Must-see hotels in Rio de Janeiro

  • Hotel Emiliano

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rio's loveliest new hotel sits on a prime spot fronting Copacabana's southern shore. The rooms have a modernist aesthetic, with jacaranda wood furniture,…

  • Yoo2

    Rio de Janeiro

    Yoo2, which opened in 2016, has taken a generic high-rise and transformed it into a captivating 138-room hotel with an avant-garde style. Glass elevators…

  • Rio Surf 'N Stay

    Rio de Janeiro

    Just a short stroll to the fine surf off Macumba Beach, this converted house, which is owned by a New Zealander and a Brazilian, is the go-to spot for…

  • Cabana Copa

    Rio de Janeiro

    Top hostel honors go to this Greek-Brazilian-run gem in a colonial-style ’50s house tucked away in a Copacabana cranny. Four- to 10-bed dorms prevail…

  • Don Pascual

    Rio de Janeiro

    Surrounded by lush vegetation, this hidden spot has attractive rooms with a rustic-chic allure. Some of the rooms are split-level and incorporate…

  • LSH Lifestyle

    Rio de Janeiro

    In an excellent location near Praia do Pepê, this lavish 122-room hotel has handsome interiors (designed by notable American architect David Rockwell),…

  • Belmond Copacabana Palace

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rio's most famous hotel has hosted heads of state, rock stars and other prominent personalities – Queen Elizabeth once stayed here, as did the Rolling…

  • Hotel Santa Clara

    Rio de Janeiro

    Along one of Copacabana's most peaceful streets you'll find this attractive three-story hotel with a white stucco facade and blue shutters. The front…

  • O Veleiro Bed & Breakfast

    Rio de Janeiro

    Surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, O Veleiro is a delightfully set guesthouse located on a cobblestone road uphill from Botafogo. The rooms are small and…

  • Ritz Hotel Copacabana

    Rio de Janeiro

    One block from the beach, the Ritz Copacabana offers contemporary rooms set in neutral color schemes with all the creature comforts (blackout curtains,…

  • Le Relais de Marambaia

    Rio de Janeiro

    Perched on the edge of the ocean in the peaceful community of Barra de Guaratiba, this boutique hotel has attractive rooms with wood floors, balconies and…

  • Babilônia Rio Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Uphill from Leme, this place has five dorm rooms and two private rooms, including one much sought-after chamber (Quarto Vidigal) with air-conditioning and…

  • Aquarela do Leme

    Rio de Janeiro

    This beautifully designed, upmarket hostel is located on a wide road just inside the Babilônia favela in the neighborhood of Leme. The spacious private…

  • Orla Copacabana

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Spanish-owned Orla Copacabana has some attractive, understated rooms, but the beach-facing location is the real draw. The standard rooms are too…

  • Injoy Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Despite the name, this place feels less like a hostel and more like a small guesthouse. Injoy has a mix of private doubles and cozy dorms set in a lovely…

  • Novotel Rio

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set slightly back from the beach and therefore slightly lower in price than other hotels, the Novotel offers a comfortable stay in one of Leme's loveliest…

  • JW Marriott Hotel

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Marriott serves a healthy dose of luxury to its guests and some of the best views of Copacabana from the rooftop pool. The accommodations are…

  • Jucati

    Rio de Janeiro

    On a tranquil street overlooking a small park, Jucati has large, simply furnished serviced apartments with tile floors and small but serviceable kitchens…

  • Porto Bay Rio Internacional

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of Copacabana's top beachfront hotels, Porto Bay has stylish rooms with a light and airy feel that are painted in cool tones. Light hardwoods, elegant…

  • Walk on the Beach Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set in a bright red two-story villa on one of Copacabana's quiet backstreets, this nicely designed hostel offers good-value dorm rooms (sleeping three to…

  • Mercure Arpoador

    Rio de Janeiro

    This dapper all-suites hotel is nicely located in Arpoador, giving easy access to both Ipanema and Copacabana. The suites have sleek leather sofas that…

  • Rio Design Hotel

    Rio de Janeiro

    This stylish 13-story hotel demonstrates real design smarts. Rooms have tile floors, artful lighting and big windows, and each floor is decorated in a…

  • Che Lagarto – Suites Santa Clara

    Rio de Janeiro

    On a tree-lined street in Copacabana's Bairro Peixoto neighborhood, this converted house has clean, simple and well-maintained rooms (all private, no…

  • El Misti

    Rio de Janeiro

    A welcoming, multistory spot in Copacabana, El Misti is a fine choice if you're looking to socialize. The barman whips up first-rate tropical cocktails …

  • Hotelinho Urca

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of the few lodging options in Urca, this quiet, low-key guesthouse has a range of clean, well-equipped rooms with attractive wood floors. The sunny…

  • Pestana Rio Atlântica

    Rio de Janeiro

    Beautifully located along Copacabana Beach, the Portuguese-owned Pestana has excellent amenities, decent service and a wide range of rooms. The best rooms…

  • Fairmont

    Rio de Janeiro

    Fairmont's first hotel in South America promises to be a stunner when it opens in 2019. Anchoring the southern end of Copacabana, the 400-room hotel will…

  • Olinda Rio

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set in a handsome cream-colored building overlooking Copacabana Beach, the Olinda Rio is a classic. Its marble lobby, complete with chandeliers and grand…

  • Marta Rio Guesthouse

    Rio de Janeiro

    Marta, a gracious host with an innate sense of hospitality, opens up her home and rents out six comfortable rooms at this split-level penthouse…

  • Hilton Barra

    Rio de Janeiro

    Located 6km north of Barra da Tijuca beach, the Hilton Barra hotel provides luxury and comfort in equal measure. If you don't mind being far from the…

  • Pura Vida

    Rio de Janeiro

    Pura Vida occupies a converted castle-like mansion (built in the 1920s) that was once the home of the Polish ambassador. A big draw for socially minded…

  • Che Lagarto

    Rio de Janeiro

    This popular full-service hostel has a friendly, party atmosphere. The small rooftop pool with adjoining bar is a good place to meet other travelers, and…

  • Hilton Copacabana

    Rio de Janeiro

    A favorite for athletes and politicians, the Hilton provides an upmarket stay in a good location just steps from the beach. Rooms are comfy, though the…

  • Ibis

    Rio de Janeiro

    Like many other Ibis hotels around Brazil, this no-frills branch offers very clean, simple, modern rooms in a high-rise building at excellent prices. The…

  • Rio Spot Homes

    Rio de Janeiro

    This reputable, well-run rental agency has scores of listings around the Zona Sul, with excellent-value apartments in Ipanema, Copacabana and Barra, from…

  • Acapulco

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Acapulco lies just a short stroll (one block) from a beautiful stretch of beachfront. Renovations have made it an attractive option. Most rooms have a…

  • Recanto da Urca

    Rio de Janeiro

    Tucked in a peaceful part of Urca, this place has simply furnished guest rooms, friendly service and a top-floor terrace with magnificent views (it's…

  • Blame It on Rio 4 Travel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Created by a kind, helpful expat from New York, this professional agency rents many types of apartments. It also has a travel agency, a few computers for…

  • Brisa Barra Hotel

    Rio de Janeiro

    A simple but well-run high-rise hotel, with extremely clean rooms and staff who cannot do enough to help. It features adults' and children's pools out…

  • Copacabana Holiday

    Rio de Janeiro

    Near the Cardeal Arcoverde metro station, this agency rents apartments in Copacabana and Ipanema.

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