The Best Hotels in Ipanema

Every room at the bright and elegant Hotel Praia Ipanema has its own balcony so you can take in the panoramic views of Ipanema, the epic two-pronged Morro Dois Irmãos and the Christ the Redeemer statue. But the top spot is really the rooftop with its glassed-walled, infinity-edge, drop-dead-gorgeous pool. The hotel’s Golden Grass restaurant sits at sand level, where a beach service is offered across the road, with parasols and loungers provided.

This stylish Best Western has a modern and futuristic feel. The 87 pristine white rooms are adorned with haute-fashion snaps that reflect the glamour of surrounding Ipanema and Copacabana. Make use of the beach chairs, umbrellas and towels on offer and spend an afternoon unwinding at the nearby Arpoador beach, then mount the rocky Pedra do Arpoador outcrop (beers in hand) just in time for sunset.

Set on Avenida Vieira Souto just steps from Ipanema beach is the luxurious Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema. Every detail has been carefully considered at this ocean-inspired spot with windows framing the views outside, and uplifting streaks of blue and tropical plants dotted around. Tuck into some of chef Jérôme Dardillac’s fine-dining fare at the rooftop 23 Ocean Lounge, while hanging out with Rio’s fashionable crowd on the hotel’s lofty 23rd tier.

This contemporary and stylish hotel is just 350m (1150ft) away from the beautiful Ipanema beach. It has a minimalist style yet is personalized with motifs of Rio de Janeiro. Upgraded rooms have whirlpool tubs and offer sea views over the beach and the Dois Irmãos. This four-star hotel also has a 24-hour restaurant, complimentary breakfast and a rooftop cocktail bar.

Sol Ipanema is a fancy hotel just opposite the beach. The upscale restaurant serves complimentary breakfasts, as well as international dishes throughout the day. The hotel is also equipped with a 24-hour fitness center and a beauty salon. The highlight of the hotel, however, is the rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar with sea views.

Within easy walking distance of Ipanema beach, this family-owned hotel has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere with large-tiled floors, airy rooms and cozy furnishings. It may not be as fancy as some of its nearby counterparts, yet it does casual very well and is perfect for a clean and comfortable bed for the night. It also has a free buffet-style breakfast with plenty of breads, cereals and fruits.

Che Lagarto is one of the better hostel chains with branches throughout South America. The rooms are clean and comfortable and offer free wifi, whilst both shared rooms and private rooms are available with various en-suite options. There is a complimentary breakfast buffet and a shared kitchen for daytime cooking. At night, there is often a caipirinha happy hour at the hostel for travelers to get to know one another. It’s a perfect option for solo travelers or those on a budget.

This modern and chic hotel is perfectly placed near the beach, the Lagoa and also the Casa de Cultural Laura Alvin, Ipanema’s art gallery and culture center. The airy and spacious rooms have balconies and kitchenettes whilst staff are immensely attentive and helpful, with on-hand information about all the places to go in Rio.

This luxury hotel is one of the best in Rio de Janeiro and is an exceptional place to stay with a high price tag, yet for those on a higher budget, Fasano is the place to go. Its beachside location is one of its best qualities, yet the rooftop pool and bar exceed all expectations, as does the fancy restaurant, apartment-style rooms and nightclub. Expect to rub shoulders with the rich and famous during your stay here.

The stylish rooms of the four-star Hotel Vermont are sleek and modern, with the hotel itself in close proximity to Ipanema beach. For those on business trips, this hotel is ideal with its business center and formal service. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and includes buffet-style offerings of fruits, cereals, breads, cheeses and hams.

This hostel, on a quiet avenue in Ipanema, is popular with backpackers from all around the world. Ideally located close to the metro and main bus points, it is also just three blocks away from the beach. The shuttered windows date back to 1918, giving the hostel a retro-meets-modern feel, and the swimming pool in the garden is perfect for hot summer days.

Tucked away in the far corner of Ipanema is this charming little hotel. Near to the Arpoador Rock, you can catch some of the best sunsets in Rio from here. The rooms are airy and clean with wifi and minibars, and some have sea views. There is also a free buffet-style breakfast, parking and a bar.

Located in the heart of Ipanema, this hotel is surrounded by plenty of restaurants and bars. The 1950s decor with dark wood furnishings oozes glamour. The rooms have terraces with sea views for the ultimate waking-up experience. The bar is well stocked and staff provide complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas for beach-goers.