Grande Hotel da Barra

Brazil , Salvador da Bahia - Costa Do Sauipe
SALVADOR, Rua Forte São Diogo, 02
Show on Google | Website | Map

100 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

03 Apr 2026

Christopher

This property is in a great place but is very dated.
Rooms are basic and need a refresh.
Bathroom is clean but old fashioned and basic.
Staff are very friendly and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Anthony

The staff was friendly. Breakfast was good. Room clean and comfortable. I stayed on the 6th floor. Sea view was very nice.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Hill Cox

The location was excellent. The staff was very personable and helpfull (out of the way helpfull). Will definitely use this hotel if ever traveling to salvador again

Self

4/10

Poor

13 Feb 2026

Troy

The hotel is dated and needs investment

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2026

Paula

Nice room!
Olivera, the bellman, was very nice and helpful. I think Olivera is his middle name. The staff are all very nice and helpful. All the bellmen, wait staff etc. Felipe and Eduvan at the buffet and bar are very nice and professional. Fabio was very nice, helpful and gave good advice on a special event going on. This was a nice gesture. He was a little stressed when we checked in but we did try to check in early so maybe that played a part in the stress.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Guillermo

Buen hotel, buena ubicación frente a la playa, personal muy amable, habitación cómoda, desayuno bueno, el área de la piscina muy agradable, la piscina muy buena y grande. Por la ubicación frente a la playa es un poco ruidoso, no estaría mal reforzar la insonorización, especialmente las habitaciones con vista al mar como la que ocupamos. En la zona hay muchas opciones gastronómicas.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Asvany

The location of this hotel is great, it's handy to go out and about Barra, the beach a few steps ways. Our room was clean. What stood out for us was the staff, especially Fabio in the reception. We had a small issue with our first room but he was very attentive and accomodating to ensure we had a great stay. I recommend this place when going to Salvador.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2025

Dorothy

The staff were exceptional. The area is quaint and walkable. Several good restaurants. 15 minute taxi ride to old historical centre.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

04 Dec 2025

Soumyadeep

Great location, Sea View room has a beautiful view of the beach.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2025

Gerald

Very clean, most friendly and helpful staff--couldn't be better. Safe location; Police presence day and night--and friendly/helpful. Close to everything: beach, restaurants, shops... If I visit Salvador again, I will choose this hotel as the best location.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2025

Ronald

Great place great neighborhood lively

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

maria venice

Hotel is just what we needed. Staff are very nice, near a lot of shops. Beach view from our hotel room is a bonus.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Aug 2025

Luca

Directly across the street from the most iconic, touristic, and safest beach. Staff are incredibly helpful. Price is right.

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2025

Adam

The hotel itself was good. Staff were helpful and the place was well maintained. Food was OK. Barra beach is not clean and very overcrowded at the weekend. The area outside the hotel and along the sea front wasn't totally safe.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Aug 2025

Emanuel

Todo muy bien, el servicio, la ubicación y la limpieza. Solo me preocupó un detalle con relación al cobro de la estadía. Ya estaba pagada y me dicen que no, es emtonces que busco la evidencia y el personal cuando no le quedó de otra me dice hay si disculpa me estaba equivocando. Claro nunca me enseño los papeles. No sé, no me parecio una simple equivocación.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2025

Tiffanni

My mom, sister, and I had an amazing eight-day stay at Hotel Grande de Barra. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed and cared for. Every single staff member was helpful, attentive, and genuinely kind, which made our experience even more special especially since we don’t speak the native language. The kitchen staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well-fed. They were so accommodating and warm that it truly touched us.

Our room was spacious and clean, and anything we needed was handled promptly and with care. The personalized service made it hard to say goodbye, not just to the city, but to the hotel itself. It felt like leaving family.

The hotel is not only beautiful and well-kept, but it’s also in the perfect location just steps away from two stunning beaches, close to great restaurants, and only a short drive to the main attractions in Bahia.

Without a doubt, anytime I return to this area, I will always stay at Hotel Grande de Barra. The people, the views, the location, it’s all unforgettable.

