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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.
The epitome of Santorini chic, this sparkling gem of a family-run hotel combines an intimate atmosphere with spectacular views over Búzios's fishing-boat-strewn bay, a first-rate spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
Small children are not permitted, but are welcome at the smaller sister hotel, Abracadabara.
Rooms at this gorgeous, centrally located boutique hotel are simply but stylishly appointed and have soft white linens and fresh flowers, but the crowning glory is an infinity pool that has stunning views over the bay and out to sea.
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.
Arguably one of the most enthralling places to stay in Paraty, this spacious, expertly run colonial guesthouse combines exquisite design with a first-class spa, all-day breakfast, and a resplendent library that celebrates Paraty's literary heart. The spacious rooms, decorated with book-themed artworks, have tasteful, brightly colored contemporary fixtures, but what really makes a stay here special is the large heated pool in the courtyard.
Book well in advance if you want to stay during the town's famous literary festival, held in July, as this is the place Brazil's creative elite clamor to stay.
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.
Occupying a tastefully restored 1875 neoclassical building and smaller outlying houses amid Petrópolis's historic center, this elegant hotel provides stylish, comfortable accommodations. The buildings, which retain many original features, were constructed according to the wishes of Princesa Isabel and the gleaming-white setting has lost none of its aesthetic appeal over the years, and the palatial grounds are immaculately maintained (young children will love the gardens and fishpond). Nice touches include the chocolate crowns placed nightly on guests' pillows, and the fact that breakfast can be enjoyed at any time or place.
Set on the river inside a private eco-park, this resort hotel is a favorite with families and couples looking to relax with a wealth of services and activities at their disposal. Inside Parque Perequê, this resort hotel has boat service to its private beach across the river and lays on breakfast, dinner, and activities such as stand-up paddleboard, boat trips, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, rafting, and bird-watching walks with a local expert.
An inviting warmth pervades this historic villa, which sits right on the edge of Geribá Beach. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the pool area has sweeping views out to sea, and the excellent restaurant serves lunch by the pool or in the interior courtyard and garden.
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.
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.
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.
