Top 7 best hotels in Rio de Janeiro

As Brazil’s most populous city, Rio de Janeiro is a crossroads for the world’s cultures. For the same reasons, the city is a major destination for world tourism. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to explore its colourful streets, sample its best specialities and bask on the warm sands of Ipanema and Copacabana.

A wide variety of travellers throw themselves wholeheartedly into this colourful city. With such popularity, booking your ideal hotel requires some forethought!

The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro will give you direct access to this vibrant city. You’ll have a front-row seat to all the must-sees, including the legendary Rio Carnival, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the colourful neighbourhoods.

Rio has it all, starting with its privileged location between lush natural surroundings and the Atlantic coast. So if you want to stay close to what attracts you most on the Brazilian coast, check out our selection of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro? Our selection of the best hotels

When you’re planning a trip to a megalopolis like Rio de Janeiro, it’s not often that you’ll be thinking about getting away from it all. Yet Rio is the perfect destination for (almost) no compromises! With the forest at your fingertips and a hotel that’s green right down to the rooms, the vegetation will never really leave you. Keep this in mind when booking your ideal hotel in Rio. From boutique hotels to out-of-the-way palaces, there’s something for everyone.

1. Chez Georges

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Location: Ladeira do Meireles, 90, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Category: Favourite / Good value for money

Highlights:

• Fabulous views
• Exceptional swimming pool
• Modern comfort
• Pampering staff

Weak points :

• The surrounding area can be noisy.

Hotel description: This is the most French of the hotels in our selection! At least, according to its signature “Chez Georges”, because once you step through the doors, you’ll discover a real Brazilian cocoon. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and decorated in a contemporary-minimalist style. Start your day with a gourmet breakfast, then head for the outdoor swimming pool. The breathtaking view of the heights covered in a thick blanket of vegetation will take your breath away in no time.

2. Prestige Property Da Costa

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Location: Rua Dr. Julio Otoni, 174, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro,

Category: Affordable

Highlights:

• Exceptional views
• Warm welcome
• Calm and relaxing
• Hearty breakfast

Weak points :

• The establishment is a little out of the way
• The staff do not speak English.

Hotel description: Add colour to your trip with this delightful hotel. You will enjoy a comfortable and relaxing room, away from the hustle and bustle of central Rio. The splendid view between the sea and the lush garden will make you want to linger longer… Perhaps by the pool or over a generous breakfast? The choice is yours.

3. Janeiro Hotel

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Location: Avenida Delfim Moreira, 696, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro

Category: Prestige

Highlights:

• Beautifully decorated
• Delicious breakfast
• Excellent location
• Fabulous panorama

Hotel description : The humble name of this hotel conceals an establishment of great standing. So much so that it will enchant you from the very first moment. The warm welcome you’ll receive will immediately put you in the mood. The breakfast, the panoramic views and the swimming pool are all worthy of special mention! This trifecta will convince even the most demanding travellers.

4. Santa Teresa hotel McGallery

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Location: Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Category: Prestige

Highlights:

• Splendid setting
• Ideally located
• Gourmet breakfast
• Attentive staff

Weak points :

• Access by car can be complicated.

Description of the hotel: This Rio establishment is what we call a fine hotel! All the services on offer will propel you to a new level of excellence. Enough to make the hotel worthy of the attention it receives. The rooms are havens of peace in warm, natural colours. The staff are discreet and friendly, creating a warm atmosphere. The hotel’s must: a swimming pool overlooking the bay of Rio de Janeiro. Finally, when the hustle and bustle of the city gets to you, take a diversion to the garden for an invigorating break.

5. Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro

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Location: Praia do Botafogo, 242 , Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro

Category: Good value for money

Highlights:

• Breathtaking views
• Comfort and quietness
• Very good location
• Incredible breakfast

Weak points :

• The environment can be noisy.

Hotel description : How about an enchanting interlude opposite Botafogo beach? This Carioca hotel will envelop you in a luminous bubble with a breathtaking view of Rio and Sugarloaf. This cocktail of prestige and refinement is sure to make you want to extend your stay! The rooms are spacious, open-plan and inviting. However, don’t stay too long in bed to make the most of the rooftop. The bar and its exotic cocktails are well worth a visit.

6. Villa Paranaguá Hotel & Spa

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Location: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 71, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Category: Good value for money

Highlights:

• Idyllic setting
• Delicious breakfast
• Comfortable & elegant
• Family atmosphere

Weak points :

• A taxi will be required to return at the end of the day.

Hotel description: Step away from the hustle and bustle of Rio’s streets and into this special establishment. The architecture of this South American mansion sets the tone for the quality of services you will find here. You’ll stay in bright, tastefully decorated rooms. Ideal for relaxing and blending in with the natural surroundings. And don’t forget that some rooms have a terrace and can be the setting for an exceptional breakfast. Between two quick bites, exotic nature will never have seemed so close.

7. Ipanema Inn Hotel

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Location: Rua Maria Quitéria, 27 – Ipanema, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro,

Category: Good value for money

Highlights:

• Excellent location
• Modern and cosy
• Friendly staff
• Quality cuisine

Weak points :

• Some rooms seem small.

Hotel description: If you want to stay in the heart of the action in Rio de Janeiro, this is the hotel for you. Located less than 200 metres from the famous Ipanema square, this hotel of the same name is a clever blend of simple, modern style, comfort and entertainment. In the restaurant, regional specialities are served alongside international recipes. A perfect way to recharge your batteries before a visit to the city and its nearby points of interest.