Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Its location right on the beach at scenic Praia do Bonfim combined with the friendly staff make this simple hotel a great option for its price range. Many of the spacious rooms have sea views, and guests can take to the water on complimentary kayak rides and paddle out to a small, whitewashed church on a nearby island.
