What area to stay in Rio de Janeiro - guide to pick what’s best for you

This hotel sits right on the beachfront in Copacabana, offering a prime location for a modest rate. If your main priority is being right on Copacabana Beach and you don’t mind simpler finishes, this is a solid budget pick.

Located on Avenida Atlântica 1800, this hotel offers beachfront views, a rooftop pool with sea & mountain vistas, fitness centre, sauna and buffet breakfast included. A great pick that’s not too pricey.

This 5-star hotel fronting Copacabana Beach is styled with the glamour of the 1950s and offers high-end amenities, balconies overlooking the sea or Sugarloaf Mountain, spa, pool, premium service. For travellers looking for full luxury and beachfront indulgence, this is a top choice.

Opened in 1923, this historic Art-Deco hotel on Avenida Atlântica 1702 is often described as the grand dame of Rio hotels.With marble-laced interiors, famed restaurants, top-tier service and an ultra-premium price tag, it’s ideal if you want a truly memorable stay. Expect luxury at its best.

This is a traditional 3-star hotel located right in Ipanema. For travelers looking to stay in Ipanema, just a short walk to the beach, without breaking the bank, this is a solid pick: comfortable enough for a good stay, very central, and under many of the high-end price tags in the area.

This comfortable mid-range hotel is located just steps from Ipanema Beach. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool with views, a restaurant and bar. If you want more comfort and good service, while still staying in Ipanema without paying ultra-luxury rates, Arena Ipanema is a very good choice.

This is one of the most upscale, design-forward hotels in Ipanema. Located on Avenida Vieira Souto (right on the beachfront of Ipanema), it was designed by Philippe Starck and boasts designer interiors, a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the sea and the Morro dos Dois Irmãos. For travelers who want top-tier luxury, premium views and the “wow” stay in Ipanema, Fasano is hard to beat.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Leblon Beach and close to the lively Rua Dias Ferreira dining strip, this recently-refurbished hotel offers clean design-forward rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the mountains and sea. For travelers who want the prime Leblon location and good comfort without spending a luxury rate, this is a smart pick.

This apart-hotel style option in Leblon is about one block from the beach, offers spacious contemporary rooms (many with balconies), an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and sauna. It hits the sweet spot for comfort, location and amenities without going full ultra-luxury, making it a great mid-range choice in a premium neighbourhood.

A boutique luxury hotel facing Leblon Beach, JANEIRO offers all rooms with sea or mountain views, minimalist design by the fashion/architecture-minded founder, and a rooftop pool to soak in the sunset.If you want a refined, high-end stay in Leblon with top-tier design and location, this is a stand-out.

Located on the edge of Lapa, this 100-room hotel was fully modernised in 2015. For a traveller who wants to base themselves in the heart of Lapa’s bohemian nightlife and central location, close to the arches (Arcos da Lapa) and within easy reach of the historic centre, this offers very good value. It’s more functional than ultra-chic, but comfortable and convenient.

This hotel sits in central Lapa and is built around a restored 19th-century palace combined with a modern tower of rooms. It has an upscale feel while still sitting in the heart of the bohemian Lapa district. Its location ensures you’re right in the thick of the historic city centre’s energy. A good pick if you want comfort plus local flavor.

This is a dependable, cozy choice for travelers who want good service and a quieter base in Santa Teresa without boutique prices. It’s especially popular with couples and older travelers seeking calm and convenience.

A great option with comfortable, spacious rooms, a pool and spa facilities. Villa Paranaguá bridges the gap between modest guesthouses and boutique luxury and is a great pick for travelers who want modern conveniences without the highest price tag.

This boutique property blends charm, views and a tranquil setting. Located in the heart of Santa Teresa, it offers suites with terraces overlooking the city and bay, a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service. It’s a great mid-tier choice if you want more comfort and style than a basic stay, but not full high-end luxury.

This upscale boutique hotel, housed in a former coffee plantation estate, offers design-forward rooms and suites nestled in lush tropical gardens. It feautures elegant décor, hillside views over the city and bay, and a serene ambience away from the beach-zone hustle. It’s a premier option if you want luxury with character in Santa Teresa.