The Cheapest Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Royal Rio Palace Hotel offers a lavish base at an affordable price. Set two streets back from the Copacabana beachfront, you’re in the heart of Rio’s devil-may-care action. The pared-back rooms feature striped cushions and bedspreads, giving a laid-back, beach-house feel. The lounge terrace, strung with wall-hanging plants, belies the hotel’s budget pricing and is an ideal spot for admiring the city’s superlative views while sinking a caipirinha.

Another pleasing Copacabana stay is the Hotel Astoria Palace, just steps away from the beach. Its 115 rooms are airy and comfortable, so you can enjoy some respite after soaking up the sun. Before heading out, indulge in some wellness time at the hotel’s small rooftop pool or steam room, then hit Copacabana’s vibrant bars and restaurants with a rendition of the Barry Manilow hit Copacabana.

Nestled between Babilônia hill in tranquil Leme and the Copacabana beach is the colourful yet calming Aquarela do Leme. From family suites adorned with vivid tiles to minimalist dorms (mixed or female-only), there’s something for everyone. Every room also has a balcony overlooking the city, jungle or ocean where you can plan your adventures. Breakfast includes fresh coffee, organic teas, homemade bread and yogurt and fresh fruits.

This hotel is situated between Copacabana and Ipanema and next door to the Pedra do Arpoador peninsula, one of the best spots in Rio to watch the amazing sunsets. With quirky murals at the reception and ornate bedspreads in each of the 136 rooms, Arena Ipanema Hotel exudes Carioca (Rio) energy. Enjoy a caipirinha-making class with one of the mixologists or simply relax at the rooftop pool and sample cocktails instead.

A couple of minutes’ walk to Copacabana beach and Cantagalo metro station, Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel is not only an elegant beauty but centrally located too. Its 46 rooms are contemporary and chic and come with sparkling bathrooms. The intimate rooftop terrace is the best spot for coastal views.

The Novotel Rj Porto Atlantico is a short walk from Guanabara Bay, Rio’s impressive harbour, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It’s an ideal location for strolling along the city’s northern coastline and watching the comings and goings of boats and yachts in the port. The bright rooms have crisp sheets and luxurious fabric headboards and there’s a pool and fitness suite for the energetic.

This hotel is situated in the heart of the swanky Ipanema neighbourhood, a few minutes from Ipanema beach, serene Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and the lavish Shopping Leblon mall. Photographs of Rio de Janeiro are dotted around the understated interior there are tents, towels and chairs for use on neighbouring Ipanema beach.

The conviviality of a hostel and the thoughtful touches of a boutique hotel – that’s what you get at budget-friendly Brazilodge Leblon. Comfortable and colourful dormitories come in all sizes, so whether you’re a solo traveller, family or a group, there’s a space to suit. Brazilodge is set in the charming area of Leblon, minutes from Leblon beach and two lookout points – Mirador de Leblon and Parque do Penhasco. The bars and restaurants on Modern Avenida Dias Ferreira are just around the corner. Check out risqué Stuzzi gastrobar and Venga tapas bar.

Set a couple of blocks from must-see Copacabana beach, Apa Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city and its natural surroundings – from the beachfront to the Lagoa lakeshore and tangled Tijuca forest. The neutral-palette rooms, which are punctuated with pops of Carioca orange, blue and green, have soundproof windows which will block noise from the Copacabana nightlife outside. A breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee, pastries and cakes will fuel you for a day’s exploring.