The Ultimate Guide to Hotels in Rio de Janeiro: Where to Stay for an Unforgettable Visit

Rio de Janeiro is a stunning city, but knowing where to stay is key to making the most of your trip safely. Your accommodation in Rio de Janeiro is a big part of the experience since you could be in a neighborhood with a great location or, conversely, somewhere far from the tourist hotspots. This article is your go-to guide for understanding the main districts of Rio and recommending the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro from a local.

Rio de Janeiro is a sprawling city, so knowing where to stay can seriously simplify your logistics. And guess what? You don’t have to limit yourself to a hotel in Copacabana to enjoy a fantastic experience. There are plenty of great neighborhoods in the city for staying in Rio de Janeiro.

The hands-down best area to book an accommodation is the South Zone (Zona Sul), and here’s why: the majority of Rio’s attractions are in this part of town. Another reason to favor the South Zone neighborhoods is safety. Of course, you’ve got to keep your wits about you everywhere, but instances of theft and assault are lower here. Plus, the area’s well served by public transport, and Uber (or taxi) rides won’t break the bank.

• Check out our perfect 5-day itinerary in Rio de Janeiro with very Carioca activities

How ‘Além de Viagem’ Picks Accommodations

I’ve handpicked the best accommodations listed on Booking.com, with ratings starting at 8.0, to guide you on where to stay in Rio de Janeiro. Normally, I curate places with ratings starting at 9.0, but alas, the nightly rates are sky-high. So, I adjusted my criteria slightly to bring you a variety of neighborhoods and price points. The selection is based on the following criteria:

• Location;
• Comfort;
• Ratings;
• Severity of negative reviews – because let’s face it, nowhere’s perfect.

The article is organized by neighborhoods, giving you a feel for each area and the top hotels selected by ‘Além de Viagem’ in that part of Rio de Janeiro. It’s key to mention that we use affiliate links in this article. It means the project earns a small commission that helps cover maintenance costs, and you don’t pay a dime extra for it <3.

It’s worth noting here that I, Camila, am a Carioca, born and raised in Botafogo, in the South Zone of Rio. While I’ve researched official information about the neighborhoods mentioned, I also bring my own local resident’s insight. Is there a bit of bias from my personal experiences, both good and bad? Sure, but I think it’s vital you get that perspective from someone who’s lived in the city for over 30 years.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiros’s South Zone – The Best Accommodations

Ipanema

For me, Ipanema is the dream neighborhood! It’s super charming, with tree-lined streets, wide sidewalks, and modern architecture. The main street, Visconde de Pirajá, is a bustling commercial area packed with shops, hotels, and snack bars.

The cross streets offer a wide variety of restaurants, from budget-friendly to upscale. If you’re a foodie, be sure to check out Garcia D’Ávila, Farme de Amoedo, Maria Quitéria, and Aníbal de Mendonça streets.

Where to Stay in Ipanema – The Best Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

• Injoy Lofts Ipanema | 8.1 | starting at $81: Offers suite and studio options. The decor is simple, with splashes of color. It’s a block away from Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and a 10-minute walk from Ipanema Beach. Great value for the area.
• Sol Ipanema Hotel | 8.4 | starting at $243: Located right in front of Ipanema Beach, the hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary decor. Enjoy a sunny terrace with stunning views, and a breakfast buffet at the hotel’s restaurant.
• Ipanema Inn Hotel | 8.9 | starting at $229: Boasts an unbeatable location, just a few meters from Ipanema Beach and Nossa Senhora da Paz Metro Station. With comfortable rooms, daily breakfast, and a restaurant specializing in regional dishes.
• Hotel Arpoador | 8.9 | starting at $208: Facing Arpoador Beach, enjoy a full breakfast with coastal views, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a renowned restaurant featuring dishes by chef Roberta Sudbrack.
• Hotel Fasano | 9.0 | starting at $624: The luxurious beachfront accommodations at Hotel Fasano in Ipanema feature a rooftop pool with stunning sea views. The hotel offers elegant rooms, the famous Gero Rio restaurant, a spa, a gym, and various amenities for a sophisticated stay.

