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There are hotels for all budgets and all tastes, from beachfront pousadas offering simple rooms with barely more than a bed and a ceiling fan to boutique hotels with luxurious amenities and on-site spas. Paraty and Petrópolis have gorgeous 18th-century inns, some of which can be a bit drafty in winter.
Cooled by gentle hill breezes and shaded by trees and coconut palms, this peaceful eco-friendly pousada is a short walk from the beachfront and offers comfortable lodgings in elegantly appointed chalets. Lavish breakfasts and afternoon teas can be eaten in the dining room or alfresco, and the owner, Rennie, offers personal attention and a wealth of insider knowledge to all her guests. There’s a lounge with music and DVDs, too, so guests can relax even if the heavens open.
Split between two colonial houses joined by a central plunge pool surrounded by white daybeds, this intimate guesthouse—set in prime position overlooking Paraty's main bay—is like staying in the private home of a very stylish friend. There's nothing better than waking up to homemade banana cake, having tea in the atmospheric library, or sipping caipirinhas at the bar before strolling Paraty's vibrant cobblestone streets. Friendly, highly knowledgeable staff will advise and arrange on how to spend your time, from secret beaches to the best boat trips and horse rides through the jungle.
This family-run inn set just outside of Petrópolis offers one of the most charming and authentic accommodation experiences in the area. Alongside the flower-filled garden, the farmhouse style cooking is a highlight—the emphasis is on using the freshest ingredients, some of which are grown in the hotel's own herb and vegetable gardens—with spectacular, abundant breakfasts, stews, and high teas served at a big communal table.
A wonderful spot to relax, this intimate, charming guesthouse is situated on a white-sand beach that has its own pier giving guests unadulterated access to Angra's spectacular tropical islands. Breezy, ocean-view rooms, warm and welcoming staff, and homemade breakfasts (including warm bread and freshly baked cakes) are additional highlights—you can also pre-order lunch and dinner from the attentive kitchen team.
A beachfront location, excellent service, and sumptuous breakfasts all contribute to the appeal of Pousada Naturalia, which is set in lush tropical gardens visited by colorful birds, monkeys, and squirrels. The rooms here, which can easily accommodate up to four people, have large balconies with hammocks and perfect sea views, and although it's just a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal and bars and restaurants, the place feels pleasingly remote and is free of street noise.
A Zen-like calm pervades the rooms and living spaces at this casual-chic spot just a few minutes walk from Geribá Beach.
This charming no-frills pousada stands out for its warm, welcoming staff and excellent location, situated within walking distance of two of the area's best beaches, Praia Grande and Praia Brava. The cozy living room, small pool set in a tropical garden, and delicious homemade breakfasts add to the feel of an intimate home away from home.
If you want to feel like a member of the Brazilian imperial family, this place is the place to go. Sitting in a valley with walking trails winding through colorful bougainvillea trees, this cozy pousada has six well-appointed suites decorated in a classical style with imperial influences. Guests have access to a pool, a sauna, and a well-equipped gym, as well as an excellent restaurant that's open to nonguests and comes highly acclaimed by national food critics.
Small but welcoming, this intimate guesthouse close to Geribá Beach provides clean, budget-friendly accommodations. All rooms have simple, contemporary furnishings—some of the private rooms have a terrace with a hammock—and the outdoor communal area with sun loungers is a pleasant place to relax with a book after a day at the beach.
With a large pool and sun terrace, bright and spacious rooms, generous breakfasts, and free parking and Wi-Fi, this family-friendly guesthouse offers excellent value for its price range. Helpful staff and spacious gardens add to the appeal, and each bedroom has a balcony complete with swinging hammock. Ferradura Beach, the town center, and the bus station are all within walking distance.
This gorgeous six-room pousada is set right on the water, a short walk from Búzios's main street. It combines elegant, spacious rooms with a small pool and tropical garden, where you can enjoy homemade breakfasts or lounge on giant daybeds. The small number of rooms help to create an exclusive atmosphere and services are personalized.
In a colonial-style house, this family-friendly pousada with a tropical atmosphere faces lovely Praia do Canto and it has a privileged pé na areia (right on the beach) location. The rooms are simple but comfortable and bright, and those with sea views take in bobbing fishing boats and have small verandas—they're worth the higher rate.
The name means the Prince's pousada and it's really owned by the great-grandson of Emperor Pedro II. This inn at the edge of the Centro Histórico has rooms decorated in colonial style that face either the interior garden or the swimming pool, which is set in a pleasant courtyard. The aptly named "Pousada of the Prince" is painted in the yellow and green of the imperial flag, and its quiet, colorful public areas are decorated with photos of the royal family.
Its central location a block from the main square, interior courtyard complete with swimming pool, and colorful interiors make this colonial pousada a good local base. Rooms are spacious and come with comfy beds, while downstairs, the vibrant bar and on-site Italian restaurant Pippo are an added convenience.
A 10-minute walk from downtown, this Bavarian-style inn has a lobby with a fireplace, a comfortable restaurant and bar area, and cozy, rustic rooms that have marshmallow-soft beds and a view to the mountains. The breakfast is outstanding. The lovely gardens have a pool and spectacular views of the city.
Expect a rustic, yet relaxing experience at one of Paraty's oldest guesthouses, where high-ceilinged rooms are decorated in 19th-century colonial style and set around an orchid-filled courtyard garden and swimming pool. While the rooms don't have TVs, there's a living room with a home theater. Close to the beach and with its own pool, the inn is ideal for sun lovers.
