"An Art Deco landmark on Rio’s famous stretch of sand, the Belmond Copacabana Palace has set the standard for visiting celebrities and discerning guests for nearly a century. In the luxurious rooms, muted colors, original artwork, and botanical murals serve as the backdrop for views of the ocean and black-and-white boardwalk. Outdoors, guests can lounge around the almost Olympic-sized pool—much like Marilyn Monroe once did—or take advantage of the hotel’s beach service, complete with assistants to watch your belongings while you swim. Visitors also have access to the hotel spa, which uses Brazilian fruits and Amazonian ingredients in its treatments, as well as an impeccable concierge team, which can arrange exclusive sunrise visits to Christ the Redeemer before it opens to the public. The restaurant and nightlife scene may be hotter in Ipanema these days but Belmond guests are spoilt for dining choices. Hotel Cipriani Restaurant—named for the Copacabana’s sister hotel in Venice—serves elegant Northern Italian, while Pérgula is bustling day and night thanks to caipirinha cocktails prepared tableside and a menu of Carioca favorites like grilled seafood and steaks. For an award-winning meal, there’s also Mee, which holds a Michelin star for its haute Pan-Asian dishes and extensive sake selection."

"A funky guesthouse in Rio’s charming Santa Teresa neighborhood, Casa Cool Beans is an antidote to soulless chain hotels. Not so friendly for kids (there’s a 13-year age minimum) or less physically able guests (there are many stairs and no elevators), it’s better for couples or families with teens. Uniquely designed rooms range from a 183-square-foot twin to a 484-square-doot duplex with a semi-private patio; some have hardwood floors and high ceilings, while all feature original local artwork. The hotel’s friendly American owners serve a continental breakfast each day by the pool and are happy to point you to the area’s best restaurants and nightlife as well as arrange tours and transportation."

"Perched on a hill between the busy Zona Sul and hip Santa Teresa neighborhoods, Casa Marques is an all-suites boutique hotel with unparalleled views of Rio. The French-Brazilian couple behind the property blended minimalist modern design with contemporary Brazilian art, creating a space that’s as sleek and subtle as a gallery. Stark white, rooms are decorated with unique local art and artisan-made rugs. Standard suites feature pingo de riga (floor-to-ceiling), wood-framed windows, while master suites include a balcony and expanded bathroom with soaking tub. On the roof of the colonial mansion, there’s an infinity pool and bar overlooking Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. Rates include breakfast on the terrace or in the warm, stylish kitchen lounge, complete with traditional tapioca and Brazilian iced tea. Note that Casa Marques’ stellar scenery means it’s challenging to access—plan on taking taxis whenever you can tear yourself away from the hotel vistas."

"Opened in 2016 in the luxe Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, the Grand HyattRio de Janeirois a modern beach resort away from the tourist hordes. Designed by the international hospitality firm Yabu Pushelburg, which has partnered with many of the world’s top hotel brands, the Grand Hyatt delivers a boutique feel with all the amenities of a world-class hotel. Spacious guest rooms feature balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or Marapendi Lagoon as well as soaking tubs, separate rain showers, and locally made Granado toiletries. The subterranean spa and fitness center is extensive, with nine treatment rooms, a yoga studio, and steam rooms, while dining options include a Japanese grill, an Italian restaurant, and a Brazilian spot, each surrounding the large pool and lush gardens. While Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain can be an hour away by taxi in traffic, Barra offers plenty of high-end shopping and dining along its long, less-crowded stretch of beach."

"Given Ipanema’s highly fashionable status, it’s no surprise that its first luxury hotel comes courtesy of aesthetic superstar Philippe Starck, who outfitted the property—his first in Brazil—with mid-century modern furniture evoking Rio’s Bossa Nova glory days. Rooms include luxe bedding, high-pressure showers, and complimentary flip-flops from Brazilian brand Osklen, while public spaces feature Starck’s Surrealist “L’oreille Qui Voit” (“ears that see”) mirrors to maximize water views. In fact, the entire hotel takes advantage of its oceanfront location—even the meeting space has a sea-view terrace. The Fasano family made its name a century ago with Italian restaurants so, naturally, the hotel’s Al Mare takes a Mediterranean bent, serving expertly prepared seafood under sparkling Murano chandeliers. Elsewhere in the hotel, the modest fitness center offers complimentary personal trainers to guests, while the Asian-influenced spa features a Vichy shower on the roof. The surrounding beach scene may be hot during the day, but the Fasano’s rooftop infinity pool and bar—exclusive to hotel guests—is the place to be come sunset. Grab a drink and watch the sun go down over Aropador, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches and Rio’s iconic mountains."