Leblon: The Upscale Backdrop of Brazil’s Famous Soap Operas

Leblon, famous for being the setting of Manoel Carlos’ soap operas on Globo TV, is essentially considered an extension of Ipanema – and I use “extension” loosely here. It stretches along the same strip of land between the sea and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The main drag in Leblon is Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, lined with numerous shops. What sets Leblon apart, though, is its higher standard of living compared to the other neighborhoods we’ve talked about.

And let me tell you, you’re going to eat WELL in Leblon. The go-to street for restaurants is Dias Ferreira – the hard part will be choosing where to go because of the sheer number of options.

Where to Stay in Leblon – The Best Hotels

• Ritz Leblon | 8.4 | starting at $236: Just two blocks from Leblon Beach and a 10-minute walk from the metro, the Ritz features rooms with modern decor, sound systems, minibars, LCD cable TVs, and air conditioning. The hotel also has a gym, a wooden deck pool, and a restaurant with a daily breakfast buffet.
• Promenade Palladium Leblon | 8.6 | starting at $271: This 4-star hotel in Leblon offers comfortable rooms and suites just 400 meters from Leblon Beach. Rooms come with air conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi.
• Janeiro Hotel | 9.1 | starting at $484: The units boast sea views and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and desks. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet and a rooftop pool.

Copacabana: The Heartbeat of Rio’s Tourist Scene

Copacabana isn’t just the most famous neighborhood in Rio; it’s also the most traditional and tourist-loved spot. Its main streets are wide and bustling, lined with clothing stores, accessory shops, shoe stores… and restaurants catering to every budget. The beach itself is a spectacle, not just for its beauty but for the sand sculptures that always seem to amaze visitors. Plus, you’re never short of hotel options in Copacabana.

Where to Stay in Copacabana – The Best Hotels

• Miramar By Windsor Copacabana | 9.2 | starting at $160: This hotel faces the sea, near Copacabana Fort, Ipanema, and the Lagoon. Rooms feature classic and understated decor. It boasts a rooftop pool with a beachfront view.
• Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel Copacabana | 8.8 | starting at $119: Rooms are modern and youthful, with options for full or partial sea views. Located on Av. Atlântica, right in front of the beach, and just 10 minutes from the Siqueira Campos metro station.
• Ibis Budget Copacabana | 8.2 | starting at $49: Offering simple and functional rooms, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from Cantagalo metro station, about 10-15 minutes on foot to the Lagoon, and 5 minutes to Copacabana Beach.

Of course, there are plenty of other hotels to consider in Copacabana. Some other well-known options include Copacabana Palace, Emiliano Rio, and Fairmont Copacabana.

Botafogo, or botasoho?

Botafogo, affectionately dubbed “Botasoho” by those in the know, is the go-to spot for young Cariocas craving the latest in dining and nightlife. The neighborhood is in the midst of a real estate and commercial makeover, with new buildings popping up and fresh restaurants opening their doors.

This area is a foodie’s dream, boasting clusters of bars and eateries catering to every taste imaginable. As for location, Botafogo is known as a thoroughfare, thanks to its abundance of bus routes linking the North and South Zones. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to explore Rio’s culinary delights while enjoying the convenience of easy citywide access.

Neighborhood Must-Sees:

• Botafogo Praia Shopping: Not just a shopping haven but a viewpoint for the iconic Botafogo Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain panorama.
• Close to Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain: Just a stone’s throw away, offering easy access to one of Rio’s most famous landmarks.
• Culinary Streets to Explore: Nelson Mandela, Álvaro Rodrigues, and Visconde de Caravelas are brimming with diverse dining options.

Accommodations in Rio de Janeiro – Where to Stay in Botafogo

• Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity | 8.8 | starting at $219: With stunning views of Botafogo Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain, this hotel offers rooms with modern decor, a terrace overlooking the scenery, a bar, and a pool. Some rooms boast views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, or both!
• Injoy Suítes & Aparts | 8.7 | starting at $51: Features rooms with simple, colorful decor. Located just 5 minutes from the Botafogo metro station (Estação Botafogo) on a quiet street accessible from the neighborhood’s main road.
• Plaza Spania Boutique Hotel | 8.2 | starting at $80: Excellently situated within 5 minutes of the Botafogo metro station, close to Botafogo Praia Shopping and streets full of bars and restaurants. The rooms offer classic hotel decor.

