buildings have been converted into contemporary hotels and accommodations. Exposed bricks, metal structures, and large spans are maintained as part of the visual identity. The buildings Copan, Mirante do Vale, Esther, and Germaine Burchard are just a few with apartments available for temporary rental.

4. Historic farms transformed into hotels in the interior of Minas Gerais

Rural mansions from the coffee or gold cycle have been adapted to receive guests. Spacious porches, original floors, and attached chapels are part of the preserved architectural ensemble. In this sense, mention should be made of the Hotel Fazenda Fonte Limpa, from 1742, listed by the State Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage of Minas Gerais.

5. Modernist houses converted into lodging

In cities like Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, modernist residences designed by renowned architects have been restored and opened to the public as vacation homes. Straight lines, brises, and integration with the natural surroundings are emphasized. In this case, salvaged stays not only preserve 20th-century architecture but also allow guests to experience the space as it was originally conceived.

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