Rio de Janeiro, located on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, is one of the world’s most iconic cities. Many people can immediately recognize it by its famous Christ the Redeemer statue that watches over the city. Its beaches, tropical forests, and vibrant culture are what attract visitors from around the globe.
This stunning city has outstanding activities to entertain guests. Copacabana and Ipanema are enchanting beaches with white sand and spectacular mountain views. If you want to see the ocean’s panoramic views from the top of these mountains, take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Perhaps museums are more your thing. There is a futuristic museum called the Museum of Tomorrow and the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re in Rio around Lent, you’ll have to check out one of the world’s most significant celebrations, Carnaval.
If you plan on visiting this vibrant city, here are the five best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro!
Belmond Copacabana Palace
This Copacabana Palace hotel has some serious street cred with its guest list. It has served the likes of Mick Jagger and Janis Joplin throughout its existence. Today, it continues to be one of the hottest places in Rio.
Belmond Copacabana has one of the most prime beachside locations in all of the city. Inside, you’ll find a glamorous Art-Deco building that has been a Rio staple since the 1920s.
Its 239 refurbished rooms and suites have unparalleled city and ocean views. Around the property, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy. There are tennis courts, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and spa guests can access. Additionally, there are four restaurants and bars.
Guests love its reputation, world-class experience, and pure luxury.
New York Times review:
“A piece of Old World elegance amid the allure — and menace — of Copacabana Beach, the Palace, with 232 rooms, completed an extensive renovation late 2012. It promotes itself as a modern property that still conjures the glamour of the days when Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles were guests.”
Hotel details
Address:
Av. Atlântica, 1702 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-001, Brazil.
Guest rating:
4.7 out of 5
Price per night:
From $245
Emiliano Rio
The Emiliano Rio hotel is an intimate, luxurious experience near Copacabana. It is one of the most fashionable destinations in Rio and has some of the best spas in the city. The incredible views and proximity to local attractions make it a trendy place to stay.
The hotel’s 90 rooms offer spectacular courtyard and ocean views. It has a “home away from home” environment that comes with every modern convenience you could want.
If you want something to eat, there are three wine bars that locals and hotel guests frequent. You can cool off at the hotel pool and enjoy sweeping views of Rio. Unwind even more at their top-notch spa.
Visitors loved the hotel’s scenery, great location, and spa services.
CN Traveler review:
“A welcome new opening and pace on Rio’s Zona Sul. It’s more subtle and modern to contrast the go-go party scene of the Fasano, yet without the sometimes stiffness of the Copacabana Palace. It feels young and sophisticated.”
Hotel details
Address:
Av. Atlântica, 3804 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22070-001, Brazil.
Guest rating:
4.7 out of 5
Price per night:
From $432
Fasano Rio
Stay at Fasano Rio to experience everything that Rio has to offer. It’s on the border of Copacabana and Arpoador, making it easy to see the city’s greatest hits. The hotel overlooks the Dois Irmaos mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel is everything that you’d imagine a luxury experience would be. There are magnificent vistas, plenty of amenities, and a sleek design by Philippe Starck. Its rooms are nothing over the top but have thoughtful decorative details.
Being at this hotel means that you can people watch from afar from the tranquility of its luxurious infinity pool. If you want some excitement onsite, there is entertainment at the Baretto-Londra bar.
People enjoyed Fasano Rio’s service, facilities, and views.
Lonely Planet review:
“Designed by Philippe Starck, the Fasano has fabulously designed rooms with hardwood floors, handsome furnishings (including chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues) and eye-catching flourishes (oversized ear-shaped mirrors pay homage to Salvador Dalí).”
Hotel details
Address:
Avenida Vieira Souto, 80, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22420-000, Brazil.
Guest rating:
4.5 out of 5
Price per night:
From $230
La Suite by Dussol
You can’t get much smaller than this seven-room guest house. La Suite by Dussol proves that small can be mighty. Every room has phenomenal views, unique designs, and private balconies. It’s a remarkable experience for those seeking something more discreet.
The grounds and location are also very intimate. You can find this retreat within a gated community in one of Rio’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Joatinga Beach. The guest house is outside the town’s center, but not too far.
La Suite won’t leave you stranded. While it isn’t a massive resort, it has enough amenities to keep you entertained. You can enjoy two pools, a chef-driven kitchen, and a bar on site.
Travelers praise its hospitable staff, beautiful property, and great atmosphere.
Hotel details
Address:
Rua Jackson de Figueiredo 501, Joatinga, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22611-000, Brazil.
Guest rating:
4.6 out of 5
Price per night:
From $130
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
The Miramar Hotel by Windsor is an excellent choice for guests who want to be in the midst of all the Copacabana action. Its surroundings include shops, restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and nightlife. The hotel itself is just as exciting as its neighborhood, with great amenities and luxurious rooms.
Its rooms and property have sleek designs that are not overdone. Almost every inch of this hotel comes with outstanding views. Travelers can bring a furry companion to join them if they’d like because this hotel is pet-friendly.
The hotel’s amenities include its green granite pool, modern gym, butler service, and breakfast. Guests can enjoy a drink and views from the rooftop bar.
The hotel’s highlights include its breakfast, design, and location.
Telegraph review:
“Copacabana may not have the glamour of yore, but once you’ve walked inside the discreet entrance of this hotel and been met with a glass of champagne, you will discover there is still plenty of glitz to be found here. Expect panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and first-class service.”
Hotel details
Address:
Av. Atlântica, 3668 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22070-001, Brazil.
Guest rating:
4.6 out of 5
Price per night:
From $193
About our luxury hotel recommendations in Rio de Janeiro
We are a travel research company. Our team helps you discover the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro by researching the internet for you. We have also visited some of these places.
Hence, it’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of many travelers who have been there before you. We make it easy for you to find out about the most luxurious and exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Please note, we only list hotels that have an aggregated guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5. We aggregate all reviews from different booking sites and other unbiased review websites. Hence, you can be certain all hotels listed above offer you a great stay in Rio de Janeiro.
Best price guarantee
We have partnered with Booking.com and Hotels.com to offer the best price for your stay in Rio de Janeiro! Both sites offer price matching, so you can be sure that you are getting the cheapest rates possible for a luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro.
If you find an even lower rate on another site at least 24 hours before check-in, contact them to claim a refund of the difference!
Best 5-star hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Having read this guide, let’s summarize what we learned. We found the best 5-star hotels in Rio de Janeiro thanks to reviews and tips from thousands of guests and travel experts:
More Rio de Janeiro recommendations
We hope you enjoy the advice we’ve given to you above. If so, be sure to check out some of our other articles about Rio de Janeiro:
Best cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro
