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São Paulo puts an emphasis on business, and for the most part so do its hotels. Most of them are near Avenida Paulista, along Marginal Pinheiros, or in the charming Jardins neighborhood, where international businesses are located. But catering to business doesn't mean they've forgotten about pleasure. On the contrary, if you're willing to pay for it, the city can match London or New York for unfettered elegance.
Breakfast is a sumptuous affair and is oftentimes included in the room rate. International conventions and the annual Brazilian Grand Prix in November can book hotels completely, so it's wise to make reservations in advance.
With hotels at both ends of Paulista and other properties in Jardins, Morumbi, and the city center, the Ibis Budget (formerly the Formule 1) is a great choice if you value location and price over luxury. Rooms have been stripped down to what's necessary for a comfortable stay: a TV, a double bed with a single bunked over it, and a small but efficient bathroom. The lobby is always full of groups of young people waiting to embark on an excursion.
Marvelously located in the retail-heavy part of the Jardins district and easily navigable both to and from, Pousada Ziláh is quite cheap---it might be a more affordable alternative if you're seeking to momentarily escape the skyscraper experience. Once you step inside this former private residence, you might easily forget that you're still at the center of a bustling megalopolis.
