Famed for its mind-blowing sea-meets-mountain landscapes, its party beach life, and its annual carnival, Rio de Janeiro is one of Latin America’s most exciting and visited cities.
As day fades into night and Rio’s towering landmarks become silhouetted against dramatic skies, the scintillating cityscape illuminates and one of the world’s most electric music scenes to comes to life.
In the backdrop of rainforest-clad cliffs, dazzling beaches, and a string of tiny islands scattered along the seafront, Rio’s eclectic hotels offer a colourful flamboyance to set the tone for a life-lasting city break. From Bohemian boutiques to luxury designer resorts, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (in no particular order)…
1. Rio Othon Palace – one of the coolest and most Instagrammable oceanview hotels to stay in Rio de Janeiro perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Set at the gateway to the postcard-worthy Copacabana Beach, Rio Othon Palace offers a stunning rooftop with a beautiful swimming pool, as well as a 5* restaurant, a blissful spa experience, bars, and a kids area.
Copacabana’s cosmopolitan scene of handicraft fairs and gourmet restaurants is right on your doorstep here, however the in-house experience is difficult to beat.
The Skylab Restaurant which sits on the hotel’s rooftop brings together the very best of contemporary cuisine with uninterrupted sea views. Rio Othon Palace caters to business travellers as well as jetsetters, and is a social hub where people from all walks of life can mingle.
2. JANEIRO Hotel – a hip, sleek and sexy hotel with incredible views that is the ideal balance between urban life and nature
Janeiro Hotelis the work of designer and Brazilian lifestyle impresario Oskar Mestavaht’s. It is one of Rio’s trendiest hotspots and is every bit as glamorous as you’d expect.
Behind its aesthetic opulence is a brilliantly thought-out slice of boutique luxury, crafted from travertine marble and horizontal frames that give the neighbourhood of Leblon something to shout about.
A true sense of spacious calm pervades the casual chic guestrooms, which are adorned with soothing paintings inspired by the vibrant cityscape.
Set on the first floor overlooking the beach is the hotel’s main restaurant, which turns from a bright breakfast spot by day to a low-lit, classy restaurant by night.
To book, check prices or availability for JANEIRO Hotel
3. Emiliano Rio – a gorgeous, fun and unique place to stay across the street from the buzzing Copacabana Party Beach
Outdoing the graceful boutiques of neighbouring Ipanema, the arrival of the Emilianobrand to Rio’s Copacabana district caused quite the buzz among locals and travellers.
The hotel’s façade contrasts the typical homes on Avenida Atlântica with its intricate, organic series of panels, and invites you into a world of hand-woven fabrics, marble, and natural wood.
If you land a sea-view room, prepare to be wowed by panoramic vistas each morning, as you wake up in a bespoke, sumptuous bed.
The Emilie Restaurant has been renovated and has transformed into something spectacular, with its soaring wall of greenery and its delicious, sustainably sourced seafood specialities.
To book, check prices or availability for Emiliano Rio
4. Le Chateaux Joá Boutique Hotel – an upscale rustic-chic hotel and romantic retreat that offers fabulous views and lush surroundings
Le Chateauxsets out to attract guests who want something beyond a standard hospitality experience. Here, serene comfort is combined with delightful gastronomy and a beautiful pampering atmosphere, forming one of Rio’s most captivating abodes.
Romantics, lovers of arts and culture, and those in search of great cuisine will feel right at home in this graceful boutique. The wood-clad interiors evoke an authentic hinterland ambiance, reflecting the charm of the surrounding, sought after area.
The blissful leisure area offers a swimming pool with a waterfall, a Paddle Tennis court, and a gorgeous 1000 m2 tropical garden which is dotted by imperial palms, an old stone fountain, and coconut trees.
5. Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – Mgallery – a beautiful upscale urban retreat set in a 19th-century historic coffee farm
Set in the undulating landscape of Santa Teresa, one of Rio’s Bohemian neighbourhoods, this charming hotel has the atmosphere of a hillside retreat.
Housed on a former coffee finca, this converted mansion can be found behind huge iron gates, and its rustic features are graced by a contemporary Brazilian style.
The hotel’s lush gardens are peppered by swaying palms which surround the shimmering pool to create a genuine tropical paradise. The rooms are sprinkled with muted tones and reclaimed wooden furniture, and offer sumptuous four-poster beds designed for a blissful night’s sleep.
The Térèze restaurant has earned prestigious awards for its Franco-Brazilian fusions, while Bar dos Descasados offers a dimly lit lounge area serving an impressive array of cocktails.
6. Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro – a sophisticated contemporary hotel where guests can appreciate views of the iconic Ipanema beach
Single-handedly revolutionizing Rio’s hotel scene with its superior service and cool Italo-Brazilian sophistication, Hotel Fasano is the new place to see and to be seen.
Elegant to the hilt, this charming hotel is as attractive from the inside as it is from the outside, with signature dark-wood panelling setting a cool, opulent tone.
