Must-see hotels in Rio de Janeiro State

  • Hotel Fasano

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Designed by Philippe Starck, the Fasano has fabulously designed rooms with hardwood floors, handsome furnishings (including chairs designed by Sergio…

  • Hotel Emiliano

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rio's loveliest new hotel sits on a prime spot fronting Copacabana's southern shore. The rooms have a modernist aesthetic, with jacaranda wood furniture,…

  • Hotel Santa Teresa

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    What is probably the finest boutique hotel in Rio is set in a lavishly restored building that was part of a coffee plantation in the 19th century. It…

  • Pousada Paraiso Açu

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Outdoors enthusiasts need look no further than this family-run, end-of-the-road hideaway, 20km northeast of Petrópolis adjoining Parque Nacional da Serra…

  • Maze Inn

    Flamengo & Around

    Set in the Tavares Bastos favela, the Maze Inn is a fantastic place to overnight for those looking for an alternative view of Rio. The rooms are uniquely…

  • Guapiaçu Bird Lodge

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Catering to ornithologists, this lodge offers ten comfy rooms with solar hot water, family-style meals served around a big table, and a library of nature…

  • Yoo2

    Rio de Janeiro

    Yoo2, which opened in 2016, has taken a generic high-rise and transformed it into a captivating 138-room hotel with an avant-garde style. Glass elevators…

  • Hotel Warabi

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Inviting features abound at this rustic hotel just above Maringá: comfy futons, ofuro (Japanese bath) tubs and a spacious wooden deck overlooking the…

  • Pousada da Alcobaça

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Midway between Petrópolis and Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, this gorgeous family-run hotel has a pool, sauna, tennis court and ample gardens…

  • Casa Búzios

    Búzios

    In a dream location just off Orla Bardot, this 1940s-vintage hillside home is now a sweet pousada, offering six spacious and unique suites with high…

  • Casa Beleza

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    This lovely property dates to the 1930s and was once a governor's mansion. Tropical gardens overlook the picturesque pool, and you can sometimes spot…

  • Um Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro State

    With a prime city center location opposite the Bohemia brewery, this town-house-turned-hostel has been a Petrópolis budget traveler's dream-come-true…

  • Happy Hammock

    Paraty

    This Swiss-run waterfront hostel sits on isolated Ponta Grossa, a 15-minute boat ride from Paraty. With no road access, limited generator-fueled…

  • Pousada Manacá

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    It's worth reserving ahead and paying the small surcharge for a front room with balcony and hammock at this French-run beachfront pousada. The ample…

  • Ypê Amarelo

    Rio de Janeiro State

    A welcoming oasis at the edge of Itatiaia town, this combo pousada-campground has pleasant green grounds, a pool, sauna and soccer and basketball…

  • Bonito Paraiso Beach House

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    A five-minute boat ride or a 30-minute hike from Abrãao brings you to this idyllic hideaway at the end of Abraãozinho beach. Argentine owners Juan and…

  • Che Lagarto

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Unbeatable location at the far eastern end of Abraão's main beach, a panoramic waterfront deck and a bar with free-flowing caipirinhas are the prime…

  • Bamboo Búzios Hostel

    Búzios

    Boasting a seaside perch in the thick of the Rua das Pedras nightlife zone, Búzios' most centrally located hostel offers four- to 13-bed dorms…

  • The Search House Búzios

    Búzios

    With clean white air-conditioned dorms and doubles, comfortable beds, and a dreamy backyard opening directly onto Manguinhos beach, the Search House is…

  • Bravo Hostel Design

    Rio de Janeiro State

    With a spectacular poolside deck overlooking bobbing boats in the harbor, this gleaming place feels like a cross between a hotel and a hostel, with a mix…

  • Pousada Lagamar

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Owners Ezequiel and Luciana have created this family-friendly pousada at beautiful Praia Vermelha on Ilha Grande's northwestern shore. It's a perfect…

  • Rio Surf 'N Stay

    Rio de Janeiro

    Just a short stroll to the fine surf off Macumba Beach, this converted house, which is owned by a New Zealander and a Brazilian, is the go-to spot for…

  • Hotel 55 Rio

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    This stylish boutique hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Escadaria Selarón, the Arcos da Lapa and the nightlife hot spots of Av Mem de Sá. The…

  • Mama Shelter

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Part of a budget-minded boutique-hotel chain, Mama Shelter has 55 colorful rooms, each with whimsical touches and bursting with personality. Lush greenery…

  • Cabana Copa

    Rio de Janeiro

    Top hostel honors go to this Greek-Brazilian-run gem in a colonial-style ’50s house tucked away in a Copacabana cranny. Four- to 10-bed dorms prevail…

  • Discovery Suites

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Run by the same folks behind the charming Explorer Bar next door, Discovery Suites has bright, stylish rooms with nicely framed artwork, colorful textiles…

  • Villa Laurinda

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    In a converted 1888 Victorian house, Villa Laurinda presents a serene portrait of life in Santa Teresa. At the entrance there's a lovely pool, ringed with…

  • Don Pascual

    Rio de Janeiro

    Surrounded by lush vegetation, this hidden spot has attractive rooms with a rustic-chic allure. Some of the rooms are split-level and incorporate…

  • Solar do Cosme

    Flamengo & Around

    Nestled at the foothill of Corcovado, this tranquil guesthouse earns high marks from guests for its verdant surroundings as well as the kindhearted hosts,…

  • Casa Bianca

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    This beautiful 1930s-era mansion down the road from Parque das Ruinas has lovely details: stained-glass windows, tall ceilings, a marble staircase and…

  • LSH Lifestyle

    Rio de Janeiro

    In an excellent location near Praia do Pepê, this lavish 122-room hotel has handsome interiors (designed by notable American architect David Rockwell),…

  • Belmond Copacabana Palace

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rio's most famous hotel has hosted heads of state, rock stars and other prominent personalities – Queen Elizabeth once stayed here, as did the Rolling…

  • Hotel Praia Ipanema

    Ipanema & Leblon

    With a view of Ipanema Beach, this popular 16-story hotel offers trim, comfortable rooms, each with a balcony. The design is sleek and modern, with off…

  • Pousada Moriá

    Rio de Janeiro State

    At this welcoming end-of-the-road hideaway, eight chalets and three suites with whirlpool tubs straddle a hillside at the national park's edge. Cozy…

  • Mango Tree

    Ipanema & Leblon

    In a cheery yellow house in Ipanema, this well-run hostel offers rooms with two-toned wood floors and a welcoming atmosphere. The back terrace with a bar…

  • Casa Cool Beans

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Your expectations will easily be exceeded at this discreet 10-room B&B, where the American owner's mantra focuses on personalized service. Each colorful…

  • Marina dos Anjos Hostel

    Arraial do Cabo

    One block back from Praia dos Anjos, this hostel is a wonderful base from which to explore the area. The helpful staff rent bicycles, canoes, snorkels,…

  • Mama Ruisa

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    French-owned Mama Ruisa aims for bohemian chic in its seven spacious, uniquely designed guest rooms. Every whim is catered for in this inspiring converted…

  • Cesar Apartamentos

    Búzios

    One of Búzios' rare beachfront bargains, this family-run cluster of three modest rooms and seven more spacious upstairs apartments sleeping up to four…

  • Local Friend Hostel

    Búzios

    The name says it all at this homey hostel one block from Geribá beach. After an eight-year round-the-world trip (New Zealand, Europe, United States), Rio…