Minha mãe, minha irmã e eu tivemos uma experiência incrível durante os oito dias em que ficamos no Hotel Grande de Barra. Desde o momento em que chegámos, sentimos-nos bem-vindas e cuidadas. Todos os funcionários foram prestáveis, atenciosos e genuinamente simpáticos, o que tornou a nossa estadia ainda mais especial — especialmente por não falarmos a língua nativa. A equipa da cozinha foi incrível: foram tão acolhedores e disponíveis que ficámo

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2025

Steve

Great

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2025

Paula

Beach front not safe if you are a female alone
I was travelling alone.I tried to not speak at all because I only speak English..I felt targeted when I asked three men to stop talking to me at the beachfront
The pool at the hotel was lovely though
2 great English speakers..
Fertinand in the restaurant and front desk spoke great English very well and were helpful.Food at the restaurant was very well done.
The price was very reasonable
The locstion was great.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2025

Robert

No warm or hot water to shower.
All shower was done in a cold water.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2025

Andrew

It was a nice hotel that was on the beach. The swimming pool and its bar/restaurant was nice. The room was okay but had balcony view of the pool.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Great staff

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2025

Alyssa

Best location next to Porto da Barra Beach.
Great Pool area.
Excellent Staff.
We will come back soon.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2025

Patricia Alves faustino

The property is Nice but the location is noise. The swimming pool area is cozzi and staff vero frendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2025

Tijuana

Pleasant stay but the property is older and could

It was a good experience but the hotel is a bit old and dated. The location was good but that part of the beach gets very crowded. The beach was better further up.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2025

Victoria

My stay at the Grande Hotel da Barra was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality. The location is unbeatable—nestled right by the stunning Porto da Barra Beach, offering breathtaking ocean views that are worth every penny.

I stayed in an ocean-view Luxury room on the top floor, and it was totally worth it! The views were simply breathtaking, and the room itself was spacious, clean, and comfortable. While the hotel could use some modern renovations, the room I had was just fine. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and I encountered no issues at all during my stay.

Breakfast was incredible—a delightful mix of fresh tropical fruits, traditional Brazilian treats, and international options—all served with a picturesque view of the sea. It was the perfect way to start each day.

I loved hanging by the pristine pool area, which was perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Being directly across the street from the beach and within walking distance to so many fantastic restaurants, bars, and local attractions made the location even more ideal.

The staff was incredible—always friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure I had a fantastic stay. Their helpful tips about local attractions and activities added an extra layer of enjoyment to my trip.

I had the time of my life and can’t wait to return! If you're visiting Salvador and want a luxurious yet authentic experience, I wholeheartedly recommend!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2024

Douglas Michael

This was the best location for my introduction to Salvador de Bahia, Brasil.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2024

PAULO

Very nice place.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2024

Bakari

O hotel é bem localizado, no Porto da Barra, ponto turístico de Salvador. A equipe é bem prestativa, o café da manhã é bem variado e uma delícia, tendo até opções sem lactose. A piscina é grande, o quarto é otimo, limpo, chuveiro bom, tem água quente na pia, o serviço de quarto é rápido.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2024

Darian

Would strongly recommend this place!

I had a great time this hotel. The staff was super friendly and helpful. As an American, most people did not speak English, but I was still able to get everything I needed. Great location (across from the beach) and next to the square. And the free breakfast wasn’t bad either!

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2024

Gustavo

The location is perfect. But the beach is extremely crowded. Very dirty sand with trash and lots of people drinking and smoking.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2024

Gordon

Excellent location. Wonderful hotel. Lovely pool area. Iconic Beach just steps away. (Possibly the best beach in the city. Lovely stores and restaurants everywhere.)

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

26 Mar 2024

Joo Tim

Great customer service at the front desk and at the housekeeping
The hotel is very convenient and right on the Barra beach next to the lighthouse. Busy during the weekend right at the heart of the activities

It is a bit dated and needs some repair and maintenance to make it prettier but everything works

The restaurant food is good. There were things u can order separately from the buffet which is local dishes. Could have been told about it. Found out on the last day

One thing I would warn is the tour agent in the hotel. She will tell you it is an English tour. And yes the tour guide does speak English but do not provide all the details that he provided to the Portuguese speakers. Abit disappointed by that

There is a money exchanger across the road next to the ice cream shop. It is hidden behind a glass wall which is for safety. Better rates there for dollars

Generally love the hotel and the location. And the staff are great and the palce is clean. The pool is also a great touch

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2024

Jose Balmore

Good hotel at Barra beach. Recommended!

