The 10 most luxurious hotels in Rio de Janeiro

⭐ This is undoubtedly the most chic address on Copacabana. To experience Rio in the purest tradition of 1930s palaces, this legendary hotel, a member of the "Leading Hotels of the World" and the prestigious Belmond group (formerly Orient Express), is an absolute must. Listed as a historic monument, this legendary hotel offers a luxurious and glamorous setting, exceptional service, an ideal location in front of Copacabana beach, a spa and quality catering.

🚌 Along the avenida Atlântica, facing Copacabana beach. Rio's historic centre is 15 km away (allow 20 min), the nearest metro (Cardeal Arco Verde) 7 minutes away, the nearest train station (Central Do Brasil) 15 km away, Santos Dumont domestic airport 14 km away and Tom Jobim international airport 32 km away (allow 30-45 min depending on traffic).

🛌 The hotel's rooms are spacious (37 m²) with high ceilings, welcoming and very pleasantly furnished with a king-size bed and armchair. Half overlook the sea; the other half the city. The elegant period furnishings combine dark wood with high-quality beige fabrics. Facilities include individual air-conditioning, a fully-stocked mini-bar fridge, direct dial telephone and satellite TV (50 channels including TV5) with DVD player, as well as an Internet access socket. Fitted with parquet flooring and pastel yellow walls, the charming rooms are embellished with sumptuous carpets and beautiful paintings.

🛁 The marble bathroom is luxurious and very well stocked: hairdryer, bathrobes, flip-flops, magnifying mirror, handkerchiefs, cotton buds, porcelain jar and elaborate beauty products, all well decorated, embellished with beautiful painting. It includes a large enamelled porcelain bathtub, two marble-edged washbasins, a separate fixed shower, and a toilet. The bathroom also contains a free electronic code safe. Rooms facing the sea have a balcony where you can enjoy breakfast against the backdrop of the Atlantic. Ideal for a good start to the day! Room service is available 24 hours a day.

⭐ The Fasano Rio is the city's trendiest address. Ideally located on the mythical and select Ipanema beach, this design establishment (you can recognise Philippe Starck's touch) labelled Leading Hotel of the World offers a unique view of Ipanema from its panoramic rooftop terrace, where a beautiful infinity pool nestles. A spa and a Michelin-starred Italian gourmet restaurant top it all off.

🚌 Along the beautiful Ipanema beach, avenida Vieira Souto. The historic centre of Rio is 15 km away (allow 20 min), the nearest metro (Cardeal Arco Verde) 7 minutes, the nearest train station (Central Do Brasil) 15 km, Santos Dumont domestic airport 12.5 km and Galeao international airport 28 km (allow 30-45 min depending on traffic).

🛌 The room number is written on the floor! You can only access your floor with your magnetic key. Spacious (30 m²), the rooms with design décor by Philippe Starck feature LCD flat-screen satellite TV, DVD and CD player, discreet individual air conditioning, desk, mini-bar fridge, free electronic code safe, telephone and wifi and ADSL internet access (chargeable). The king-size bed is fitted with soft, high-quality pillows. A large balcony offers beautiful views over Ipanema from some rooms. The beautifully designed marble bathroom is spacious, clean and well decorated. It includes a bathtub, hydromassage shower, toilet, bidet, weighing scales, bathrobes, flip-flops, elaborate toiletries and a hairdryer. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

⭐ The Santa Teresa Rio MGallery By Sofitel is nestled in the heart of the charming Santa Teresa district, on the heights of Rio, criss-crossed by typical yellow trams. The Santa Teresa is a member of the prestigious Relais et Châteaux label, a guarantee of character, charm, courtesy, peace and gastronomy! We particularly appreciate the tranquillity of its garden and panoramic terrace swimming pool. An ideal address for a romantic getaway!

🚌 In the heart of the charming district of cobbled, steep streets of Santa Teresa and its colourful facades, located on the heights of Rio on the road to Corcovado (15 minutes by taxi). You can get there and around on the typical yellow trams. Located at 660 rua Almirante Alexandrino, the hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the trendy Lapa district and the sambodrome, where the best samba schools parade during Carnival. The nearest metro station (Gloria) is a 10-minute walk away, taking you quickly to Copacabana and Ipanema. The nearest train station (Central Do Brasil) is 10 km away, Santos Dumont domestic airport 10 km and Galeao international airport 20 km (allow 30-45 minutes depending on traffic).

