The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

City's don't get much more captivating than Rio de Janeiro. Framed by lush mountains and set against a swathe of white sand beach. This is a fun city, filled with music, dance, and a real joie de vivre. There are also an eclectic mix of hotels here from serious luxury to homely B&Bs. However, for a real feel of the city, our hotel experts recommend booking a boutique property where you will get the best of the city's design along with an intimate stay. Our collection of the best boutique hotels in Rio de Janeiro includes something for everyone. From design-led properties (one of which is also used as a soap-opera set!) to charming hideaways. Chosen on their location, service and style, why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?

For the views

• The Villa is seriously chic - whitewashed walls stand starkly against hardwood floors while picture windows reveal spectacular city and ocean vistas. Set in the hill-towns of the Rio, you can make the most of the iconic views of Corcovado Christ Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay from the rooftop pool, while also only being a short distance from the city centre.

For great value

• Casa Amarelo is a charming owner-managed boutique guesthouse. The original building with its high ceilings and spacious airy rooms has been beautifully converted with vibrant bold colours and chic retro furniture. Set in trendy Saint Teresa the sights are a stroll away but the feel is intimate and secluded. The price tag is also very appealing.

For a hideaway

• La Suite by Dussol is located just outside the city and offers a spectacular clifftop position with breath-taking ocean views. Spacious interiors are colourful and contemporary. There's a gorgeous infinity pool and the property is within striking distance of one of Rio's best kept beaches. A great choice for both families or couples looking for a quiet and scenic spot.

For contemporary style

• Contemporary and chic, Ipanema Inn reflects the modern sophistication of Rio de Janeiro. Rooms are minimalist and there's a buzzy Brazilian restaurant and bar. Perfectly placed near the beach in the centre of the city, this is a perfect city crashpad.

For a luxury stay

• Chez Georges is a striking brutalist building with beautifully styled interiors designed using polished concrete set against wood and glass.There's a lovely terrace and large pool and massages can be organised. An indulgent city base.
• Santa Teresa is boho-chic perfection. Beautifully styled with each room looking out over lush green gardens, interiors have hand-crafted wooden furnishings, soft sandstone and unrivalled views from the fabulous loft suite. Complete with a fine dining restaurant, a fabulous pool and a spa, this one is tough to beat!
• Le Chateaux Joa is a private residence located in the fashionable Joatinga district. Used as the set for two Brazilian soap operas, the exclusive 5-suite property designed by a famous architect in the 1970s will suit those who want sea views but plenty of privacy.
• L'Homme de Rio is a design-led boutique hotel in Rio's Ipanema district. The ten spacious suites are chic yet cosy and some look out over the ocean, as does the rooftop bar and pool. Located within walking distance of Ipanema beach - this is a chic choice.
• Vila Gale Rio de Janeiro is a four-star property set in Rio's lively Lapa district. Housed in a former 1930s Magnifico Hotel, rooms are spread between a new tower and a pink colonial-style building set around an inviting pool. There is a spa, Piano bar and on Sundays the restaurant offers a superb Portuguese feast. A very hip stay.

For beach access

• Arpoador is the only hotel to be located right on Rio de Janeiro's famous Ipanema beach. Friendly and welcoming staff give this fresh and contemporary 50-room property real soul. Many rooms face the sea and the ground-floor Arp beach bar and restaurant serves excellent Brazilian food in a buzzing setting.
  
  

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
• 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.

  • The Villa Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa) 11 rooms from AU$91

    
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    Local exploring  -  Just a short way from the centre of Rio, it's perfect for exploring the historic city.

    Value chic  -  Stylish accommodation at a very reasonable price.

    Surfing  -  The beaches surrounding Rio are hotspots for surfing.

    Sights nearby  -  Less than two miles from Christ the Redeemer.

    

    Excellent hotel in the hill-towns of Rio, overlooking the city and the Atlantic. The hotel's highlights include stylish rooms, a rooftop pool and stunning views of the Corcovado Christ Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay. Superb value for money. See More

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  • Casa Amarelo Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa) 7 rooms from AU$188

    
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    Restaurant  -  Jardim Royal serves light and delicious dishes, and has fantastic views over the city and Guarabara Bay.

    Sights nearby  -  Walk to nearby sights such as Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and Passeio Público.

    Local markets  -  Explore the bustling markets and streets of Santa Tereza.

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    Charming French designed guesthouse nestled into the heart of Rio's historic Santa Tereza district. The individually designed rooms are characterful with simple, elegant furnishings. After a day exploring the city, relax by the pool and take in the views out over Rio. See More

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  • Ipanema Inn Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema) 56 rooms from AU$192

    
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    Local markets  -  On the first Saturday of every month there is a gt market on Lavradio Street in Rio.

