Hotel Unique, São Paulo
More photosHotel Unique in São Paulo is an architectural marvel that lives up to its name. Opened in 2002 in the upscale Jardins district, the building was designed by the acclaimed architect Ruy Ohtake. Its unmistakable silhouette—an inverted arc often likened to a boat or a watermelon—is a local landmark in itself, intentionally shaped to maximize the city’s seven-story zoning limit.
The hotel is a paradise for design enthusiasts. Its interiors, featuring a mix of mid-century and contemporary Brazilian pieces, were curated to complement Ohtake’s bold, organic vision. Signature features include the large, round “porthole” windows that offer unique, framed views of the city. The lobby is equally striking, highlighted by a 60-foot-high wall of backlit bottles, known as “The Wall,” which functions as both a bar and a piece of modern art.
One of the hotel’s biggest draws is the rooftop Skye Restaurant & Bar. Featuring a crimson-tiled swimming pool and a 360-degree view of the skyline, it is one of the most iconic spots in the city to catch a sunset. For those who prefer to stay active, the hotel even offers a hidden underwater sound system in its lower-level pool, perfect for a surreal swimming experience.
Its location is ideal for culture seekers, sitting just a short stroll from Ibirapuera Park. This vast green space is home to major cultural hubs, including the Museu Afro Brasil and the Ibirapuera Auditorium. Whether you are exploring the nearby luxury boutiques of Oscar Freire Street or relaxing by the rooftop pool, the hotel offers a sophisticated, art-filled base in the heart of Brazil’s largest city.
Expert reviews
“The aptly named Hotel Unique is a truly striking choice for travelers looking for something a little different. Designed by well-known contemporary Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the hotel is composed of a hull-shaped main building that’s held up by tall pillars, creating vast open spaces that flank the glass-enclosed lobby at the base of the hull.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in São Paulo.
“It’s hard not see a familiar shape (some say watermelon, some say boat, but neither hits the mark) in the wild but harmonious design of Hotel Unique. Apartments, some with walls that echo the curve of the building’s exterior, have plasma TVs with DVD players, mobile phones, king-size beds, and whirlpool baths with remote control, while the pool features a waterslide and submerged hydromassage chairs.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in São Paulo.
“Designed by Ruy Ohtake, the slice of watermelon–reminiscent Unique is certainly the city’s most architecturally ambitious hotel, as well as a favorite of rock stars and fashionistas.”
“Unique by name and by design, São Paulo’s Hotel Unique resembles the looming hull of a ship, with port holes for windows and two colossal concrete pillars propping up each end of the grey-green, half-moon-shaped building.”
“Is it a slice of watermelon? Or a ship run aground? The Unique is a hotel designed to be like no other in looks, but is up there with the best in terms of comfort and service. Its rooftop bar is well-known throughout the city, drawing queues of party-goers at the weekend.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Swimming pool
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
- Free Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
23 February 2026
Fantastic Hotel, really Unique. Great Restaurant as well
12 July 2025
It’s absolutely overestimated
Breakfast is good in general
Very small room, non well-organised, construction works nearby from 7.00. There wasn’t internet almost half time of staying. It’s absolutely over-estimated
26 June 2025
Still the place to be in SP
Roof top bar, pool , restaurant
The light & mood control panel is very complicated in the room. Otherwise I great place to stay.
25 June 2025
Fantastic staff and great room.
The staff was amazing! Fantastic staff.
The room was great!
Staff didn't know the difference between Americano & black filtered coffee. It's a 5 star hotel.
Also, the elevators were too dark and the hallways to the rooms also. It was like walking into a night club or a sex club.
The perfume smell also in the elevators
13 April 2025
first time we have stayed and we will be back again next time we are in Sao Paulo
room was great and staff was amazing. restaurant and roof top are also amazing.
Nothing
4 April 2025
good stay. Poor wifi to be improved specially that I work from the room
Great
it is fine
28 October 2024
One of the best hotels in São Paulo, amazing experience
Maybe the best hotel in Sao Paulo, the staff is extremely helpful, the restaurant is perfect, the room is very spacious and comfortable. I would gladly come back.
7 June 2024
Fantastic and uniqie
Staff are so nice and are willing to show us around this beautiful architecture with great patience. The architecture itself is amazing!
A little bit soundproofing issue - The noise from the street will enter the room, especially during early morning when there is traffic outside.
13 May 2024
Fantastic staff and vibe - would highly recommend.
The staff were fantastic and the hotel facilities were amazing. Breakfast was so delicious and the roof top pool was sensational. The room was large and the bed was super comfortable. Overall a really good experience and would go back.
The bathroom was a little tired (although very clean). We had a jacuzzi bath but the jets on the bath were broken and didn’t work. Apart from that we loved the trip and experience at hotel unique.
4 March 2024
Most beautiful hotel in São Paulo
Everything
18 February 2024
Highly recommend it and can’t wait to be back!
Super cool hotel and staff was personable, helpful and made us feel very comfortable. Mateus was awesome!
Clean rooms and overall cool vibe
12 January 2024
Very nice experience
Very nice property. Amazing rooftop. High level of service.
A bit far away from most attractions but close to parque ibufeira.
28 November 2023
Inconsistent service in a beautiful property.
Location, accommodations, comfort, property.
Rude, untrained, and unprofessional staff. Hostess at restaurant was nice sometimes and very rude other times. Front desk staff were rude sometimes, and sometimes OK. Welcome to hotel was dreadful! Will never stay again at your hotel because of that.
4 October 2023
Pergect, week done!
The best service in São Paulo, I was really impressed by the staff. The breakfast is one of the best I had in hotels around the world. I really recommend the tapioca with banana and white cheese.
9 September 2023
Just OK for me
Skye Restaurant was superb, the pool
Bar was average and a bit passé with the red lights.
Pool bar wasn’t great. Music good and crowd seemed to be happy.
13 August 2023
Amazing! I look forward to going back
Loved the unique design of the hotel, food, drinks and amazing staff
I loved it all
11 August 2023
A lovely stay, as good as my last. Will definitely return!
Trendy, great restaurant, great pool and terrace. Very comfortable rooms and very friendly staff.
Bathrooms feel a little dated
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Back massage
- - Foot massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
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26 February 2026
no value for money
very bad light in elevator & hallways
in the end when presented the bill they charged 20% for service fee to hotel staff, which i noticed and could cancel since its not mandatory, but i was not pointed out to this charge and if you dont check you bill you get billed for this, on top of a room that cost 1.100 € per night
hotel restaurant was poor