Mama Ruisa

from $179
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1 / 10
“Elegant 19th century boutique guesthouse in a prime location above the Lapa district and overlooking Guanabara bay. Simple, but beautifully decorated rooms in white with splashes of delicate colours and balconies with stunning views. A really charming spot. ”

Hotel review

Just uphill from the Lapa district with its colourful nightlife, and overlooking Guanabara bay, sits Mama Ruisa, a splendid mansion, once a 19-century colonial aristocrat’s home. This newly opened boutique guesthouse in Santa Teresa has an exotic, Brazilian feel with modern French touches courtesy of charming owner Jean-Michel Ruis. With elegant wrought iron verandahs, tall wooden shutters and scattered memorabilia you may feel like you’re in a scene from Flying down to Rio while you breakfast against a backdrop of the Sugar Loaf mountain. The rooms are spacious, with mod cons and crisp French fabrics and there’s an outdoor pool and relaxing walled garden. Massage, manicure and pedicure are also on offer. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the famous beaches and an ideal base from which to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Alexander Duncan
Alexander Duncan Review published: 27/03/2011

Recommended for

  • City Style

    • A french chic hotel with light airy suites and fantastic views, set in a bohemian part of town close to Rio's hip nightlife.

  • Families

    • The laidback host and quiet setting makes this a great hideaway for families, with a pool and plenty of room to run around.

  • Close to nightlife

    • Close to Lapa famed for its live samba music, wander down the streets and take your pick from the range of trendy bars.

  • Great walks

    • Explore the colourful cobbled streets of Santa Teresa with its authentic Brazilian restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Museums

    • The nearby Chácara do Céu museum holds a small but good contemporary art collection.

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Spend a day relaxing in the lovely garden, by the pool or being massaged in your room.

  • No restaurant

    • Breakfast included, lunch and dinner by arrangement.

  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the Christ the Redeemer for epic city views.

  • Child friendly

    • Babysitting on request.

  • B&B

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Views

  • Free wifi

  • Intimate

  • Boutique

  • Chic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    7 rooms in this hotel

  • No restaurant

    Breakfast included, lunch and dinner by arrangement.

  • Parking

    Parking on site BRL 25 per day

  • Child friendly

    Babysitting on request.

  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor Pool.

  • No pets

  • Bar

  • Airport transfer

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Internet

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Shops

  • Not suitable for disabled guests

  • Air conditioning

  • Family Suites

  • Bath robes

  • Views

  • Free wifi

  • Wifi

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Concierge

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Garden

Activities

  • Close to nightlife

    • Close to Lapa famed for its live samba music, wander down the streets and take your pick from the range of trendy bars.

  • Great walks

    • Explore the colourful cobbled streets of Santa Teresa with its authentic Brazilian restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Museums

    • The nearby Chácara do Céu museum holds a small but good contemporary art collection.

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Spend a day relaxing in the lovely garden, by the pool or being massaged in your room.

  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the Christ the Redeemer for epic city views.

Map & Location

Other reviews

Mama Ruisa

"High ceilings, leafy balconies and enormous bathrooms combine to deliver an original hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa, where the rhythm of samba always drifts in the air."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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