Six of the 20 best hotels in South America are Brazilian, according to the Readers’ Choice Awards, an annual competition created 35 years ago by the traditional travel magazine “Condé Nast Traveller.”
In a ranking prepared based on nominations from editors and votes from its readers across the globe, the local hotel that achieved the most prestige and the best placement during the last year was Rosewood São Paulo, in 8th place on the list.
Read also: Check out our coverage on Brazil
Other five stars of Brazilian hospitality include the 9th place and very popular Copacabana Palace, the São Paulo Tivoli Mofarrej in 12th, in addition to the Fasano São Paulo in 15th, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro in 16th and the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro in 20th.
Although the crown of South American hospitality was in the hands of Colombia in 2022, which won 1st place with its Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, in Cartagena de Indias, Brazil took the lead with Peru, tied for the highest number of representatives in the Readers’ Choice selection. Learn more about the Brazilians best hotels:
ROSEWOOD SÃO PAULO
Differential: Already considered an “ostentatious hotel” by another publication in the field, Travel and Leisure, Rosewood is a mix of hotel and art gallery, with national culture revered in works and representations in the rooms and common spaces, in addition to breathtaking architecture with elements of the old mansions on Avenida Paulista.
Its modern interiors are designed by award-winning French designer Philippe Starck, while guitars by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil evoke emotions on the walls.
The Rabo di Galo jazz bar, as well as the Le Jardin lobby lounge (where it is possible to dine outdoors in the heart of the city) and its Blaise brasserie offer a drink menu and sophisticated Brazilian-inspired cuisine. The Taraz restaurant, signed by chef Felipe Bronze, is inspired by the flavors of South America.
More information at rosewoodhotels.com/en/sao-paulo
COPACABANA PALACE
Differential: It is historic. This is the main attraction of the Copacabana Palace, which holds a glamorous piece of the trajectory of Rio de Janeiro with its traditional Carnival balls. Spacious and luxurious, it offers a spa, pool, bar and theater as entertainment options without leaving the property. The penthouse suites, in addition to the butler service, have as their trademark the privileged view of Copacabana beach — very popular on December 31st for those who dream of following the turn of the year with the most traditional fireworks display in the country.
Both the Cipriani restaurant, with traditional Italian cuisine, and its pan-Asian MEE each have one Michelin star, a highly coveted distinction in the world of haute cuisine.
More information on the Copacabana Palace website.
TIVOLI MOFARREJ
Differential: In 2017, the hotel in São Paulo had its presidential suite elected as the best in Brazil. The iconic room has 750 m² and can accommodate up to six people – no wonder it has become a favorite of celebrities and has hosted illustrious names such as Donatella Versace, Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, Catherine Deneuve, Kenzo and more. Located on the 22nd floor of the hotel with a privileged view of Parque Trianon and Avenida Paulista, the suite has a kitchen, office, dining room, living room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bathroom with jacuzzi, double waterfall shower and sauna.
Among the pampering that the Tivoli Mofarrej offers its guests there is a spa, concierge service, butler and good bars that liven up the guests at night. The Must, with jazz nights, is located in front of the swimming pool, while the Seen is 360º and has the skyline of São Paulo as its landscape.
More information at tivolihotels.com/pt/tivoli-mofarrej-sao-paulo.
FASANO SÃO PAULO
Differential: The defining characteristic of the Fasano is its discreet elegance and the modernity of its design, signed by Isay Weinfeld and Márcio Kogan. Another ambitious project on the outskirts of Avenida Paulista, it offers a lot of comfort and luxury in its suites, which can reach 120 m² with living room, closets, bedrooms and marble bathrooms. Like other winners on this list, its complex has a spa, business center, gym, swimming pool, etc.
But the great asset of this hotel, as well as of other hotels with a Fasano signature, are the food and drinks — there are two excellent Italian restaurants, Fasano and Nonno Ruggero, as well as the Baretto piano bar, already voted number 1 by Wallpaper magazine. Worldwide.
More information at fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-sao-paulo.
FAIRMONT RIO DE JANEIRO COPACABANA
Differential: Service and location. Inspired by the charm of Rio in the 50s, Fairmont uses elements of the design and architecture of the time in the composition of its rooms and suites, which reach up to 189 m² of comfort without extravagance in style, but with pampering such as private lounges. The hotel also takes advantage of its landscape, in Copacabana, in the common areas, as in its infinity pool overlooking the sea. Among its other amenities, there is a spa, sauna and gym.
When it comes to gastronomy, the place prioritizes seafood — its restaurant, Marine Restô, specializes in this type of dish, but the Spirit Copa bar also serves drinks with local exotic fruits, ceviches, crudos, tapas and pinchos.
More information at fairmont.net.br/copacabana-rio.
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL RIO DE JANEIRO
Differential: A representative of the classic luxury category, the Marriott carioca is also located in Copacabana and offers its own version of the ostentation usually associated with the neighborhood. Of more modest proportions than the Palace, it still has an ornate decor and design, in addition to the amenities you would expect from this type of establishment.
Spa, gym and imposing common areas are part of the JW Marriott’s repertoire, which has as its strong point the option of ordering a caipirinha at the Moonlounge Rooftop Bar overlooking Rio, or a hearty and authentic Brazilian breakfast at The Carioca restaurant.
More information on the JW Marriott website.
With information from UOL