Rio de Janeiro
Dramatic and teeming with life, Rio de Janeiro perches between ocean and jungle and is both a great one-stop destination, and a perfect entry point into Latin America. Even with images from films such as City of God, Rio and even Fast and Furious Five ingrained in the mind, the city’s breathtaking views do not disappoint and from the bossa nova cafés of Santa Teresa to the caipirinha laced beaches of Ipanema, Rio has so much to offer. Our favourite hotels include Rio’s trendiest luxury hotspots through to a careful selection of boutique guesthouses and B&B’s in Santa Teresa; not to mention one-offs such the famed Copacabana Palace and the must-include Cachoiera Inn in the resort of Buzios, the St Tropez of Brazil just two hours away from the capital. Some advice: you will need some basic Portuguese phrases to get by, especially in the smaller guesthouses, though English is spoken in the hotels. In high season (December to February) be wary of theft on the crowded beaches. Prices soar in high season, as does the temperature (35-40˚c) and visitors to the carnival will need to book hotels well in advance. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
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Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa)
Bohemian chic at this luxury hotel in the enviable location of Santa Teresa. Brazilian designs combine with the utmost designer elegance - rich wooden furnishings, soft sandstone, and unrivalled views from the fabulous loft suite. A very special place to stay with a fabulous restaurant.
44 rooms from $419City StyleViews - Great views from hotelLocal markets - Good for local colour.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors. -
Copacabana Palace - Rio
Rio de Janeiro
An iconic hotel fit for a King - its style and service harks back to the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era. An exotic fantasy world that has played host to the rich and famous. Magnificent pool and wonderful restaurants. Relax or liven up in style.
243 rooms from $514City StyleLively - Hip and happening.Local markets - Good for local colour.Spa -
Fasano
Rio de Janeiro
Retro-chic designer hotel on the beach. Minimalist without being stark - rich wooden floors and neutral tones with splashes of beach yellow. Stunning sea views from private balconies and delicious Italian cuisine. A sophisticated beach resort for romantics and families.
89 rooms from $636City StyleBeach LifeFoodiesFamilies -
Casa Beleza
Rio de Janeiro
A charming B&B nestled away in Santa Teresa. Just two rooms and two suites in modern retro styles by Brazilian designers. Lovely pool and a little garden of Eden with monkeys, butterflies, fruit trees and a pet turtle. Slightly Bohemian, somewhere to spend time relaxing.
2 rooms from $220City StyleSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorQuirky - An experience!Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Mama Ruisa
Rio de Janeiro
Elegant 19th century boutique guesthouse in a prime location above the Lapa district and overlooking Guanabara bay. Simple, but beautifully decorated rooms in white with splashes of delicate colours and balconies with stunning views. A really charming spot.
7 rooms from $301 -
Casa 32
Rio de Janeiro
Intimate 3 suite boutique hotel and neo-classical treasure trove. Previously enjoyed by the likes of Le Corbusier - testament to its splendour. Baroque carvings, murals, and hand painted rococo tiles. A truly magnificent spot in Rio with great facilities.
from $589City StyleLocal markets - Good for local colour.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - I Escape -
La Suite
Rio de Janeiro
Out-of-town cliff top guesthouse with celestial ocean views. Super stylish contemporary rooms with Warhol themes and fabulous balconies. Fabulous infinity pool and wondrous food. An wonderful retreat with oodles of romance.
7 rooms from $396HoneymoonsCity StyleLocal markets - Good for local colour.Views - Great views from hotel -
La Maison
Rio de Janeiro (Gávea)
Tranquil boutique retreat set in a lovely hillside mansion. Stunning views from the private terraces of equally stunning travel-inspired rooms. A fantastic pool with flamboyant cocktails to get you in the mood for the nightlife in nearby Ipanema. Stylish, romantic, unique.
5 rooms from $182City StyleLocal markets - Good for local colour.Kids Club - Fully staffed.Views - Great views from hotel -
Casa Cool Beans
Rio de Janeiro (136 Rio de Janeiro-RJ (Santa Teresa))
Inexpensive, super-friendly B&B in a cool boho neighbourhood. Clean and simple white washed rooms with splashes of colour - most with two double beds. Multiple gardens, open-air areas, pool and sun deck have wonderful views and are perfect to chill out in. A great choie for groups of friends.
8 rooms from $129Groups - Most rooms have two double beds.Value chicFull of characterSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Cachoeira Inn
Rio de Janeiro (Armação dos Búzios)
Delightful tropical hideaway in the buzzing resort of Buzios, the St Tropez of Brazil, beloved of Brigitte Bardot
Alexander Duncan,
posted Monday, 30th May 2011