Each floor’s gently lit Starcke corridors are embellished with designer décor, and lead to the sharp, contemporary guestrooms. The guest-only rooftop infinity pool is one of the city’s favoured sundowner spots, and offers the perfect backdrop for an Instagram shoot.
Here, standard poolside dishes like burgers and club sandwiches are served.
7. Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro – a unique hotel housed in a 34-story cylindrical glass tower projected by the illustrious architect Oscar Niemeyer
Hotel Nacional is a place where historical and cultural heritage form in a prime embodiment of Brazilian architecture, designed by award-winning landscapers.
The hotel is strategically positioned to face the São Conrado Sea, whilst keeping you close to Rio’s major attractions. The soul of the city is preserved in the hotel’s gastronomic offerings, which include the panoramic ‘View Bar’, the Lounge Bar, and the Mermaid Restaurant.
On arrival you will be welcomed into a cosy lobby surrounded by panels by the artist Carybé, and once you check in you can savour fine wines in the quirky cellar. The hotel’s exclusive SPA are comes with a whirlpool and a modern fitness centre, and is the perfect spot to reenergize after an action-packed day.
8. Villa Paranaguá Hotel & Spa – a unique and peaceful boutique-style oasis that is the perfect choice for a tranquil urban escape
Villa Paranaguáis a graceful fluidity between architecture, design, and nature, and offers guests a unique stay amid swaying Brazilian trees.
Owing to the property’s supreme location, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, and become familiar with the eclectic streets of the city centre.
Everything at Villa Paranaguá was designed to please, from the beauty of the garden to the comfort of the guestrooms to the stunning artwork which gives the hotel its identity.
Within the fauna and flora-laden, 4000m² property lies a shimmering swimming pool surrounded by breathtaking views of Santa Teresa’s hill, while a handful of outdoor spaces invites you to relish the warm climate.
9. Gerthrudes Bed & Breakfast – a wow-inducing and very charming B&B that provides a peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind
Set in the heart of Rio’s most historic district, Santa Teresa, Gerthrudes invites you through a modest façade into an enchanting, captivating paradise.
The property’s interior décor will immediately put you at ease, especially in the guestrooms which offer state-of-the-art amenities and are backdropped by glorious city and bay views.
A delicious breakfast is served on a veranda each morning, allowing you to kickstart your day in elegance. An outdoor pool area is graced by stunning views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, and the bohemian charm of the surrounding area can be relished easily during peaceful afternoon strolls.
10. Vila Santa Teresa – a stylish and romantic boutique hotel that offers views of the Sugarloaf Mountain
When you cross the gates to Vila Santa Teresa, you will be embraced by a universe of lush, tropical gardens, which overlook some of Rio’s main tourist attractions.
Set in a bucolic land of 80000 m2, this boutique hotel is the perfect spot to restore your inner balance, by reclining by the pool after a day spent within the effervescence of the metropolis.
Each room of the property is adorned with bright light, natural fabrics, and soft colours, forming a decoration scheme that refers to the essence of Brazilian luxury. The hotel’s menu is prepared with ingredients harvested from its own garden, which results in fresh, sustainable dishes.
11. Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel – a refined upscale boutique hotel based in the heart of Copacabana
Located only one block from Copacabana Beach, The Ritz is a cosy boutique hotel offering elegant apartments, a restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop pool blessed with awe-inspiring sunset vistas.
The hotel blends into the landscape with its lavish terracotta hues, and the 46 accommodations evoke sophistication through ultra-modern décor and state-of-the-art trappings.
Some units offer private, secluded terraces where you can watch the world go by as day fades into night. After an unforgettable swim from above the rooftops of Rio, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy some of the city’s most eclectic bars and restaurants.
12. LSH by Own – a fun, trendy and contemporary beachfront hotel housed in a pyramid-inspired building
Designed by David Rockwell, LSHadds a dash of independent glamour to the Barra da Tijuca, a sprawling suburb of shopping centres and upmarket condos anchored by a long stretch of shoreline.
The hotel’s sleek modernism emanates from its 122 guestrooms, where Rockwell’s influence can be felt through geometric design flourishes.
The infinity-edged, glass-bottomed pool is a playful tribute to the spirit of Miami’s South Beach, whilst exuding the showy Barra lifestyle.
The hotel’s famed gastronomy is taken care of by the award-winning Giuseppe Grill, allowing guests to benefit from incredible steaks and seasonal dishes cooked to perfection.
To book, check prices or availability for LSH by Own
13. Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity – a cool and trendy design hotel with quirky chic decor and views of the Christ the Redeemer
Here we have an inner-city hip hangout which offers trendsetting restaurants and vibrant bars. At Yoo2, the murals from local street-artists and the rooftop pool with panoramic views fill the property with a very ‘Rio’ charm, while global influences are evident throughout the interior elements.
Mint-green corridors guide you to the guestrooms, where local creativity is etched into the design. Within these rooms you will find large comfy beds hugged by a softly cushioned headboard, and a seating area inviting you to gaze out onto the eclectic streets.
