Rio

10 Places to stay

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world. The city is idyllically nestled between the mountains and the sea. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are among the most beautiful and famous city beaches of the world. Our hotel experts picked the best boutique hotels in the "Cidade Maravilhosa"

Santa Teresa Hotel

Santa Teresa Hotel

Santa Teresa

santateresamgallery

Located in a historic coffee farm dating back to 1850, this place is a boutique-style urban retreat in the heart of the Santa Teresa neighborhood. The bedrooms and suites are spacious and decorated and offer a beautiful views of the neighborhood. We loved the charming pool deck overlooking Guanabara Bay.

MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel
Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660, Santa Teresa
HA1X5-RE@ACCOR.COM
+55 21 3380 0200

santateresahotelrio.com

Janeiro Hotel

Janeiro

Leblon

janeirohotel

Bathed in natural light and the sea breezes, JANEIRO Hotel is located in the cosmopolitan beach of Leblon. Translating the concept of simple luxury into experiences, the hotel reflects into the art of hosting, the perfect balance between urban life and nature. Opened in mid-2018, JANEIRO won two international hospitality awards.

JANEIRO HOTEL
696 Av. Delfim Moreira, Leblon,
reservations@janeirohotel.rio
+55 21 2172-1001

janeirohotel.rio

Selina Lapa

Selina Lapa

Centro

selina

Just footsteps away from Selarón’s mosaic stairs and the Lapa Arches, Selina Lapa is a magnet for international travelers, Rio’s emerging artists, and creative entrepreneurs. Features include a South American-inspired restaurant, rooftop terrace, yoga deck, cocktail bar, and a movie room. Ideal for smaller budgets.

Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro
9 R. Visc. de Maranguape, Centro
+55 21 2506-7800

selina.com

Emiliano

Emiliano

Copacabana

emilianojrio

Hotel Emiliano, designed by Studio Arthur Casas and Oppenheim Architecture, overlooks Copacabana Beach and combines Brazilian Modernism with contemporary elements. Its popularity with local and international celebrities is due to its stylish interiors, luxury amenities, prime location, and rooftop pool. Rooms feature modernist furnishings by designers such as Sergio Rodrigues and Isamu Noguchi, with a mix of wood accents and lavish comforts. Choose between sea or city views, both of which offer stunning scenery.

Emiliano Rio de Janiero
3804 Av. Atlântica, Copacabana
+55 21 3503-6600

emiliano.com.br

Sheraton

Sheraton Grand

Leblon

sheratonrio

Located between trendy Barra da Tijuca and famed Ipanema Beach, the iconic Sheraton offers full-service hotel facilities in a tropical setting. The 538 guest rooms and suites (not quite boutique) have recently renovated and feature the comfortable "Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience" beds as well as private balconies overlooking the sea. Complimentary shuttle to Leblon beaches.

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
121 Av. Niemeyer,Leblon
+55 21 2274-1122

marriott.com

Fairmont

Fairmont

Copacabana

fairmontrio

Located in one of the most spectacular places at Copacabana Beach, under the majestic gaze of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Inspired by the glamour carioca in the 1950's, this luxury hotel is an oasis. There are 10 rooms categories with a balcony, and the Gold Rooms offer a private lounge and exclusive services. The hotel also has two swimming pools, spa, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, bars and meeting rooms.

Hotel Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
4240 Av. Atlântica, Copacabana
h1988-re@accor.com
+55 21 2525-1232

fairmont.com

Mama Ruisa

Mama Ruisa

Santa Teresa

mamaruisahotel

Located in the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro, it´s cool and eclectic air guarantees the best moments of relaxation that you can experience in the wonderful city. This colonial residence offers a trip to the exotic through its views of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Guanabara Bay and its lush garden full of banana trees. Mama Ruisa Boutique Hotel has become the temple of Brazilian modernist design.

Booking.com

Mama Ruisa Boutique Hotel
132 Rua Santa Cristina, Santa Teresa
resa@mamaruisa.com
+55 21 2210-0631

mamaruisa.com

Copacabana Palace

Copacabana Palace

Copacabana

belmondcopacabanapalace

An art deco masterpiece, Copacabana Palace is the crown jewel on the world's most iconic beach Since its doors swung open in 1923, this landmark hotel has entertained the rich and the famous. A hive of activity, this is the spot to mix with Brazil’s elite over caipirinhas.

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
1702 Av. Atlântica, Copacabana
reservations.brazil@belmond.com
+55 21 2548-7070

belmond.com

Chez Georges Rio de Janeiro

Chez Georges

Santa Teresa

chezgeorgesrio

Hilltop location in Rio’s lush Santa Teresa neighborhood. Designed by the Brazilian architect Wladimir Alves de Souza in 1974, this modernist residence is a outstanding contrast of soaring concrete beams, glass walls, marble entryways and lustrous wooden floors. Every corner of the villa is filled with art pieces carefully handpicked from around the globe. The 7 lofty rooms & suites and the swimming pool offer incredible views of the city and coast below. Chez Georges is also available for private hire.

Chez Georges, Member of Design Hotels
90 Ladeira do Meireles, Santa Teresa
hello@georges.life
+55 21 97232 7563

georges.life

Fasano

Fasano

Ipanema

fasano

Located on Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach, star designer Philippe Starck’s first hotel in Brazil pays homage to the golden age of bossa nova. Fasano offers a refined and sophisticated take on the traditional Brazilian hotel experience. Don't miss the infinity edge pool on the rooftop overlooking the city and the ocean. If you're looking for a luxurious, elegant but also fun hotel experience in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Fasano Rio is perfect for you.

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
80 Av. Vieira Souto, Ipanema
rio@fasano.com.br
+55 21 3202-4000

fasano.com.br

About Rio de Janeiro

Known for its stunning natural beauty, world-famous Carnival, and rich cultural heritage, Rio is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Rio is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Explore the city's historic neighborhoods, such as Santa Teresa and Lapa, and experience the vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine.

For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Brazil, Rio offers easy access to the nearby beaches, rainforests, and mountains. We recommend you to combine your stay in Rio with a trip to the nearby islands of Ilha Grande or Ilha Fiscal to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, crystal clear waters and secluded beaches.

Travel tips for Rio de Janeiro

Best time to vist Rio de Janeiro

You can visit Rio de Janeiro all year round as the city has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F) throughout the year. Generally, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, with lower humidity levels and fewer rainfall, making it a more pleasant time to visit. However, keep in mind that July and August are the peak tourist season, so prices for accommodations and activities may be higher during these months. If you are interested in attending Carnival, then the best time to visit is during February or early March, when Carnival takes place. However, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices during this time.

Must-see attractions in Rio

Rio de Janeiro has a lot of exciting things to see and do. Here are five must-see attractions in the city:

Christ the Redeemer: This iconic statue of Jesus Christ is located on top of Corcovado Mountain and overlooks the city. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil and a must-see attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

Sugarloaf Mountain: Another famous mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. You can take a cable car to the top and enjoy the views while sipping on a Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.

Copacabana: One of the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana Beach stretches for over 4 km and is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people watching.

Tijuca National Park: This vast forested area is located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a great place to go hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Brazil.

Lapa Arches: The Lapa Arches are a series of impressive aqueducts that were built in the 18th century. Today, they are one of the most popular landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, and the surrounding neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife and samba clubs.

Safety in Rio

Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for being a city with a high crime rate, and it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety while visiting. However, the city has made significant strides in recent years to improve security and reduce crime. Some areas of Rio de Janeiro are safer than others, and it is important to do your research and stay aware of your surroundings. It is also a good idea to take common-sense precautions such as not flashing expensive jewelry or electronics, avoiding deserted streets at night, and not carrying large amounts of cash. While some favelas have undergone significant urbanization, others can be dangerous due to the presence of drug gangs and other criminal activity. It is best to avoid visiting favelas unless you are with a local guide or part of a guided tour. There are also tourist police stationed in popular areas, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, who can provide assistance if needed. It is recommended to use registered taxis, especially at night, to avoid potential scams or unsafe transportation. Overall, Rio de Janeiro can be a safe city to visit if you take the necessary precautions and stay alert. Like any large city, it is important to be aware of potential risks and to take steps to minimize them.

Getting around in Rio

There are several ways to get around in Rio de Janeiro:

Metro: Rio de Janeiro has a modern metro system with three lines that cover much of the city. The metro is fast, safe, and affordable, making it a great option for getting around.

Bus: Rio de Janeiro has an extensive bus system that connects different neighborhoods and tourist attractions. While buses can be crowded and slow during peak hours, they are generally safe and affordable.

Taxi or ride-sharing: Metered Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are widely available in Rio de Janeiro. It can be more difficult finding a taxi or ride-share in Santa Teresa.

Bike: Rio de Janeiro has a bike-sharing program called Bike Rio, which allows visitors to rent bikes and explore the city's many bike paths and scenic routes.

Walking: Walking is a great way to explore Rio de Janeiro, especially in areas such as Copacabana and Ipanema, which have pedestrian-friendly streets and beachside promenades.

It's important to note that traffic in Rio de Janeiro can be congested, especially during rush hour, so it's a good idea to plan your transportation accordingly and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Published in January 2021. All listings on this page were independently selected and personally reviewed by our team of passionate travel experts. The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Do you have any feedback or suggestions regarding our guides, please contact us via the contact us page.