Feel like a celebrity when traveling to the hottest city in South America. If it is for Carnaval, or to enjoy the jungle or the beach, these luxury hotels in Rio come with a high price, but if you want to feel totally fabulous in this beautiful city, then these are the top options. Here are the luxury hotels where celebrities stay in Rio de Janeiro!
Copacabana Palace
With its art deco classic style, Copacabana Palace is a lasting beauty that has become the favorite destination for many VIPs since the 1920s. A synonym for glamorous trips over the decades, the Copacabana Palace has hosted Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Will Smith, and the Obama’s – to name a few – in recent years. In recent years, it has been brought up-to-date with the remodeling of a luxury spa and new rooms. The hotel pool is among the best in town, and the pool bar/restaurant, Pergola, is open to non-guests and serves excellent cocktails and a fabulous Sunday brunch. While the more formal Italian restaurant Cipriani has been regarded as one of Rio’s dining scene highlights. Mee, a pan-Asian restaurant, opened in 2014 and has received some stellar reviews.
Fasano Rio
Fasano Rio, designed by Philipe Starck, is another favorite hotel among celebrities visiting the city (Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart were seen here a couple of years ago), thanks to its quirky-chic location in front of Ipanema beach. The discreet exterior – it looks like a block of flats on the outside – gives it little importance, but clearly, Starck elaborated the interior very carefully, adding colorful touches. The bar, Baretto Londra, combines an Italian style with an air of superiority and is one of the trendiest places in town to enjoy a cocktail. However, the crowning glory of the hotel is the infinity rooftop pool, which offers views of the beach and the mountains. At sunset, the views are extraordinary. The pool bar sells snacks, excellent quality juices, and perfectly crafted cocktails – perfect for enjoying the pool while watching the sun dip over the water. The Italian seafood restaurant, Fasano Al Mare, is elegant and is open to non-guests, but advance booking is essential.
Hotel Santa Teresa
The historic district of Santa Teresa is known as the “Montmartre of South America,” thanks to its location at the top of the mountain and its bohemian vibe. And this elegant hotel in Rio de Janeiro is a perfect base to explore the steep cobbled streets of this distinguished district. Hotel Santa Teresa attracts luxury travelers looking for an alternative to hotels by the sea – Amy Winehouse is among several high-profile guests who have stayed here. The rooms are spacious and equipped with luxury touches such as deep soaking tubs. There is a spa and a cocktail bar with sofas to relax, and the classic French restaurant called Terese. It is approximately 20 minutes by taxi to the Copacabana beach, but the beautiful outdoor pool amid tropical gardens more than compensates this fact. The hotel is right in the center of Santa Teresa, making it ideal for visiting the many bars and restaurants in the neighborhood and the abundant arts, crafts, and vintage clothing stores.
Rio de Janeiro is a favorite destination, whether you’re visiting for Carnival or exploring the beautiful country. On a budget? There are plenty of spectacular hostels to stay at. If you’re looking to splurge, may we suggest a hotel fit for a celebrity. Get inspiration on your trip with this miniature timelapse of Rio or with this caipirinha recipe. For cheap eats, check out the five best cheap eats in Rio de Janeiro.
