These are all the best boutique and luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sunshine is calling your name.
From Argentina to Venezuela, the countries that make up South America hold a vibrant mixture of culture, colour, and culinary delights, drawing travellers from far and wide. The largest of them all, Brazil is renowned for its enchanting festivals, and its unique passion for dancing, music, celebration, and football. For those set to explore, any of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be the perfect jumping-off point for getting to know the capital.
The best boutique and luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1. Mama Ruisa | Santa Teresa
You’ll find Mama Ruisa in the quiet neighbourhood of Santa Teresa; a still-standing remnant of 19th century architecture with a glamorous white exterior. Outside, tropical gardens and a tranquil swimming pool offer a private place to unwind, while the inside features high ceilings and furniture heralding from 50s and 60s Brazil which was hand-selected by the owner.
Choose from a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite; some of the latter include a private terrace, and all have simple white and wood interiors with hints of colour in the unique artwork and linens. Although there’s no restaurant to speak of, guests can enjoy breakfast by the pool and there are restaurants within tram distance. Experiences here really shine however, with private trips to samba schools, art and architecture tours, and organised surf lessons in Arpoador.
Find out more about Mama Ruisa or Book through Booking.com
2. Janeiro Hotel | Ipanema
Janeiro Hotel in Ipanema was designed by Brazilian artist Oskar Metsavaht, who is usually more well-known for haute couture than hospitality. Yet his skills translate seamlessly into this oceanfront property, where all rooms and suites look out over the beach. The smallest is The Room, which sleeps two, escalating to the Master, from where you can spot Christ the Redeemer from your lounge, do some yoga, or soak in the free-standing bath.
Did we mention that all of the rooms include extras, such as breakfast at Janeiro Restaurant, functional training on the beach, and butler service? As for activities to occupy your time, slip on your complimentary Havaianas and head down onto the sand where private drink service awaits, explore the city on a bike or visit the Mini Spa for a massage. Afterwards, lounge with a drink at the pool bar, or book a table at Cedilha, which serves traditional Brazilian cuisine.
Learn more about Janeiro Hotel or Book through Booking.com
3. Vila Santa Teresa | Santa Teresa
Another Santa Teresa bolthole, Vila Santa Teresa sits on an expansive estate with its own gardens, swimming pool, and views over Sugarloaf Mountain and the Guanabara Bay. The property is designed to feel like a homely village, and the rooms and suites combine modern amenities with historic photos, patterned prints, and traditional wooden furniture. Our pick is the Master Suite, which also offers city views, a Carrara marble bathroom, and an incredible sunken JCD Delepine bathtub.
Such a peaceful oasis unsurprisingly has its own spa, with a menu of massages and scrubs using herbal ingredients, plus, guests can join functional training, yoga and meditation sessions in the garden. Drinks are served at Bar Alberto, named for the patriarch of the family who originally built the hotel, and Beatriz Restaurant is just as charming, fusing French and Brazilian cuisine using ingredients grown onsite. Private picnics, a sunrise breakfast, and seafood grill are just a few in-hotel experiences, but to push the boat out, book a private helicopter tour over Rio.
Discover more about about Vila Santa Teresa or Book through Booking.com
4. La Suite by Dussol | Joatinga
La Suite by Dussol sits in the Joatinga hills and feels like entering the mansion of an eccentric billionaire. It was designed by François-Xavier and has spectacular vistas over the ocean, Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, with interiors decorated in a range of bright colours with an assortment of antiques and ornaments lovingly representing Brazil. There are just seven unique suites, named for their colour palette. As an example, the Red Suite is painted deep pink, with a giant, cherry-shaped light, California queen bed, and deep marble bath.
Being small, there isn’t a wealth of extras, but staff are friendly and there’s an honesty bar, demonstrating the community feel of staying here. Guests can also enjoy a floating breakfast in the pool and welcome drinks, and despite the lack of a restaurant, dinner can be organised on your balcony.
Read more about La Suite by Dussol or Book through Booking.com
5. Belmond Copacabana Palace | Copacabana Beach
Belmond Copacabana Palace has been the hotel grand dame of Rio since 1923, located right on Copacabana Beach. It’s over-the-top lavish, from the imposing white exterior to the endless marble and wood interiors, with chandeliers dripping everywhere you look. There are 239 rooms and suites, which have welcomed the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Princess Diana. They have a timeless, comfortable style with king-size beds, French doors that you can throw open for the view over the ocean or pool, and opulent soft furnishings.
