Wondering where to stay in Rio de Janeiro? Try one of these 9 guesthouses, spanning from a palace-like penthouse to small, cosy rooms.
Want extra travel tips? Don’t forget to download our free Rio travel guide.
Casa Mosquito
Don’t get alarmed – there are no mosquitos in sight here! This gorgeous boutique guesthouse was inspired by a sculpture that you’ll see as you walk through the lovely green gardens.
Casa Mosquito has 10 individual suites, each beautifully decorated and with a private terrace offering views of Copacabana and Ipanema. French owners Benjamin Cano and Louis Planès have made this the perfect romantic retreat – you’ll be greeted with freshly squeezed juices, pampered with in-room spa sessions, and, for the travelling parents, there are babysitting services.
The chef, who previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, will whip up a delicious and nutritious breakfast before you head out to discover the Ipanema area. You can also learn a bit more about Brazilian cuisine at workshops the chef holds in the hotel kitchen.
Where: Rua Saint Roman, 222
Tel: +55 21 3586 5042
Nearest station: General Osório
Find a room at the Casa Mosquito
Guesthouse Bianca
Guesthouse Bianca is a home away from home and the two hosts, Guido and Francisco – alongside Lou the cat and Juliette the dog – will go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Built in the 1930s, this colonial mansion is very well preserved with many original elements still in place: stained glass windows, hardwood inlaid floors, the beautiful tiled-terrace where breakfast is served. The three rooms boast vast double beds, spacious en suite bathrooms and free WiFi. If you want to step up the luxury, ask for the Sugar Loaf Master Suite, equipped with a private veranda complete with a hammock, table and chairs and awe-inspiring views of Guanabara Bay.
For those who like to pick up food from local markets and prepare their own meals and drinks, there’s a kitchenette on the lower level.
Where: Rua Murtinho Nobre, 35
Tel: +55 21 3233 1563
Nearest station: Glória
Read more: The best of Rio de Janeiro nightlife
Get a room at the Guesthouse Bianca
Casa Geranio
Exotic fruits dangling from verdant trees with monkeys and tropical birds flitting in the branches – this isn’t the Amazon, but it might feel like it.
Boutique guesthouse, Casa Geranio, has four gorgeous, individually designed rooms. It’s the perfect spot for a tranquil, romantic hideaway with touches of luxury and personalised service. The garden has a beautiful swimming pool and the views across the city are hard to beat.
If the route to your love’s heart is through the stomach, don’t miss the delicious breakfast served up each morning by the hospitable owners Claudio and Gabriel.
Where: Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 383
Tel: +55 21 2147 2887
Nearest station: Glória
Find a room at the Casa Geranio
Quinta Rosa
Set in lush green gardens, this large, pastel-pink mansion sits close to the top of a hill between the neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa and Glória.
Quinta Rosa is the sister-guesthouse of Quinta Azul and bears many of the same hallmarks, including a large garden with swimming pool and terrace. Quinta Rosa offers a selection of accommodation for long term, and some short-term: from one to three-bedroom apartments stylishly decorated and equipped with four-poster beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning and free WiFi.
A delicious breakfast including lots of tropical fruit is served by the poolside. The location allows you quick access to the best of Santa Teresa.
Where: Rua Santa Cristina, 104
Tel: +55 21 2221 3221
Nearest station: Glória
Rio Panoramic
Once a wealthy diplomat’s mansion, Rio Panoramic boasts huge rooms and, just as the name hints, spectacular views. Isabel, the owner, will give you a warm welcome to this boutique guesthouse located in the colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.
Enjoy jaw-dropping 270° views of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Guanabara Bay and downtown Rio de Janeiro from the vast garden and sun terrace. If you want to cool down and still enjoy the breathtaking view, jump in the outdoor swimming pool.
The massive rooms have been meticulously restored to their former Art Deco glory, and the luxurious beds come with Egyptian cotton sheets. They know all about joy and relaxation here.
Where: Ladeira do Meireles, 196
Tel: +55 21 3489 5196
Nearest station: Glória
Find a room at the Rio Panoramic
Casa Beleza
When chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain visited Rio to film ‘No Reservations’ he turned to Bindu Mathur, the Canadian owner of Casa Beleza, for advice. Bindu is famous not only for her knowledge of Rio, but also for the warm welcome she gives her guests.
Situated on a charming little street in the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, the main building is a gorgeous white house surrounded by a luscious garden, regularly visited by toucans and monkeys. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed with large windows and original artworks on the walls.
And if it gets too peaceful and tranquil, some of Rio’s best bars are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Where: Rua Laurinda Santos Lôbo, 311
Tel: +55 21 2224 7403
Nearest station: Glória
Find a room at the Casa Beleza
Quinta Azul
There is a reason that more and more visitors to Rio are staying in Santa Teresa – it’s because of places like Quinta Azul. Set in a stunning 120-years-old colonial building, Quinta Azul is situated right in the heart of Santa Teresa, next door to a wonderful restaurant and a short walk from a host of lively bars.
This boutique guesthouse has eight gorgeous rooms, each styled to a different personality – the owners call their modern, colourful style ‘tropical boho chic’. All rooms have queen-size beds, modern bathrooms and air-conditioning. If you feel like pushing the boat out, book the deluxe room which boasts a private terrace with an outdoor hot-tub.
Where: Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 256
Tel: +55 21 3253 1021
Nearest station: Glória
Find a room at the Quinta Azul
Casa Áurea
As you walk through the gates of Casa Áurea you may get the feeling you have stumbled upon a secret garden. The guesthouse terrace is full of exotic plants, secluded benches, hammocks, sculptures and the atmosphere is rustic and homely. Owners Cornélio and Regina have made this beautiful space an oasis of calm and tranquillity.
Situated on a lovely cobbled street, this two-storey townhouse is right in the heart of the friendly neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and a short walk from some of the best bars in Rio. The guesthouse has 12 bedrooms, some with shared bathrooms and others en suite.
Breakfast is served in the garden, which includes an open-air kitchen and barbecue.
Where: Rua Áurea, 80
Tel: +55 21 2242 5830
Nearest station: Bus 006/007 to Rua Almirante Alexandrino próximo, stop 1103
Castelinho38
Castelinho means ‘little castle’, and that’s exactly what you can expect. Built in 1866, this gorgeous three-storey guesthouse features granite decoration and little turrets along the roof.
The 12 large, high-ceiling suites each have a double bed, are individually decorated and named after one of the plants species growing in the garden. Ask for the deluxe suites on the top floor to enjoy fantastic views over Santa Teresa. The garden is full of fruit trees – mango, guava, lemon and banana – and includes a massive wooden terrace and bar in the midst of all the lush greenery.
With its cheerful vibes and spacious communal areas, Castelinho38 is the right place for the laid-back and outgoing traveller.
Where: Rua Triunfo, 38
Tel: +55 21 2252 2549
Nearest station: Bus 006/007/014 to Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, stop 99