Flamengo

Next to Botafogo lies Flamengo. While also bustling with commerce, it hosts a more traditional population than Botafogo. The buildings here showcase more classic architecture, and you won’t find as many tourists, though there are some hotels. With two metro stations, Flamengo and Largo do Machado, it’s a great spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in the Carioca lifestyle without the pomp of Leblon, all while enjoying the charm of the South Zone.

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Flamengo Park: A vast park offering leisure and sports facilities, with stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
• Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow): A cutting-edge museum blending art and technology to explore possible futures.
• Close to the Christ the Redeemer cable car: Offering easy access to one of Rio’s most iconic attractions.

Whether you’re seeking a slice of Rio’s history, beautiful parklands, or easy access to iconic sights, Flamengo provides a less touristy yet quintessentially Carioca experience.

Hotels in Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro

• Windsor Florida Hotel | 8.6 | starting at $87: Offers rooms with traditional hotel decor. The hotel features a terrace with a pool and views of the Corcovado. It’s superbly located just 5 minutes from the metro, Flamengo Park, and the Palácio do Catete museum.
• Petit Rio Hotel | 8.5 | starting at $47: The rooms are decorated in a standard hotel style. Its location is near the metro, making it an easy walk to Flamengo Park.
• Mengo Palace Hotel | 8.3 | starting at $69: Also featuring standard decor, this hotel is conveniently located close to the Catete metro station.

Catete e Glória

Beside Flamengo, there are two neighborhoods marking the transition to the city center. Glória, an ancient neighborhood, still showcases architectural elements and constructions from bygone eras, such as the Igreja Outeiro da Glória from 1739, the 1905 clock, and the 18th-century walls. These areas are well-served by transportation (bus and metro) and offer a variety of traditional dining and bar options. Being less touristy, they don’t receive the same level of policing and municipal care as Ipanema and Leblon, for example. Yet, they’re central and close to major attractions.

Neighborhood Attractions:

• Flamengo Park
• The Maze
• Igreja Outeiro da Glória
• Close to Lapa, Municipal Theater, and Santa Teresa
• Praça Paris

Hotels in Catete

• Riale Imperial | 8.4 | starting at $63: Features air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, private parking, and free Wi-Fi. Located in a lively area filled with bars and restaurants, it’s close to Catete metro station.
• Royal Regency Palace Hotel | 8.4 | starting at $68: Offers rooms with contemporary design, an outdoor terrace, and an onsite bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and parking is available for an additional fee.
• Hotel Monte Castelo | 8.3 | starting at $43: The hotel, set in a colonial house 10 minutes from Glória metro station, offers modern yet rustic decor. It’s possible to walk (with caution) to Lapa and Santa Teresa.

São Conrado

At the other end of the South Zone lies São Conrado, primarily a transit area as much of its traffic heads towards Barra da Tijuca. Dominated by high-end residential buildings, São Conrado boasts a new metro station, opened for the 2016 Olympics, and shares its space with the Rocinha favela. Due to its urban planning favoring vehicles over pedestrians, I wouldn’t recommend walking around the neighborhood. However, it offers more affordable accommodation options than the South Zone and is closer to the attractions than Barra da Tijuca.

Attractions in São Conrado

• Pedra da Gávea: An iconic Rio landmark, this massive rock offers challenging hikes leading to breathtaking views over the city and ocean. A must-try adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Rocinha Favela: Experience a different side of Rio by taking a guided tour through Brazil’s largest favela. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the community’s culture and daily life directly from its residents.
• Gávea Golf & Country Club: For those who enjoy a round of golf, this exclusive club offers a lush, green escape within the city. Its well-maintained courses are set against the backdrop of Rio’s stunning landscapes.
• Pedra Bonita: Fancy a hike? The trail to Pedra Bonita is relatively accessible and rewards hikers with panoramic views of São Conrado and the Tijuca Forest. It’s also a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding launches.

Hotels in São Conrado

• Hotel Nacional | 8.5 | starting at $137: This luxurious urban resort, surrounded by Burle Marx gardens and designed by Oscar Niemeyer, features an outdoor pool, spa, gym, and beach services. The rooms are stylish, equipped with modern amenities like LED TVs, sea-view bathtubs, and digital safes.