🛌 The rooms are spacious (35 m²) and comfortable. With brown floors and white walls, they have a large wardrobe, a wooden desk, original lamps on large wooden tripods, flower pots, plants and two paintings of Rio, in short, you're in the mood! You'll sleep like a baby in a very comfortable bed. There are no balconies or sea views, but the windows overlook the pleasant tropical garden, which isn't too bad! You have a flat-screen satellite TV broadcasting 150 channels, including TV5, individual air conditioning, a mini-bar fridge, telephone, Wi-Fi internet access (free) and a large electronic safe (free).

The slate bathroom includes a large tropical shower, double washbasin, toilet, Natura (the Brazilian brand used in the spa) toiletries, magnifying mirror, bathrobes, havaianas and hairdryer. Some rooms have a veranda where you can enjoy breakfast. For honeymooners, we recommend the suites with four-poster bed and large circular bath.

⭐ Located opposite the ocean and Copacabana beach, the Windsor Miramar hotel is a quality structure, without excessive luxury. The fairly spacious rooms, subdivided into several categories, offer pleasant decoration and good services. In the restaurant, the buffet offers an interesting choice of desserts, starters and hot dishes. For relaxation, head to the top floor, where the panoramic terrace serves as a backdrop to the hydromassage and fitness rooms.

🚌 The Windsor Miramar hotel is located south of the avenida Atlântica, the famous Copacabana seafront; the position is excellent for a seaside holiday in Rio de Janeiro, close to the city's main attractions. The 25 km journey to Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport takes around half an hour. But allow extra time during rush hour.

🛌 Spread over 14 floors, the hotel's 146 rooms, available in double or triple versions, belong to different categories. The most numerous are the Standard rooms, 88 in all, but they only offer a side view of the ocean or the interior. The Luxury rooms are not much different, but they offer a lovely view of Copacabana beach. The decor of both categories is very pleasing: the cheerful colours combine with the light wood of the parquet flooring to create a successful bouquet of pink, yellow and white.

The furniture in these rooms has recently been refurbished and all the usual services are provided (television, telephone, air conditioning, Internet connection, room service and minibar) to ensure a comfortable stay. On the other hand, the bathrooms, with their white marble washbasin and shower curtain decorated with the Windsor hotel emblem, are rather small and could do with a good refurbishment. Inlays and a few rust stains do not give the hotel a positive image.

The 16 Superior rooms are definitely of a higher standard; they are equipped with a balcony, but please note that this surface area has been deducted from the square metres of the rooms, which are therefore slightly smaller than the Luxury and Standard rooms. Finally, the hotel has 10 suites, which are the largest accommodations.

⭐ Enjoy an unforgettable stay at the PortoBay Rio hotel. With breathtaking views of Sugarloaf, Corcovado and Copacabana Beach, this establishment is the ideal place to rest after a day exploring Brazil's tourist capital. Cardeal Arcoverde metro station is 550 metres from the hotel.

The hotel has a restaurant and bar with panoramic views of Rio Bay. Sip a caipirinha to the gentle rhythm of bossa nova and enjoy an excellent dinner as you watch the sun set.

🍴 La Finestra restaurant offers international cuisine, traditional dishes and a breakfast buffet overflowing with fresh fruit and other delicacies.

🛌 Its rooms overlook the sea and are all equipped with free wifi, a TV and a minibar. The hotel also provides beach towels and deckchairs, sunbathing in style!

⭐ The Othon Palace Hotel Rio de Janeiro is one of those 5-star hotels about which there is little to question. You really have to look hard to find any handicaps.

👛 Visitors will notice in particular the truly advantageous geographical location and the remarkable degree of comfort, without setting aside the amazing value for money. The best rates are available in July. For your information, it's around €126 per night.