    Restaurant  -  Quitéria restaurant, Brazilian & International cuisine

    Sights nearby  -  Explore the deactivated aquaduct of Lapa.

    Surfing  -  Five minutes walk from Ipanema Beach.

    

    Contemporary and chic, Ipanema Inn reflects the modern sophistication of Rio de Janeiro. The minimalist rooms feature comfortable furnishings and muted tones. Right in the heart of the city, it's perfect for exploring Rio. In the evening relax at the bar with an exotic caipirinhas. See More

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  • Chez Georges Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa) 9 rooms from AU$257

    
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    Local exploring  -  Well positioned to access the city’s centre and the sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema

    Designer  -  A modernist design villa created by renowned architect Wladimir Alves de Souza

    Sights nearby  -  Head to the historic centre on the postcard-perfect yellow “Bonde de Santa Teresa” tram

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels

    A striking boutique hotel offering a spectacular spot in Santa Teresa with epic sea views. The brutalist building has been painstakingly designed mixing polished concrete with expanses of glass and wood. Rooms are bright and spacious and overlook a lush garden. A unique and luxurious city escape. See More

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  • La Suite by Dussol Rio de Janeiro (Joa) 7 rooms from AU$440

    
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    Local exploring

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Romantic Break

    Luxury

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    Out-of-town clifftop guesthouse with celestial ocean views. Super stylish contemporary rooms with panoramic views, classic furnishings, and modern art. Infinity pool, an excellent maison d'hotes, and within striking distance of one of Rio's best kept beaches. Romantic, also family friendly. See More

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  • Santa Teresa Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa) 40 rooms from AU$511

    
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    Total relaxation  -  An indulgent getaway with glorious modern spa, fantastic cuisine, and unrivalled service, in an arty laid back part of town.

    City Style  -  A neo-colonial former coffee finca in Rio's boho chic Santa Teresa, exuding ethnic Brazilian swag through interiors and art.

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Selaron Steps, one of the most iconic attractions in Rio and the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.

    Local markets  -  Splugre in the trendy monthly Rio Antigo Market.

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux

    Bohemian chic at this luxury hotel in the enviable location of Santa Teresa. Brazilian designs combine with the utmost designer elegance - rich wooden furnishings, soft sandstone and unrivalled views from the fabulous loft suite. A very special place to stay with a wonderful restaurant. See More

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  • Le Chateaux Joa Rio de Janeiro (Joa) 5 rooms from AU$270

    
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    Beach Life  -  As well as stunning ocean views, Praia da Joatinga, a beach frequented by a chic crowd, is 100 metres from the property

    Hideaway  -  Secluded and private but with excellent views. This is where people stay who don't want to be recognised

    Groups  -  Take over the 5 suites to enjoy the property in its entirety and make it feel like a private home

    Surfing  -  Barra da Tijuca beach - which offers surfing and a range of watersports - is 700 metres from the property

    

    A private residence located in the fashionable Joatinga district. Used as the set for two Brazilian soap operas, the exclusive 5-suite property designed by a famous architect in the 1970s will suit those who want sea views but plenty of privacy. Breakfast is included and a chef can be arranged. See More

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  • Vila Gale Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro (Lapa) 292 rooms from AU$85

    
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    Local exploring  -  Stay here to sample one of Rio's most charactful districts known for its vibrant music scene, trendy restaurants and shops

    Value chic  -  Considering the facilities, buzzing location and very pleasant rooms, this hotel is incredible value

    Sights nearby  -  Lapa’s famous white aqueduct is five minutes’ walk away. A short tram ride will take you to the Santa Teresa neighbourhood

    Restaurant  -  Massa Fina specalises in artisanal pizzas, and the main bar becomes a Sushi lounge on Fridays and Saturdays

    

    A four-star urban retreat located in Rio's lively Lapa district. Housed in a former 1930s Magnifico Hotel, rooms are spread between a new tower and a pink colonial-style building set around an inviting pool. There is a spa, piano bar and on Sundays the restaurant offers a superb Portuguese feast. See More

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  • L'Homme de Rio Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema) 10 rooms from AU$97

    
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    Views  -  The hotel's amazing rooftop gives views all the way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Come up here for a sunset cocktail

    Beach Life  -  Rio's iconic Ipanema beach is 500 metres from the property and boasts golden sand and great surfing

    Sights nearby  -  Within 800 metres you will find Copacabana, Arpoador and Diablo beaches

    Great walks  -  Take a hike in nearby Catacumba Park

    

    Design-led boutique hotel in Rio's Ipanema district. 10 spacious suites are chic yet cosy and some look out over the ocean, as does the rooftop bar and pool. There is easy access to Rio's best beaches and although there is no restaurant, the trendy neighbourhood has many lunch and dinner options. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 25th January 2023