Rio de Janeiro: it’s a party city, carnival town, and home to many major events! Sounds like a pretty cool destination, right? So what about accommodation options in this vibrant place, you might ask? Well, we’ve bundled a hefty portion of traveller ratings together to compile a list of Rio de Janeiro’s seven highest rated hotels, and we can guarantee that this city means business when it comes to quality places to stay.
Sourced from more than 200 million traveller ratings from trivago, these hotels are the ideal sanctuaries in which to retreat to during the impending winter months.
Hilton Barra
While the Hilton Barra has only been on the hotel scene in Rio de Janeiro for one year, it has quickly become the city’s most reputable go-to-accommodation destination thanks to its contemporary design, modern architecture, and variety of indulgent facilities. Comprising of 298 apartments decorated with artwork from local and international artists, guests can appreciate LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and a pair of summer-inspired Havaianas specially made for your experience!
Facilities include a rooftop infinity pool, heated Jacuzzi, fitness centre, and convenient transport services to nearby shopping centres and some of the city’s most internationally famous beaches. As well as being the city’s highest rated five star hotel, Hilton Barra is also environmentally green, consuming 40 per cent less water and 50 per cent less energy than other hotels. So, you can indulge in the luxury experience guilt-free!
Belmond Copacabana Palace
“At the Copa, Copacabana…” While the word Copacabana may initially resonate with Barry Manilow’s 70s classic, in Rio it’s all about Belmond Copacabana Palace, an iconic hotel located on the foreshore of Copacabana Beach. Opened in 1923 and considered a national historic landmark, Copacabana Palace underwent a facelift in 2012, scrubbing itself up nicely against the new hotel kids on the block.
A favourite amongst the rich and famous including Madonna, Princess Diana, and Fred Astaire, Copacabana Palace boasts 241 rooms and suites, each featuring air-conditioning, cable TV, quality works of art, and Murano glass vases. The hotel also offers a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness centre, and a tranquil spa of trained massage therapists. Going out can be fun, but so can staying in, so why not benefit from one of the hotel’s three in-house restaurants including the Michelin starred pan-Asian restaurant, MEE. If you’re heading to the party city for this year’s Carnival, Copacabana Palace also hosts its annual Magic Ball to honour the festive event.
Windsor Miramar
When in Rio, do as the locals do, so that means beach and sun. For your beachside escape, Windsor Miramar, located on Copacabana’s famous Avenida Atlantica, might be your safest bet. Directly facing the pristine beach, this hotel is the ideal chance for guests to experience the beach at its best as it provides an on-sand service of chair and tent rentals, plus free access to fruit and water.
Windsor Miramar offers 200 apartments and suites which come with an iPod docking station, Trussardi linen, L’Occitane amenities, and even a Nespresso machine so the morning caffeine fix can be appreciated in bed! For spectacular aerial views, head to the hotel’s rooftop which is surrounded by glass walls and showcases an infinity pool, fitness room, and decadent bar. Windsor Miramar is also animal friendly, so you might even encounter a handsome hound or two in the elevator!
Casa Verde
Casa Verde, or ‘The Green House’ in English, comes fourth in Rio’s top seven list thanks to its funky accommodation style. Nestled in the hillside treetops of São Conrado, this adults-only guest house boasts an unsurpassed view which blends forest, mountain, and sea; something ideal for honeymooners in particular! While the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are a mere ten minute drive away, guests may never feel the need to escape the comfort and serenity of Casa Verde.
Boutique in size, Casa Verde comprises of seven rooms, which can house up to 22 guests in total; you may also need to make room for spontaneous visits from curious monkeys and butterflies! Rooms offer Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and all are individually decorated with wood furnishings and bold, colourful artwork. To escape the heat, be sure to visit the ocean-view terrace and pool to cool down with a touch of tranquility.
Windsor Atlantica
Opened in 2010, Windsor Atlantica has already cemented itself in Rio’s seven best hotels list thanks to its sublime position in front of Copacabana and Leme beaches. For those seeking a luxury five star experience of indulgence and decadence, Windsor Atlantic is certain to deliver. Think marble, Persian carpets, and Italian crystal chandeliers, and that’s just in the reception!
Each of the 545 rooms and suites provide air-conditioning, mini-bar access, and LCD screen TVs, however, the guest’s experience also extends beyond the room thanks to the hotel’s vast range of facilities. One floor is especially dedicated to body and health, offering a spa and fitness centre, Finnish sauna, beauty salon, and Pilates studio. Foodies will also be pleased to know the hotel’s in-house Ristorante Allora serves the best Italian in town for those wanting a change from Brazilian grub.
Hotel Fasano
The crowning hotel jewel of the Ipanema district, Fasano provides a step back in time to the Bossa Nova period thanks to its 50s and 60s furniture, vintage uniforms, and other endearing relics from this era. When it comes to luxury, Fasano means business. All 79 rooms and 10 suites come with king-sized beds adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets, marble bathrooms with high-pressure showers, and a mix of designer amenities including Oskar Metsavaht thongs.
If you’re feeling the heat, head to the rooftop infinity pool, sip one of the signature cocktails, and recline to appreciate the sweeping landscape views of Ipanema beach, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Corcovado. If you’ve come to Rio to party and you’ve packed your dancing shoes, pay a visit to the hotel’s British style bar-come-nightclub which often welcomes DJs who spin sounds throughout the night.
TuAkAzA Exclusive Lodge Boutique Hotel
Ever thought of heading to the forest for a little piece of Rio’s nature? Well at TuAkAzA you can do just that! Located 11 kilometres from Ipanema beach in Rio’s national park, Tijuca, multi-award winning TuAkAzA is a large boutique-style villa comprising of five double suites and one single. Each of the suites is decorated with Brazilian art, and offers flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and relaxing tubs.
To experience a touch of the outdoors, take a dip in one of the hotel’s two pools, or even dunk yourself under TuAkAzA’s own private waterfall. For some outdoor adventure, the hotel is also in easy reach of various hiking tracks and paragliding facilities. If this all sounds a little too much, why not pamper yourself with a treatment at the hotel spa, and get yourself looking refreshed and glam for a night out in Rio.
Are you a raving Rio fan? Why not check out our budget hotels in Rio?