5 Best Hotels in Recife, The Northeast

The city's smartest business hotel, this glimmering high-rise looks directly over Recife's most popular beach. The sleek, spacious rooms share views of the sea, a neutral design, and modern conveniences such as an in-room iPod doc, plasma TVs, and espresso machines. Enjoy the truly memorable ocean panorama as you soar up to the rooftop terrace and pool in the glass-enclosed elevator; there, alongside plenty of sunbathers, you will find a fully equipped gym, Pilates studio, beauty center, and spa. Visiting businesspeople often drop by to dine at the upmarket Mirage restaurant, while the Brasserie serves a buffet breakfast and a varied á la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

In one of the trendiest parts of Boa Viagem and right across from the beach, this modern hotel has elegantly designed rooms and the sort of smiling, efficient service you would expect from one of Brazil's largest hotel groups. A buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served in the trendy Nabuco restaurant, and there is also an on-site coffee shop that transforms into a Japanese temaki counter in the evening. Gym buffs will love the large workout area and state-of-the-art equipment.

A five-minute walk from Boa Viagem Beach, this slightly dated hotel offers spacious rooms that all come with a small, private veranda. While the lobby decor, outdated gym, and '70s-style hotel shops may leave you feeling like you've stepped back in time, the sprawling outdoor pool area, complete with a waterfall and two kiddie pools, pull you back into the present. A new annex offers the most modern rooms.

This spacious, modern hotel is a favorite among both businesspeople and families for its comfortable facilities and professional service. The large rooms are the principal draw, all of which come with comfy king-size beds and modern bathrooms; request one with a veranda that overlooks the ocean. There is a long outdoor pool, ideal for swimming laps, as well as a small gym and sauna. Breakfast is served on the ground floor next to the lobby, which is always packed. Rates tend to drop on the weekends.