There is a long list of impressive facilities, including a half-size Olympic pool, a spa, fitness centre, rooftop tennis court, and private beach service. Every experience is customised, from cruises around Guanabara Bay and paddleboarding through mangroves, to private sightseeing and architecture tours. Dining is the jewel in the hotel’s crown, thanks to Michelin-starred restaurants Mee by Ken Hom, and Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, along with other casual venues, a pool bar and an omakase experience.
Find out more about Belmond Copacabana Palace or Book through Booking.com
6. L’homme de Rio | Ipanema
It’s cosy, it’s homely, yet it’s still stylish and chic. L’homme de Rio is conveniently located in Ipanema, with just 10 spacious suites, views over the ocean and colourful but pared back design. Each suite is individual: Suite Copacabana has a queen bed, walk-in shower, and balcony with bright palm-tree patterned walls, while Suite Ipanema, the largest, adds a Victorian bath and beach views, furnished with colourful throws and a cow hide rug.
There’s no restaurant here and breakfast is served in a shady courtyard, but the rooftop is what draws guests, with its view over the Sugarloaf and sparkling infinity pool. It’s the perfect spot to read a book or have a sundowner at the bar, after a day of exploring the plentiful shops, restaurants, and surf nearby.
Learn more about L’homme de Rio or Book through Booking.com
7. Emiliano Rio | Copacabana
The only way to describe Emiliano Rio’s style is ‘contemporary’, from the uniquely patterned exterior (trypophobes beware) to the living walls and eclectic patterns inside. Every room has lots of space and provides fun, personalised flip flops – even the smallest Deluxe Twin, which has a flatscreen TV and surround sound, minibar and living area. The Cuba Suite is the most impressive, offering geometric windows with city views and king sized bed, plus a bathtub, living area and plunge pool inside the room furnished in sleek wood and cushy leather.
There’s a butler on call, beach service, and a spa, but our favourite feature is the rooftop pool which has a wet deck and sweeping ocean views along with Emilie Bar serving light bites. Downstairs, Emilie Restaurant uses Brazilian ingredients in dishes like seafood black rice with aioli, and peach palm stew.
Read more about Emiliano Rio or Book through Booking.com
8. Lagune Barra Hotel | Barra da Tijuca
Lagune Barra Hotel is the perfect spot to be based, overlooking Lagoa de Jacarepaguá but at the heart of Riocentro, the city’s largest events complex. It’s simple and cosy, with everything you need and rooms range from superior twins to suites and balcony rooms. Balcony rooms are the best value, providing a private terrace, spacious bathroom and queen sized bed opposite the window, which has panoramas of the coast and mountains in the distance.
There’s a stunning wooden pool deck complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas, plus a lobby bar and a fitness area that includes a gym and sauna. Brisa Restô is the culinary hub, serving three meals a day both buffet and a la carte with dishes that celebrate the local Carioca style.
Discover more about Lagune Barra Hotel or Book through Booking.com
9. Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro | Ipanema
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a place to see (the beach and Sugarloaf) and be seen (sipping cocktails by the rooftop pool). It sits right between Arpoador and Ipanema beaches, with golden sand in all directions, and the sleek, Bossa Nova style comes from designer Philip Starck mixed with traditional Brazil.
Rooms at the smaller end are extremely cosy, but scale up to an Oceanfront or Ocean View Suite and you’ll get your own balcony, living room and private bar. King beds are enrobed in 300-count Egyptian cotton and the marble bathrooms are decked out with signature Starck mirrors and Ipanema flip flops.
When you’re not relaxing by the pool or trying a therapy at Fasano Spa, there’s an endless list of tours: private helicopters, sunrise yoga or a trip to the famous Maracanā football stadium, and surf boards are complimentary. Each morning brings a delicious breakfast buffet at Fasano Cafe, while in the evening, Gero Rio serves international cuisine in an open-air dining space created by architect Miguel Pinto Guimarães.
Learn more about Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro or Book through Booking.com
10. Hotel Arpoador | Ipanema
Hotel Arpoador is Rio’s original beachfront stay, within steps of the Ipanema boardwalk and close to all of the area’s buzzing restaurants and bars. The design is bright and airy, with light wood finishes. The rooms encapsulate this, featuring huge white beds, billowing white curtains and blue furnishings that blend seamlessly into the ocean visible outside the window.
We recommend whiling away your days at the rooftop pool, also home to a sauna and a small gym, plus yoga classes throughout the week. Guests can also explore on two wheels thanks to complimentary bikes, hit the hotel’s spread of deck chairs on the beach or have a drink in the terrace bar. Arp Bar downstairs also serves incredible international dishes focused around seafood. To top things off, their sustainability practices are a mile long, ranging from energy-saving tech and waste management, to using ingredients and products sourced locally.
Find out more about Hotel Arpoador or Book through Booking.com
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