Good hotel with a great view and access to Barra beach and many restaurants serving local food. Very good breakfast and friendly staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2024

Greg

Experience was great

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2024

Vanessa

I really enjoyed my stay , the property is beautiful. Poolside, drinks and food was outstanding...i was happy there and appreciated EVERYTHING!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2023

Diogenes

Right next to the beach/boardwalk. Very nice.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2023

Suzana

Great location, friendly staff, comfortable stay. This is my go to hotel whenever I come to Salvador. Will be back.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2023

David

Great location. Clean but can use some upgrades.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2023

Laura

Central Location

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2023

Inalva

The receptionist was amazing

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2022

Lorena

Properly is very old rooms need renovation,

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2022

Lorena

All rooms need renovation , very old floors, decord

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2022

Barbara Augusta

Good but the hotel should be urgently refurbished. Especially the doors to the hotel rooms

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2022

Milton

Good staff service

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2022

Ernesto

Well located near a popular beach and not too far from Pelourinho, one of the hot areas in downtown Salvador.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2022

Maurice

Best view of Barra Beach Salvador

I have stayed at this hotel twice now. If you want to in the heart of Barra it’s perfect. And if you get a room facing the water it’s perfect for tanning and also the best view of the sunsets. My room was a renovated room so I was happy. I stayed in all the hotels in barra and this is the best one. The waiter who is a mechanic in the restaurant is my new friend. I wish I knew his name a charasmatic friendly guy who loves the Indy.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 Dec 2021

Bruno

Great location but needs a refresh

Great location but a little rundown.
Would need a major renovation.
I booked a Deluxe with sea view.
Since I paid extra for the room category I would have expected to have at least a bottle of water. Instead an empty minibar fridge…

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2021

Uliana

The location is perfect, just steps from the beach. From our ocean view room we watched the most beautiful sunsets.
Breakfast had a variety of dishes, from local cuisine to the \"usual\" stuff (eggs, toast, etc..). The staff was always attentive. Good pool area, perfect after a beach day. Good hotel, would definitely stay again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2021

Wency

The view from 601 was amazing. Restaurants are within walking distance & in the weekend you could get a nights rest.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2021

Raquel

Uma boa opção!

Ótima estadia! Para quem vai pela primeira vez a salvador e necessita estar próximo aos principais pontos turísticos é ótimo!
Vale a pena pagar um pouco a mais pelo quarto com vista para o mar. Opte pelos quartos dos andares reformados para não ter supresas desagradáveis

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2021

Verified traveler

Great location! I would recommend!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Very pleased with the location. The pool was not very clean so we avoided it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2021

salar

Great location right next to the beach. Their breakfast buffet is also delicious.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Feb 2020

jody

Wow location and a nice hotel

The location is perfect and we had the best sea view. Inside a little dated but nothing serious and the pool area and breakfast is good. Staff friendly.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2020

Danielle

Great hotel except for construction

This hotel is in a prime location for tourists who want to be based in Barra. There are lots of restaurants, small shops, supermarkets, and tourist sites available walking distance from the hotel. The upgrade to the ocean view room is definitely worth it. It is lovely to watch the sunset from the balcony. Breakfast is delicious. Tours can be booked on site. Staff was very helpful when I needed to change money.
There are some downsides to the hotel. The lock on the hotel room door wasn't very secure and the light was out in the hallway so it was necessary to wander in the dark to find the hotel room. Additionally, there was significant construction going on during my stay and it was very noisy on some days.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

I loved this darling little hotel. This is Brazil not the USA, once you understand that you will love the place. My room is a good size, especially for a beach hotel. There is ac a balcony overlooking the best swimming beach in Salvador, and a small fridge with a freezer that works. The bathroom is small but clean and even a hair dryer. Yes its noisy at night but you don’t come to Barra for tranquility i just put in my headphones and stream my videos and don’t hear a thing. The sfaff is very nice and they speak English. I found breakfast very nice, with a mix of local dishes added to your standard eggs and sausages. I am vegan, gluten free and I loved it.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

It’s worth it to get a room with an ocean view. The location is good for the beach and shopping.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2017

Antonio

We were on first floor the noise from the street was disturbing.

