You really do get an entire boutique hotel to yourself. It’s built on the ruins of what was once a very old building there, as evidenced by many ruins nearby. Walk down the street to the east and you’ll see them, just waiting to be restored by whomever owns them. We loved how there was an old part that made the ruins part of the design and a new part that used them as inspiration, but thoughtfully modernized, but not so as to exclude the old part from any of the glitz. All of my family had only good things to say.
Paulo is friendly and will happily give you as much advice as you want about the city and area. The location is fabulous as it’s away from the touristy areas down the road but close enough to them to enjoy them. You’re easily walkable to all sorts of great areas. The view from the main patio are enough to keep one entertained for many hours.