The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro

With a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service, this is the go-to spot for royalty, athletes, and celebrities—some of whom adorn the "hall of fame" with signed photos, including Prince Charles and model Gisele Bündchen. Fun fact: Walt Disney was inspired here to create the character Zé Carioca. As a symbol of Rio, the Copa is synonymous with sophistication and luxury. The 239 rooms and suites can reach up to a whopping 100 square meters, featuring classic decor with contemporary touches. Along with the iconic semi-Olympic pool (and a black pool exclusive to the luxe 6th floor), it offers a spa, beauty salon, gym, tennis court, and the Copacabana Palace Theater, as well as three award-winning restaurants, two of which are Michelin-starred.

On the rooftop, the infinity pool overlooks Ipanema Beach, with Arpoador, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Corcovado as the backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a drink from the bar. The Gero restaurant offers gourmet dining on an open-air veranda. Even the spa experience is inspired by the Rio lifestyle. For families, there’s the bambini service to decorate rooms for kids, and the vipet service for small dogs. Its 89 suites, divided into five categories, are furnished with pieces by designers like Sergio Rodrigues.

Housed in an 1850 coffee plantation, the hotel’s decor and architecture are inspired by that era. Noble materials, cement floors, tropical woods, and banana fibers combine with contemporary designs by Sergio Rodrigues and Zemog. Away from the bustling South Zone, it’s perfect for those seeking privacy and elegance. The 44 rooms, divided into six categories, feature king-size beds with 300-thread count cotton sheets and plenty of Brazilian art. With views of tropical gardens or the Santa Teresa neighborhood, the pool opens to Guanabara Bay, Le Spa is a haven, Térèze restaurant offers local gourmet cuisine, and Bar dos Descasados is the spot for nightlife.

Known for its attention to detail, everything here is designed for the guest's comfort and well-being. Its 90 spacious rooms are decorated to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Among the seven categories, one includes spa treatments from Santapele, with massages and special baths in a private area of the room. The Egyptian cotton 400-thread count bed linens and stunning views of Copacabana Beach are other highlights. Chef Camilo Vanazzi ensures excellent cuisine based on Brazilian and seasonal ingredients at the Emile Restaurant.

Located right in front of Botafogo Beach, this five-star hotel boasts an incredible view of Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado. Opened in 2016, it brought a new design concept to the city, thanks to London’s Yoo studio by Philippe Starck. The 143 rooms feature bold colors and greenery everywhere, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Guanabara Bay. The rooftop pool, with swings and armchairs perfect for enjoying drinks, sits right under Christ the Redeemer. Its prime location near BotaSoho, a trendy area full of hotspots, is another plus.

A great choice for business travelers who want to make the most of their stay. Directly connected to Santos Dumont Airport, it offers views of Marina da Glória, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. There’s an infinity pool on the rooftop, a gym, and the Orla 21 restaurant, where breakfast starts at 4 AM, perfect for early flights. The four-star accommodations are small and basic but comfortable.

Whether you're into sports or seeking relaxation, the five-star hotel’s team is trained to offer personalized service. Options include functional training circuits, late lunches in the garden at sunset, romantic candlelit dinners, harmonized tea picnics, and boat or helicopter tours. The stunning setting overlooks Guanabara Bay, with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background.

The top-floor suite offers a majestic view of Leblon and Ipanema beaches, but all 51 apartments face the sea and get plenty of natural light. The decor features sustainable freijó wood, creating a cozy atmosphere. Local cuisine, focusing on small producers and seasonal ingredients, is highlighted in both the Cedilha on the ground floor and the Janeiro restaurant on the second floor, where breakfast is served. Amenities include concierge service, massages, an outdoor pool, and bicycle rentals to explore the neighborhood.

The once-abandoned Largo do Boticário was transformed by Accor into the first Jo&Joe property in Rio, investing R$70 million in restoring six colonial-style houses. Combining the comfort of a hotel with the social atmosphere of a hostel, rooms can accommodate up to eight people. The modern decor contrasts with the classic architecture, making it a true Rio spot, at the foot of Corcovado, surrounded by trendy folks and the Atlantic Forest. The restaurant offers shared tables and affordable dishes. The complex includes a basketball court, coworking space, and a pool that often hosts lively parties.

In the heart of Lapa's bohemian scene, this space blends classic and contemporary styles. Inspired by Bossa Nova and Luso-Brazilian culture, the stunning four-star hotel has 292 rooms divided into two wings: an old 19th-century mansion with charming rooms and palatial furnishings, and a 13-story modern tower. The inviting pool separates the two structures, and there’s a vintage bar dedicated to singer Vinicius de Moraes. The hotel also offers Satsanga Spa services, including a massage room and whirlpool.