I ended up spending 6 nights in Salvador-- 3 at the Monte Pascoal Praia hotel on the beach in Porto Do Barra, then 3 weekend nights at the Sheraton Salvador.
Totally recommend the first hotel for weeknights-- on weekends there is often blaring music/loudspeakers for beach/party events (not the hotel's events). Great to be able to walk to Shopping Barra Beach, also to Praia do Porto do Barra (beach). It was great.
Now for the Sheraton: I really liked it! For the SPG points needed, it's great. The Sunday breakfast that was included in my rate offered free flow champagne (!) and was lovely. Great outdoor seating. Exellent gym, though it's tucked away in the parking garage area. Pool looks nice but in winter (July) it wasn't busy. Again, for the points, it's awesome.