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2016

Fernando

The hotel is good although need some restoration.

Some rooms need restoration, It should have some inspector going through the rooms and see what is needing for exemple in my room the air conditioning was leaking during the night and in the other room the safe has no baterries so I have to call someone to replace them in other to make it to work.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2016

Helen

It was Grand at the Grande'!

Hotel was very accommodating. Right on the beach. Not the Ritz, perhaps Holiday Inn. VERY Clean. Attentive & Professional staff. Felt very safe in the neighborhood; walked at night, early morning walks and sits on the beach. Food was good. Great location for public transportation; take the bus! - just over $1 USD. No TV in English. If sharing; twin beds not doubles. But comfortable sleep. Bring your own (HMD2 cord or other internet available stations) No complaints. Recommend pay the little extra for beach front; 1st night in interior. Exterior is worth the view and the continuous sound of the ocean. Mr. Santos, GM, very nice, helpful and speaks English.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Nice hotel, right in front of the beach

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

I have been there many times and I love this hotel. Easy, simple and pleasant.

8/10

Excellent

13 Aug 2015

sylvanus

3 nights in barra salvador Brazil

Hotel official were great room 303 has a great view... Free breakfast was a great addition .... Location was great right on the beach.....Although lot of natives was not attractive .... Price was good

8/10

Excellent

31 Dec 2014

Verified traveler

Great location, nice pool and bar

You have to rate this hotel under local standards in Brazil - and because it's right on the beach, has it's own pool with poolside bar, and a decent breakfast, it's a pretty good hotel

4/10

Poor

09 Aug 2014

Dissapointed 1

Construction site

The hotel is not onlzy verzy limited in accessing but also surrounded bz roadwork and beach access work etc.
The hotel pool is full of acid and under cleaning, revision.
All hotel restuarant etc. is dark and not where you would like to eat.

4/10

Poor

08 Aug 2014

Maxdonel

Grande Hotel da Barra could be Grande

I booked this hotel for its location and the nice swimming pool.The swimming pool was closed for one month, the room was small, the electrical outlets were out of order and the “free” internet did not work, the staff moved us to another room, worst internet, at the end we gave up…

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2013

zappapet

grande hotel da barra

excellent! great service, great location, great personnell

Family

4/10

Poor

09 Jul 2012

S. Williams

Ok Option if Staying in Salvador/Barra

I expected hotels in Barra to be a bit nicer. And while this hotel seemed to be the nicest one in the area, it was just mediocre.

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2012

R.P. Thompson

A Good Funky Ambiance

A good location; and the \"different\" characters that hung about the area, opposite the hotel at night, notwithstanding, safe. A wide variety of simple, good restaurants, with convenient super markets, banks, pharmacies, as well as a transportation hub for buses and taxis, right in the immediate area.

4/10

Poor

30 Nov 2011

Jose

Grande Hotel da Barra

Pros:
- The best employee in the hotel is Mrs Flavia outstanding receptionist.
- Location in front of the beach.
- Parking service.

Cons:
- Quite old hotel with poor maintenance;
- Internet does not work in the rooms, only in the lobby, despite being announced WIFI in the whole hotel;
- Poor breakfast;
- Service very poor.

8/10

Excellent

26 Apr 2026

Rita Helena

Cafe da manha nao era incrivel, mas a localizacao é otima. Alguns quartos muito barulhentos

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2026

Rubén

Un hotel bien con buena ubicación y una alberca muy agradable.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

Marlon

Hotel bem localizado, mas falta mais acessibilidade pra pessoas com problemas de locomoção nos banheiros, tipo barras no boxe para se apoiarem

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2026

Hallyson

Vista e localização muito boa.
Hotel sem ferro de passar.
Café da manhã pode ser melhor.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Isabel

Hotel excelente! Ótimo quarto, amplo, banheiro muito bom. Cafe da manhã muito variado.
Uma linda piscina. Ótimo atendimento dos funcionários. Nao tem como reclamar de nada pq tudo nesse Hotel é bom.

