12 Best Hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Opened in 2016, this is the first unit of the chain in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The beachfront urban resort combines nature and urban elements, offering a relaxed environment with a pool, spa, and Japanese and Brazilian restaurants.

When this strikingly chic beachfront hotel opened, it quietly raised the bar in Rio’s hospitality scene with a level of attentiveness unmatched across the city. While its location at Posto 5 makes it ideal for exploring both Copacabana and Ipanema, you’d be forgiven from straying no further than the idyllic rooftop infinity pool, first-rate spa, trendy walled-garden restaurant, and light-filled spacious suites where private butlers care for every comfort.

The pick of the bunch in Ipanema for a midrange option with a great location, this stylish little property was renovated in 2016 by renowned architect Bel Lobo and now combines elegant, breezy design and a vibrant restaurant serving contemporary Brazilian food with comfortable rooms. Thoughtful touches for guests include beach towels, deck chairs, and sun umbrellas to save you from renting your own.

One of the stars of Copacabana's midrange hotels, this beachfront property combines beautiful rooms—all have balconies with sea views—with a great rooftop pool and charming, attentive staff. The distinctive black- and red-fronted hotel is Swiss-owned, and the tidy and modern Scandinavian design (aka crisp white decor) is one of its best assets, as are the views across the bay and of the Corcovado and the Christ statue.

With a prime beachfront location, this classic Copacabana hotel underwent a complete face-lift and is now one of the neighborhood's best hotels. Rooms come with modern appliances such as iPod docks, HDTV, Wi-Fi, and Nespresso coffeemakers, and the bar at the rooftop infinity pool has glorious views over Copacabana and Sugarloaf.

Each of the spacious and comfortable rooms in this mammoth hotel has a balcony overlooking Barra Beach, while facilities include a large heated pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. While a long way from Rio's most famous attractions (public transportation makes it feel much closer), one of the highlights of staying in this neighborhood is proximity to Barra's substantial golden beach.

Between the upmarket neighborhoods of São Conrado and Leblon, this hotel has the most spacious leisure area in the city, with three pools, two tennis courts, and a children's playground; this is the only hotel in Rio with a "private" beach. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and all have balconies with sea views, although some are very limited.

For those who no longer feel comfortable sharing a room with strangers but would like to meet other travelers, the Socialtel chain offers a relaxed atmosphere in its facilities, overlooking Copacabana beach. There are single, double, or family accommodations with bathroom, and there is the possibility of exchanging experiences with other travelers in the movie theater or in the hotel's communal kitchen. The accommodation also offers suggestions for guided group or private tours, events in the city, and other attractions.

Another of Rio's tall, slender hotels, this one has a great location at the eastern end of Ipanema Beach between Rua Vinicius de Moraes and Farme de Amoedo. Though it isn't luxurious, the hotel has comfortable accommodations with crisp, clean, and modern interiors. Deluxe front rooms have panoramic beach views, and back rooms from the eighth floor up have views of the lagoon and Corcovado.

With a prime location overlooking Botafogo beach and Sugarloaf Mountain, this well-run hotel has become a favorite since opening in 2016. While the trendy design, funky colors, and a street-art-lined elevator give it a youthful edge, the reliable service, rooftop pool, excellent restaurant, and proximity to downtown have cemented it as a favorite for travelers looking for a location close to the financial heart of town yet still within reach of Rio’s spectacular sites. Recently was integrated into the Hilton Tapestry Collection.