"Very good hotel, impeccable service, restaurant, bar and pool on the top floor with a fabulous view of Copacabana. Ideally located to enjoy Copa and Ipanema on foot. I recommend it!"

⭐ The Windsor Barra has it all: a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, a gourmet restaurant, a gym and a rooftop with swimming pool and cocktail bar! Located in the Barra da Tijuca district, this hotel exudes peace and tranquillity. Start your day with a morning stroll along Tijuca beach. This short stroll will whet your appetite. The Windsor offers an international buffet with exotic fruits and freshly caught seafood. In the afternoon, you can head to the Barra shopping centre, just 4 km from the hotel, for a spot of shopping.

🏖️ The beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are 15 and 20 km respectively from this little piece of paradise.

🍴 On Saturday, a typically Brazilian lunch is served: fejoada, a ragout made from black beans, pork and white rice. If you like local cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional dishes around the Windsor.

🛌 Almost all rooms at this prestigious hotel have a sitting area, and all are equipped with air conditioning and a TV.

⭐ Even though there's so much to see in Rio, once you arrive at the Grand Hyatt located in the corner of Barra da Tijuca, you won't want to leave. Situated between the ocean, the mountains and the 'lagoa' (lagoon), this hotel is the ideal setting for an unforgettable holiday. Outdoor pool, spa, sauna, gym and even a yoga studio! Do the lotus position while marvelling at the breathtaking views.

And if you're feeling peckish head for one of the resort's three gourmet restaurants.

🍴 Shiso is a Japanese restaurant that perfectly combines traditional dishes with modern techniques. You can also sit at the bar and enjoy a good sake while watching the chefs at work.

🍴 Cantô Gastrô & Lounge perfectly reflects Carioca culture: a relaxed atmosphere with simple dishes. With its opening onto the pool, have a small snack delivered to you and enjoy pao de queijo (cheese puff buns) on your deckchair.

Tano is the Hyatt's official breakfast restaurant. We recommend the fruit, which is to die for. The maracuja (an XXL version of passion fruit), pineapple and mango are exceptional. The acai bowl is also a real treat. This dish made from crushed acai berries is served very cold with fruit and cereals. Just talking about it makes your mouth water!

🛌 The rooms are incredibly comfortable. Uncluttered and simple decoration with a furnished balcony. They are also all fully equipped and air-conditioned. The Hyatt is a restful place for everyone, couples and families alike! The little ones have their own kids' club: toys, books, art activities, video games and baby area.

⭐ The Arena Copacabana Hotel belongs to those 4 stars about which there is little to complain. You really have to look hard to find weak points for it. This 4-star hotel gives itself the means to satisfy travellers with a geographical location, a high standard and a very competitive rate.

👛 It's best to target June in order to benefit from the most competitive price, which is close to €114 per night.

"Very well located hotel in the middle of Copacabana beach. Pleasant staff. Suite with a magnificent view of the beach. Very good restaurant. Varied quality breakfast."

"Hotel very well located on Copacabana, spacious room, clean, extraordinary view of the sea, perfect breakfast very varied, very friendly staff, I highly recommend."

⭐ Located on the Copacabana seafront, the JW Marriott hotel is a chic establishment, perfect for business trips or holidays. It is one of the few establishments in Carioca to offer a beach service; as for sports enthusiasts, whom the hotel does not forget, they benefit from a fairly well-equipped gym with machines each equipped with a mini-TV. The Marriott is also the ideal place to rest and relax, in the small spa or swimming pool on the panoramic top floor, but also in the rooms, decorated with class and equipped with every comfort, even if they are a little claustrophobic.

The windows facing the sea do not open and those facing the courtyard have a small balcony, but this internal space is topped by a glass roof. It's impossible to get a breath of fresh air. We appreciate the cuisine, with two restaurants to choose from (Japanese and Mediterranean) and a snack bar.

🚌 The JW Marriott hotel is set facing the ocean, on the avenida Atlântica, Copacabana's famous black and white seafront. Its position is enviable due to the spectacular views and proximity to Rio de Janeiro's main attractions, such as Sugarloaf and Corcovado. Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport is 24km away, or half an hour by taxi when there is no traffic. Allow a good hour during rush hour!