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Central Rio de Janeiro Hotels – Where to Stay Downtown

Santa Teresa: The Bohemian Heart of Rio

Hotels in Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro

• Sugar Loft Apartments | 8.8 | starting at $69: A great option for those looking to enjoy Rio at their own pace, offering apartments with a bedroom, living room, and kitchen, some featuring sea views. Close to the neighborhood’s main attractions, with predominantly white decor accented by colorful decorative items.
• Hotel Castelinho | 9.1 | starting at R$112: Another great value, located in a colonial house with simply decorated contemporary rooms. Features include a pool with a view, balconies in some units, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
• Villa Paranaguá Hotel & Spa | 9.4 | starting at $365: Housed in a colonial building, this hotel and spa blends contemporary, traditional, and beachy decor in its accommodations. Some units offer city views, while others have a ground-floor balcony.

Lapa, Downtown, and Surroundings

Nestled at the foot of Santa Teresa is Lapa, a haven for those who revel in nightlife and samba. Staying in this neighborhood ensures lively nights aplenty. Lapa is also a solid choice if you’re keen on exploring downtown Rio or if you’re in the city for work. However, I’d advise against wandering around here on weekends and at night due to decreased pedestrian traffic. Nonetheless, make the most of the bars and music venues along Av. Mem de Sá.

Hotels in Lapa, Downtown, and Surroundings – Rio de Janeiro

• Prodigy Santos Dumont | 8.5 | starting at $124: Connected to Santos Dumont Airport, offering free Wi-Fi, rooms with earthy tones, flat-screen cable TV, and private bathrooms. Features an infinity pool, convention center, and two restaurants, one specializing in international dishes. The hotel’s terrace offers views of Marina da Glória, Sugarloaf Mountain, downtown, Corcovado, and stunning sunsets.
• Selina Lapa | 8.3 | starting at $54: Modern, rustic, and metro decor blend in this hotel steps away from the Arcos, Escadaria Selarón, and the lively bars on Av. Mem de Sá. Perfect for those seeking Rio’s youthful and bohemian vibe.
• Windsor Asturias Hotel | 8.3 | starting at $84: Offers great value for those seeking comfort at a reasonable price, located between The Municipal Theater and the Arcos da Lapa. The decor is standard hotel-neutral, lacking distinctive personality but practical for its proximity to the metro and Flamengo Park.
• Intercity Porto Maravilha | 8.6 | starting at $90: Not the best for public transport accessibility, but worth considering for its value and comfort. Rooms feature contemporary decor, some with views of Guanabara Bay.
• Novotel Porto Atlantico | 8.5 | starting at $153: Another option in the port area, with contemporary, standard upper-middle-class hotel room decor.

West Zone of Rio: Where to stay in Barra da Tijuca

Barra da Tijuca

Barra is often likened to Miami due to its urban design. The neighborhood stretches long, making cars almost essential for getting around. There are lively street spots, like Jardim Oceânico, but you’ll likely need a car, ride-share, or taxi for most destinations.

Barra boasts fine restaurants, malls, and a vast shoreline facing the open sea, offering good value accommodations. Consider transportation costs and time (whether by metro or bus) in your plans due to its distance from city attractions.

Hotels in Barra da Tijuca

• Grand Hyatt | 9.0 | starting at $236: A complete resort experience with an outdoor pool, spa, sauna, and gym. Three restaurants, 24-hour reception, private parking, and beach service. Rooms come with air conditioning, furnished balconies, and bathtubs. A kids’ area offers various activities.
• Hotel Be Loft Lounge | 8.8 | starting at $80: Rooms and studios suitable for longer stays, featuring minimalist, contemporary decor. Located at the beginning of Barra for easier access to the South Zone.
• Windsor Oceânico Hotel | 8.8 | starting at $108: Beachfront in Barra, offering a seaside stay without the South Zone prices. Rooms have contemporary, understated decor, enhanced by a sea-facing pool.

Wrapping up: the best hotels to decide where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Deciding where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, depends on your budget and travel style. Some neighborhoods may not be ideal for walking, but they offer more affordable lodging. Others allow for extensive exploration on foot or metro, regardless of time. Personally, the South Zone neighborhoods, especially Botafogo and Copacabana, offer the best balance of cost, commerce, dining, and transport options. I hope that this blog post has helped you deciding where to stay and which hotel to book for your trip in Rio de Janeiro.