Mama Ruisa Boutique Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
More photosMama Ruisa Boutique Hotel is a serene, French-owned hideaway tucked away in a 19th-century colonial mansion in the heart of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro’s bohemian hillside district. Once the private residence of Jean Michel Ruis, the mansion has been beautifully preserved and transformed into an intimate retreat, offering a sophisticated contrast to the city’s bustling beach life.
The property is a true temple of Brazilian modernist design. The owner, an avid furniture collector, has curated the space with iconic pieces by legendary designers like Oscar Niemeyer and Sergio Rodrigues. This creates a unique atmosphere where historic colonial architecture meets the sharp, clean lines of mid-century Brazilian art, all enhanced by personal touches like Belle Epoque china and drawings by Jean Cocteau.
With only a handful of rooms, the hotel provides a highly personalized experience. Guests can enjoy breakfast on their private verandas while soaking in breathtaking, panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. The lush tropical garden and swimming pool offer a quiet oasis, frequently visited by the hotel’s resident cat and dog, Colette and Oscar, who add to the homey, relaxed charm.
Its location is perfect for exploring the artistic soul of the city. You are just a short walk from the vibrant Largo de Guimarães, famous for its local crafts and traditional restaurants. The historic Lapa district, known for its iconic aqueduct and lively nightlife, is also just minutes away, making it an ideal base for experiencing the authentic, cultural heartbeat of Rio.
Expert reviews
“Seven rooms in a 19th-century mansion in the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa give Mama Ruisa a more intimate feel than its bigger neighbor, the Santa Teresa Hotel. Mama Ruisa’s draws include eclectic décor, an elegant outdoor breakfast (around 50 reais), a garden pool and views of Guanabara Bay.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Rio de Janeiro.
“This tropical boutique hotel has a palm-lined pool and impressive views, but the colonial splendour of the huge rooms is the real draw. High ceilings, leafy balconies and enormous bathrooms combine to deliver an original hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa, where the rhythm of samba always drifts in the air.”
What guests liked
- Great place
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
3 December 2024
This hotel is a true gem in Rio - one that was created with vision and love.
1 November 2024
Exceptional
3 May 2024
Fabulous
4 April 2024
Exceptional
17 March 2024
Fabulous
11 January 2024
Fabulous
21 December 2023
Exceptional
30 November 2023
Exceptional
9 November 2023
Exceptional
26 October 2023
Exceptional
24 July 2023
Exceptional
23 July 2023
Exceptional
22 July 2023
Fabulous
20 July 2023
Pleasant
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Grocery deliveries
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Solarium
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Canoeing (additional charge)
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Squash (additional charge)
- - Public bath
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Massage chair
- - Yoga classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Temporary art galleries (additional charge)
- - Pub crawls
- - Stand-up comedy (additional charge)
- - Movie nights (additional charge)
- - Walking tours
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Happy hour
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Live sport events (broadcast)
- - Aerobics (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Reception services
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Business facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Parking
- - Street parking
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Pool and wellness
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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1 February 2025
Exceptional