Rio de Janeiro

The Hotel Guru
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro

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About Rio de Janeiro

Dramatic, teeming with life 24/7, Rio de Janeiro perches twixt ocean and jungle and is both a great one-stop destination as well as a perfect entry point into Latin America. Some of the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro can be found in the boutique city centre B&Bs, but if luxury is what you're after, then the city does not disappoint, with plenty of stylish hangouts, either beachside or slightly further out of town.

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Even with images from films such as City of God ingrained in the mind, the city’s truly breathtaking views do not disappoint. Rio lies in one of the world's most specular settings: a line of lights between high peaks, rainforests and white sandy beaches. From the bossa nova cafés of Santa Teresa, to the caipirinha-soaked beaches of Ipanema and Copacobana, Rio has so much to offer, and a wide range of accommodation to match.

The locals have a reputation for good living and fun. This is an easy place to eat and drink extremely well; to dance the night away; or to spend hours people watching. It's also a great base for surfing and sailing. Finally, dense and exotic rainforests are just a short distance away from the centre of the city.

For sightseeing, there is plenty on offer, from the Cristo Redentor (aka Christ the Redeemer), one of Rio's most famous attractions, to the rocky Pão de Açúcar (sugar loaf mountain) or, for a dose of culture, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB), set in a glorious Art Deco building, with its three theatres, multiple libraries and a cinema.

Where To Stay - which neighbourhood?

Botafogo is the best place for those who want to take advantage of the city's bustling nightlife.
If you're here for the museums and culture then finding a great place to stay in Lapa is probably your best bet.
Those visiting for business should try and find a room in Centro, or as close to as possible.
But if you fancy spending your days on the beach then check in to one of Copacabana's hotels.
Arpoador is where the hip surf crowd hang. It's situated in between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and is the place to go to watch the sunset.
Ipanema and Leblon are both good options for the beach too. Both are wealthy residential areas and filled with high end restaurants and designer shops, and there are some great designer and boutique hotels here.
If you are after a bohemian vibe, then book a B+B or hotel in Santa Teresa. Its hilltop location means the views are to die for, and the arty atmosphere is amplified by its charming squares with their grand, faded mansions and artisan galleries.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro has something for every taste, whether you are looking for art and culture, street life, or beach. But remember to book well ahead, especially if you plan to visit during Carnival.

The best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro

For Luxury

Right on Ipanema Beach, Fasano is a Philippe Starck-designed retro-chic paradise, with fifties and sixties furniture, and spacious airy bedrooms - many with two double beds placed to maximise ocean views. The staff even wear vintage uniforms! What's more, there's a rooftop pool and bar to retreat to when you've had enough of the beach.
You won't go wrong with the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. Like many of Rio's hotels, it's right on the beach (in this case Copacabana), and offers every luxury you might need, including two swimming pools, an extensive spa, a beauty and fitness centre and fantastic dining. It's a great option for a honeymoon if you are using Rio as a gateway city.
Santa Teresa is hipness HQ in the Santa Teresa district, serving up luxury boho chic. Their loft suite is the ultimate place to kip, but the verandah rooms are also excellent, and the restaurant serves acclaimed Brazilian-French gastronomy by French chef Damien Montecer.
Y002 is a super-trendy design spot, featuring stylish contemporary rooms with plenty of glass and muted tones. You'll love the magnificent views on offer, whilst you can also tuck into splendid Brazilian cuisine at the restaurant

For a Boutique

The renowned and good value Casa Cool Beans serves the breakfast part of its B&B promise poolside, and in its pleasant variety of outdoor terrace and garden spaces. This is a good place for market shoppers, and there are plenty of reasonably priced restaurants to choose from in the local area.
The charming Casa Beleza has just two rooms and two suites, a small pool and a shady garden, shared with monkeys, a turtle and delightful English owners, who are are happy to share their expert knowledge of Rio and tips of how to make the most of your stay. Their fruit trees provide breakfast. There's wifi, but don't expect a TV.
Casa Amarelo is a French designed guesthouse in the heart of the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Offering simple yet elegant individually designed rooms, you can come back after a day out sightseeing to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool.

For a City Break

Mama Ruisa is an elegant 19th Century boutique guesthouse in a prime location above the Lapa District overlooking the bay. Rooms are beautifully decorated with stunning views.
The Villa enjoys a dreamy location in the hills overlooking Rio. Featuring stylish contemporary rooms and balconies boasting splendid views all around... you won't believe the price! (in a good way...)

Other Beach Break options

Rio Atlantica is a large hotel in a great location on the beach at Copacabana. Rooms and suites are modern and comfortable. To make the most of the location, get a seaview room.
On the coast, slightly out of town, La Suite's seven bedrooms have hazy views of the city's millions of lights. This cliff top luxury guesthouse has Warhol themed rooms, an infinity pool and a fabulous restaurant.
Just 5 minutes away from Ipanema Beach, Ipanema Inn is a stylish contemporary spot with minimalist rooms in muted tones. Located in the centre of town, you can head off sightseeing in the morning before hitting the beach in the afternoon.
Beyong Ipanema above Leblon beach is the designer Janeiro. This chic beach getaway offers crisp white linens and stylish architectural detailing, plus an excellent restaurant which pulls in a trendy local crowd. Though not cheap, if you can afford it push the boat out and book the oceanfront suite - you will not be disappointed.
For something more affordable, which is also ideal for families, check out the larger CDesign Hotel, just across the road from the beach in the upscale residential district of Recreio dos Bandeirantes (to the west of the city). It offer great rates, a rooftop pool, great views and a kids club.

For Something Special

Featured in songs, films and books, the Copacabana Palace is an iconic place to stay in Rio. There's all-out marble and chandelier grandeur in public areas, so the vibe is traditional luxury. The beachfront rooms are the best, of course, with their terraces, though they come at a cost. The pool, bar and restaurants are top notch. Like the Fairmont, this hotel is honeymoon-worthy.
Tuakaza is an utterly spectacular hideaway, in a secluded setting and boasting stunning views. With six charming rooms as well as an infinity pool hewn from the rock, you'll fall in love with the place.
Chez Georges is a striking boutique of just 9 rooms offering epic views in Santa Teresa. Billed by some as Rio's best kept secret, it's an architectural gem with exquisite detailing. Don't expect many amenities, do expect a magical stay.

For great value

Cool, stylish and chic, Selina Lapa is a great value, central hotel cum hostel with dorm rooms as well as regular doubles. Rooms are bright and stylish, there's a chilled roof terrace, and often live music. There's also a co-working space here, so it's a good place to tune in to urban life and meet the locals.
Another incredible value place to stay is the Vila Gale Rio de Janeiro, considering its 4 star rating. Make sure to book a room in the original building - pink colonial-style set around an inviting pool. Rio glamour without breaking the bank.

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you've decided that you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with out partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

Rio is never exactly chilly, but if you want the best weather then visit from December to March - with the average daily temperature around 25-27°C and the sea also being wonderfully warm.
For a quieter and cheaper visit, plan to come in spring or autumn. The weather is still lovely but not overly hot, and you can be assured that the streets and beaches will be far less crowded than at other times of the year.
International visitors can fly into Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, located 12 miles north of the city centre. From the airport, take the bus into the centre of town.
For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

Widen the net and have a look at our recommendations in Rio de Janeiro State or in Sao Paulo.
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro

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Selina Lapa

Rio de Janeiro (Lapa)

Boutique hotel and hostel situated in a classical building in Rio's Lapa district. The place to stay to feel the pulse of local life and meet its colourful characters; residents frequent the restaurant and rooftop bar. Brilliantly refurbished, rooms and public areas are eccentric, cool and stylish.

Local exploring - Base yourself here if you are more interested in exploring Rio's art, music, dance and local life than relaxing at the beach
Business meetings - The property is well-known as a vibrant co-working space with 15 desks, great wifi, meeting rooms and shared dining spaces
Value chic - The 4, 6 and 8 person dorms have been thoughtfully decorated and offer an incredibly good-value base in the heart of Rio
Sights nearby - Within 500 metres of the property visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Library, Selaron Steps and Carioca Aqueduct

from AU$32 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees