Must-see hotels in Rio de Janeiro

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Hotel Santa Clara

    Rio de Janeiro

    Along one of Copacabana's most peaceful streets you'll find this attractive three-story hotel with a white stucco facade and blue shutters. The front…

  • El Misti

    Ipanema & Leblon

    An excellent base in Ipanema, the friendly El Misti has simple, well-maintained dorm rooms (sleeping four to 12) as well as a few private rooms (two with…

  • Casa da Gente

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    A short stroll from the top of the Escadaria Selarón, the Casa da Gente is a welcoming French-Brazilian-run guesthouse with a strong interest in…

  • O Veleiro Bed & Breakfast

    Rio de Janeiro

    Surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, O Veleiro is a delightfully set guesthouse located on a cobblestone road uphill from Botafogo. The rooms are small and…

  • Discovery Hostel

    Flamengo & Around

    One of Rio's most socially minded hostels, Discovery is a great place to meet other travelers. While it's not on the beach, the attractive converted house…

  • Ritz Hotel Copacabana

    Rio de Janeiro

    One block from the beach, the Ritz Copacabana offers contemporary rooms set in neutral color schemes with all the creature comforts (blackout curtains,…

  • Le Relais de Marambaia

    Rio de Janeiro

    Perched on the edge of the ocean in the peaceful community of Barra de Guaratiba, this boutique hotel has attractive rooms with wood floors, balconies and…

  • Babilônia Rio Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Uphill from Leme, this place has five dorm rooms and two private rooms, including one much sought-after chamber (Quarto Vidigal) with air-conditioning and…

  • Vila Galé

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Breathing new life into ragged Lapa, Vila Galé – a high-end luxury chain from Portugal – invested some €35 million in this beautiful property. The…

  • Pousada Favelinha

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Located in the favela of Pereirão da Silva, Pousada Favelinha has four double rooms and a five-bed dorm, all with balconies that have stunning views over…

  • Ritz Leblon

    Ipanema & Leblon

    In one of Rio's most desirable areas, this stylish low-key hotel has attractive, uniquely designed rooms and common areas that give it a boutique feel…

  • Aquarela do Leme

    Rio de Janeiro

    This beautifully designed, upmarket hostel is located on a wide road just inside the Babilônia favela in the neighborhood of Leme. The spacious private…

  • Ipanema Inn

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Located just a short stroll from the beach, the Ipanema Inn is a simple hotel whose rooms have off-white ceramic tile floors and simple wood furnishings;…

  • Aparthotel Adagio

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This hotel offers attractively designed suites with faux-wood floors, big windows and light, muted colors. Some rooms have balconies, and the upper two…

  • Sheraton

    Ipanema & Leblon

    The Sheraton is a true resort hotel, with large, peaceful grounds. Every room has a balcony, facing either Leblon and Ipanema or verdant greenery, and…

  • Ipanema Beach House

    Ipanema & Leblon

    The location is fabulous, in a converted two-story house with a beautiful pool and yard, just a short stroll to the beach. The private rooms, while small,…

  • Orla Copacabana

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Spanish-owned Orla Copacabana has some attractive, understated rooms, but the beach-facing location is the real draw. The standard rooms are too…

  • Injoy Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Despite the name, this place feels less like a hostel and more like a small guesthouse. Injoy has a mix of private doubles and cozy dorms set in a lovely…

  • Novotel Rio

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set slightly back from the beach and therefore slightly lower in price than other hotels, the Novotel offers a comfortable stay in one of Leme's loveliest…

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