Camille Panzera
Entusiasta da fotografia, curiosa por outros idiomas, culturas, costumes e histórias!☺️
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
When choosing where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, keep in mind that Rio is a large city. Therefore, select the location of your hotel according to the activities you plan to do, so you won’t spend too much time commuting and can make the most of your day.
The good news is that Rio offers a huge variety of hotels, with options catering to different price ranges, accommodation styles, and located in various neighborhoods, providing a world of possibilities for tourists. Generally, hotel prices in Rio de Janeiro are moderate—not too expensive or too cheap—so it’s always possible to find an option that fits your budget.
Be aware that, as a tourist city, hotels in Rio de Janeiro tend to fill up during the high season, and prices rise significantly. If you plan to travel during busy times when the city receives many tourists, such as New Year’s Eve or Carnival, don’t wait until the last minute to book your hotel!
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro - the best accommodation options!
The list below features excellent hotel options in Rio de Janeiro. These accommodations were chosen by our team, prioritizing quality, daily rates, and location. We also included Booking.com ratings, which reflect real guests' reviews of these properties.
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro - hotel options by neighborhood
I have stayed in different areas of Rio and, although I have my favorite neighborhoods, it’s worth understanding that each one offers a unique experience. The city’s highlight is undoubtedly Copacabana, a versatile neighborhood perfect for first-time visitors who want to stay near the sea. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, Leblon might be an excellent idea.
Yoo2 Hotel / Image: Camille Panzera
Meanwhile, Centro and Botafogo are great choices for exploring the city’s historical side, while Santa Teresa is ideal for those seeking a special spot with beautiful views. Barra da Tijuca, a well-structured neighborhood, is also a good option for those who want to enjoy stunning beaches and kiosks but don’t mind not being able to walk to their activities.
The truth is that each neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro offers a world of possibilities and a different experience—it’s just about knowing what you’re looking for on your next trip!
Hotels in Downtown Rio de Janeiro
If you’re visiting Rio for business, planning to explore the city’s historical sites, or even doing some popular shopping, staying in Downtown Rio could be a great option. The area is centrally located and offers plenty of transportation options. Additionally, Downtown is close to Santos Dumont Airport, which is very convenient for those arriving via this airport.
Another advantage is that downtown hotels are usually budget-friendly, with even lower rates on weekends. The downside is that downtown streets tend to empty out at night. For this area, we recommend Atlântico Business Centro and Américas Granada Hotel, both offering good value for money.
Hotels in Santa Teresa, Catete, and Botafogo
Another option in the central region is Santa Teresa, a charming neighborhood with smaller, cozy accommodations. In Catete, you’ll find the lovely Petit Rio Hotel, perfect for those who want to stay in an area with nearby shops and a new hotel. Botafogo, located between Downtown and the South Zone beaches, boasts good commerce, excellent nearby restaurants, and metro access. Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is a standout here—modern, new, and offering a sensational rooftop view. It’s one of my favorite hotels in Rio de Janeiro!
My room at Yoo2 Hotel - Image: Camille Panzera
Hotels in Copacabana area
Copacabana is one of Rio de Janeiro’s neighborhoods with the most hotel options. The iconic Copacabana Palace is located here and is a symbol of hospitality in Brazil. The area also offers more affordable options, such as Rio Othon Palace, with a beautiful rooftop view, and Hotel Atlântico Rio, which offers great value for its location.
Copacabana is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Rio de Janeiro or those who want a variety of restaurants and bars while being close to the sea. Contrary to popular belief, Copacabana is not an expensive neighborhood, and its vibrant, authentic carioca atmosphere is fantastic! If you’re visiting Rio for New Year’s Eve and want to experience the celebration in Copacabana, I highly recommend staying in the neighborhood—it will make your life much easier, as you won’t have to worry much about transportation.
Hotels in Ipanema and Leblon
Ipanema and Leblon are upscale neighborhoods, excellent for those seeking a refined environment near beautiful beaches. These neighborhoods offer plenty of shopping and outstanding restaurants, including some of the city’s best. The downside is that prices are a bit higher here. Ipanema has slightly more hotel options, while Leblon has fewer choices.
In this area, we recommend the Arena Ipanema Hotel, which offers great value for money and is very close to Arpoador.
Copacabana Palace, the iconic hotel
Hotels in Barra da Tijuca
For those looking to enjoy the beaches of the West Zone while benefiting from affordable hotel rates, staying in Barra da Tijuca is a great idea. Although it’s far from downtown, the metro system has made it easier to reach other parts of Rio de Janeiro. Barra is a sprawling neighborhood with excellent shopping malls and stunning beaches that are usually less crowded than those in the South Zone. Here, you can stay at the budget-friendly Ibis Barra da Tijuca or the Windsor Marapendi, which features a nice pool and is beachfront.
Budget hotels in Rio de Janeiro
If you’re looking to save money, there are several hotels in Rio de Janeiro offering great value. For comfortable accommodations with good showers and beds at reasonable prices, the Ibis hotel chain is an excellent choice, with locations in different neighborhoods of the city.
5-Star hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Rio has exceptional hotels, offering luxurious and comfortable options for those seeking more elegance and convenience. The Copacabana Palace is the city’s standout among 5-star hotels, but others, such as Fasano and Fairmont, also provide incredible experiences!
Fairmont Copacabana Rio de Janeiro / Image: Booking.com