"Located in one of Rio’s trendiest neighborhoods, Hotel Santa Teresa offers an alternative to the beach hotel scene—with all the amenities you’d expect from an MGallery by Sofitel property. The converted coffee plantation house feels both historic and contemporary, with wood-beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls, and lush tropical gardens. The 44 guest rooms mix botanical prints, designer furniture, and crisp white linens with local materials like tropical woods, coconut fiber, and raw cotton; all offer Nespresso machines, some have bathtubs, and Deluxes and Suites feature more space and a balcony overlooking the mountains. (The Royal Suite features a grand piano, too.) Elsewhere in the hotel, the chic, romantically lit Térèze restaurant mixes upscale French fare with local ingredients and Bossa Nova flavors, while the buzzy Bar dos Descasadoes features live music and DJs on the weekends. After an afternoon spent exploring the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa, indulge in a massage or facial at Le Spa, or take in the city views from the elegant pool area."

"A classic JW Marriott, this modern, glass-and-steel property offers top-notch amenities, personalized service, and a prime location just steps from Copacabana Beach. The marble lobby features a mezzanine breakfast spot and casual Brazilian restaurant, while the contemporary, black-and-white rooms face either an interior atrium or the oceanfront. Book an executive level room for access to the lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks, and drinks, then keep the kids occupied with special touches like beach toys and treats at turndown. Guests can also look forward to a rooftop food truck that serves international street food, craft beers, and cocktail pitches by the pool, as well as a spa and fitness center overlooking the beach. Nearly everything you’ll need is within walking distance of the hotel, and the nightlife of Ipanema and Leblon is just a quick taxi ride away."

"Mama Shelter Rio de Janeiro France’s chic, budget-friendly hospitality chain has gone Brazilian with this boutique hotel in Rio’s Santa Teresa neighborhood. Rooms are on the petite side, ranging from 160 to 280 square feet, but have whimsy to spare, with graphic rugs, minimalist furniture, and cheeky mirror messages scrawled over king-sized beds. Mama Shelter properties aim to be welcoming and lively, a fact that’s especially evident in the common spaces. The on-site restaurant features communal tables, stepped seating, and a menu that encourages sharing, while the Portuguese-tiled bar brings guests together over creative cocktails. While Mama Shelter isn’t on the beach, it does offer a lovely courtyard for lounging in the sun, as well as terraces with beautiful city views. It’s also right in the middle of one of Rio’s most happening neighborhoods, putting guests within walking distance of several trendy restaurants and bars."

"Much of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games were held not at Rio’s Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, but in Barra da Tijuca, a residential neighborhood with glamorous shopping malls and beachfront condos. This Miami-esque area is where you’ll find the Windsor Barra, which opens right onto a white-sand beach with fewer tourists than its more famous cousins to the east. Rooms here are done up in neutral beiges and blonde wood and many feature balconies, while spacious bathrooms include L’Occitaine toiletries and, in some, whirlpool tubs. The hotel serves a diverse breakfast spread in its downstairs restaurant and, every Saturday, makes a feast of feijoada (Brazil’s national stew) for around $25 per person."

"Located in Botafogo, the Yoo2 is a contemporary design hotel convenient to all that Rio has to offer. In the sleek, modern lobby, cool colors and warm woods complement a colorful plant wall and vibrant furnishings. The unique design continues in the Cariocally restaurant, where the parquet floor extends up the length of the bar. On the roof, another bar serves share plates and craft Cachaça cocktails by the pool. Rooms reflect Rio’s playful personality with a mix of palm-tree-printed ceilings and geometric-tiled floors. The Yoo2 Plus rooms offer a bit morespace and views of Pão de Açúcar, while the Celebration and Sugar suites feature windows overlooking the Corcovado and Rio skyline."