Self

4/10

Poor

01 Apr 2026

AUDRIA

O hotel é antigo, não tem nada de luxo, tive que trocar de quarto, pois o ar condicionado não funcionou e ainda pingou a noite toda. Quarto vista da piscina, não tem nada demais, pois tem construções na frente o que deixa a vista péssima. O café da manhã é razoável, nota 6,5 para tudo. Apenas a localização é boa.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2026

Edison

Muito agradável a minha estadia. Boas instalações e opções de serviço, ótima piscina e excelente piscina.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2026

Hélio

Alles Gute gewesen

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Marta

Fiquei no quarto luxo vista mar. O quarto é bom. Chuveiro muito bom. O café da manhã é ok, pelo preço já tive café da manhã melhores. A piscina é grande e boa, porém fica suja com besouros, abelhas, folhas. Deveria ter uma limpeza mais de uma vez no dia.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2026

diego

Otimo, e perfeita localização

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

Priscila

funcionários extremamente gentis (especial Gabriel da recepção), quarto bacana, mas secador muito velho precisa ser trocado

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Andreia

Hotel simples, com quartos limpos. Hotel peca em nao ter um chuveiro ou lava pes na entrada ou uma entrada de praia. Ao voltar da praia o hospede entra cheio de areia pelo hall e vai ate a area a da piscina, onde la no fundo ha um chuveiro, ou leva areia para dentro do quatro.
Cafe da manha bom. Localização e o ponto forte.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

14 Feb 2026

Deyse

Chão sujo, frigobar sem funcionar, estacionamento seno cobrado e além disso, ainda cobraram uma diária a mais do estacionamento. Ar condicionado creio que precise de manutenção e limpeza. Apesar disso, café maravilhoso.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

FFelipe

Tudo perfeito

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Arlindo

O quarto impecável os funcionários educados e prestativos

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jan 2026

Marcio

Televisao do quarto muito pequena, cerca de 20 polegadas, e de difícil programação. Merece atualização

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jan 2026

Rasmus

Need renovations, very old

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Pedro

Boa localização, equipe eficiente e simpática.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Juvenal Teixeira

Muito bom

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jan 2026

Erik

Price like a 4 star hotel but quality like a low 3 star.
Tried 2 other 3 star hotels in Brazil for half the price which were better than Grande Hotel da Barra

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2025

Roberta

A localização é excelente!!
Estive em 2021 e achei que iriam modernizar, ledo engano. Mas quebra o galho rm.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Dec 2025

lionel

Le petit déjeuner était le plus décevant du voyage.
L'entrée de l'hôtel est peu accueillante avec des grilles et un hall pas très joyeux. La salle de bain laisse passer les son de la rue, les matelas ne sont pas de très bonne qualité. Un peu décevant.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2025

Mohamed Riadh

Bien

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2025

Melissa

Quarto limpo. Boa localização.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2025

Pamela

Quarto grande com viata para o mar;
Bem equipado e com otimo ar condicionado;
Atendimento excelente.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2025

Michele

Experiência incrível, como sempre. É a quarta vez que ficamos no GHB. Quarto ótimo, muito limpo e cheiroso. Localização excelente. Cafe da manhã impecável. Atendimento maravilhoso.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2025

Natacha

Le quartier où je me trouvais est très animé.
Vous avez la plage, les restaurants et les locaux sont gentils près à aider.
J’ai apprécié mon séjour de qq jours.

Self

4/10

Poor

15 Nov 2025

JORGE LUIZ

O quarto apareceu barata, na sala para crianças tinha barata. Corredores fedendo muito a cigarro .
Funcionário são maravilhosos, a única coisa que poderia dar nota muito boa seria para os funcionários que são educados e atenciosos.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2025

Fátima

Hospedagem tranquila.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Fernanda

Tudo maravilhoso