The ground-floor restaurant and the rooftop bar offer atmospheric spaces suffused by the charm of this thriving metropolis.
14. Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro – a polished boutique hotel housed in a 19th-century palace very close to popular attractions
Attracting an international crowd, both the style and the location of Vila Galé are second to none, creating an ideal hub for those in pursuit of a resort-style haven in the midst of a pulsating night scene.
The lobby’s bygone-era aesthetic is cemented by historic images of Rio, and is beautifully topped by modern touches and bright hues.
The restaurant is a popular meeting spot for locals and travellers, and is graced by a vibrant atmosphere which complements its extensive buffets. The upmarket piano bar at Vila Galé is a tranquil oasis, where you can swing by and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.
15. CDesign Hotel – an ultra-chic hotel where guests can get the celebrity treatment with world-class service
Here we have a nautically inspired gem, set in the backdrop of the stunning Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach. CDesign Hotellooks as if it has been taken straight from Santorini and perfectly placed on one of Rio’s most pristine stretches of shoreline.
The hotel’s undulating façade embodies the majesty of modern architecture, and every detail inside was implemented to reflect the region’s natural beauty.
The guestrooms are dressed in a white colour scheme and exude comfort through luxury materials and comfy décor, while the private veranda offers the perfect vantage point over a golden sunset.
Also ready to be enjoyed is the super Instagrammable rooftop infinity pool – the perfect spot to savour the first cocktail!
To book, check prices or availability for CDesign Hotel
16. Reserva Santa Teresa – a quirky-chic boutique guest house that offers an unforgettable experience and incredible views
Bounded by the bohemian flair of Santa Teresa neighbourhood, Reservais housed in a breath-taking 100-year-old colonial building.
This peaceful haven exudes an ‘old Rio’ charm through traditional furniture, graceful gardens, a shimmering pool and solarium, and a huge expanse of surrounding rainforest filled with wildlife.
At Reserva, you are perfectly placed to head out for a private trail walk through the hinterland setting, or take a tram ride through the narrow streets of Santa Teresa.
Each guestroom offers a peaceful spot of respite, and comes with plenty of space, trailblazing furnishings, plush natural materials, and exceptional city-meets-sea views.
17. Rio Design Hotel – a laid-back place to stay in Rio that provides a panoramic rooftop with stunning views
Rio’s first design concept hotel presents a blissful blend of creativity, refinement, and style, bringing harmony of mind and soul to the discerning traveller.
The hotel is clad head-to-toe in elegant décor, and matches its aesthetic with the highest standards of service and comfort. Ideal for golden hour, the guest-only rooftop pool offers a stunning spot to gaze out over the rooftops of Copacabana and the ocean horizon.
Located in the lobby of the hotel is a delightful eatery which offers an exquisite, light gastronomic experience in a charming atmosphere. Spread across 14 floors are the hotel’s 84 apartments which were decorated by renowned Brazilian architects, and are bedecked with ultra-modern amenities.
18. Prestige Property – Da Costa – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party B&B to stay in Rio de Janeiro
This glorious restored villa sets the tone for an invigorating Rio stay, and invites you back to a beautiful, bucolic haven after a day of exploring downtown.
Situated in the Zona Sul district, Prestige Property is inspired by the beauty and bounty of nature, with a gorgeous combination of azure ocean waters and bucolic vegetation serving as a pristine backdrop.
The essence of nature doesn’t just surround the property, it permeates the interiors with a blissful, tropical charm in the form of striking wall embellishments and large potted plants. Some of the open-air communal areas boast bohemian style hammocks where you can sit and sway in the gentle breeze.
19. Casa Beleza – a tropical hidden gem bed and breakfast surrounded by nature
This exotic mansion places you in a serene natural setting, with a gorgeous tropical garden which is visited frequently by turtles, small monkeys, and many colourful butterflies.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the fresh white exterior evokes the flair of a bygone era, but the traditional ambiance is complemented beautifully on the inside with a whole host of luxury mod cons.
Dotted around the property you will find many open-air nooks where you can sit and soak up the Santa Teresa charm, and throughout your stay you will remain close to many the city’s famed music and nightlife spots.
To book, check prices or availability for Casa Beleza
20. Casa 48 Guesthouse – a cool and relaxed guest house that is the perfect home away from home
A guesthouse with a view, Casa 48 embodies Rio’s majestic charm through stylish elements and jaw-dropping panoramas over the bohemian district of Santa Teresa.
Guests can take advantage of a stunning rooftop pool, hammock hangouts, and high-end amenities in the 7 guestrooms. The hotel is placed at the entrance of a small and quaint family favela, ‘the Pereirao’.
Owing to the supreme location on a hill above the urban cityscape, not only can do you have convenient access to one of Rio’s most electric neighbourhoods, but you can also relish the most perfect, Instagrammable backdrop of a horizon sunset.
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After travelling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her travelling ardor.
Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and hearing about the local stories. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. She counts Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall as her most favourite places in the world.
