The Most Beautiful Beachfront Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Just beside Copacabana beach lies Rio Othon Palace, where spacious rooms offer sea or mountain views. Many of the rooms here include hot tubs, ideal for a soak after a day spent kicking back on the sand. The rooftop pool and loungers offer another spot for taking in the seafront views and topping up your tan. Sip on your morning coffee at the Bossa Café before tucking into a hearty dish from the grill at the Skylab restaurant, which fuses French and Brazilian cuisine.

Another option on the Copacabana beachfront is the sleek Orla Hotel. The bright and contemporary rooms come in various sizes, from standard to master suite, so you can take your pick. There’s a spa complete with a sauna and solarium for recharging after a long day of sightseeing or sunbathing. The rooftop pool and terrace make a perfect caipirinha-sipping spot whilst the views of the adjacent beach are simply stunning.

Further from the city center is the exquisite CDesign Hotel, just a few steps from the pristine Recreio dos Bandeirantes beach. This place is intentionally located further west for the utmost tranquility, though there is access to a host of nearby restaurants and shopping centers. Minimalist design takes center stage with white the dominant shade throughout, giving the hotel a relaxed beach house feel. Enjoy a fresh filet of sea bass , washed down with a cool glass of white wine, at seafront restaurant, Ondas do Mar.

You’ll find the eclectic, design-forward Yoo2 Hotel located in Botafogo, Rio’s beating heart. Poised between Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, Botafago centers on a half-moon-shaped bay where Yoo2 sits right on the sandy shores. The glamorous rooms include street art-themed side tables and Brazilian-tiled floors, with custom beds for the ultimate night’s sleep. Yoo2 also offers specialist experiences including bike tours of local street art and guided morning runs so you can start the day the Rio way.

Step off the sand and straight into the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro for the ultimate Brazilian beach break. The hotel is set in upmarket Barra da Tijuca, an area known for its alluring beaches and convivial atmosphere. All rooms have a spacious, private balcony and feature natural stones and lavish fabrics that lend a pampered feel. Whether you fancy a dip in the sweeping pool, a massage at the spa or fresh sashimi served with a caipirinha, the Grand Hyatt packs a punch.

Just one block from the eminent promenade of Leme and Copacabana beach lies the Novotel Rio de Janeiro. If the shores of Leme beach aren’t enough, you’re also within walking distance from Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Arpoador – a top sunset spot. The ocean seems to follow you inside the Novotel with blue tones washing over the fresh-feeling rooms and modern shared areas. Enjoy beach views from above at the rooftop pool and terrace while sipping on a tropical cocktail from the Sky Leme bar.

Overlooking Ipanema beach and the Two Brother peaks, The Sofitel Ipanema – once Caesar Park – is one of Ipanema’s finest hotels with 222 rooms, some of which boast breathtaking ocean views. Its prestigious location in Ipanema offers easy access to the surrounding high-end restaurants and local bars, whilst the hotel shuttle bus offers transport to all of the city’s major tourist destinations. As if this wasn’t enough, the Sofitel Ipanema has one of the best spots in Ipanema to watch the sunset.

The Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel has its own beach right in front of the hotel, perfect for those seeking tranquility. The hotel itself is flawless, with polished marble floors, high ceilings and attentive service leaving no doubt as to the five-star rating. Amenities include an on-site golf course, tennis courts and a fully-equipped spa, whilst upgraded rooms have stunning ocean views.

This beauty of a hotel is located on the famous Avenida Atlantica, the road that runs parallel to the iconic Copacabana Beach. It keeps up with the competition with ocean-view rooms, welcoming service and a modern appearance. Especially appealing is that all rooms have balconies, allowing guests to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze whilst soaking up the hustle and bustle of Copacabana. In addition to its beachside location, the PortoBay Rio Internacional sits close to plenty of local transport connections.

Despite rising competition from other luxurious and more modern hotels, Copacabana Palace remains Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic hotel. You can either make the most of the glamorous swimming pool or enjoy the afternoons with fresh fruit at the reserved section on Copacabana Beach exclusive to hotel guests. The hotel maintains a classic style with polished marble floors, elegant chandeliers and glossy wood finishings. Choose a top-floor suite for sweeping ocean views.

It can be hard to leave the rooms at the Fasano Hotel with their contemporary style, elegant furniture and huge beds complete with Egyptian cotton pajamas. However, once you’re on the balcony, you’ll find it almost impossible to tear yourself away from the gorgeous view of Ipanema beach and the bright blue sea. The best place to be though is the rooftop, with a well-stocked cocktail bar and an unrivaled viewpoint for sunset across the ocean – one of the best in Rio.

The Emiliano Hotel in Copacabana – the same brand as the Emiliano in São Paulo – oozes exclusivity and excellence. The hotel’s striking panel facade brings a modern edge to the otherwise traditional neighborhood, leaving no doubt as to the quality of The Emiliano. From the rooftop bar and swimming pool, the panoramic views of Copacabana are sumptuous, whilst the walls of the on-site restaurant are alive with exotic plants.

Located in the heart of Copacabana, the exclusive Pestana Hotel enjoys a privileged spot right in front of the iconic local beach. With modern, stylish rooms, guests can enjoy a luxurious setting while soaking up panoramic views of Rio’s most famous coastline from the comfort of the hotel. The best beach view is from the hotel’s rooftop, which with its swimming pool is open exclusively to guests during the day. By night, the space opens to the public and becomes a hotspot for live music and cocktails.