The Santa Teresa Hotel, Luxury in Rio

By Candy Pilar Godoy, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – For those visiting the Cidade Maravilhosa and looking for exclusive luxury accommodations, a sweeping, renovated estate in the charming hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa may be the perfect hideaway. Perched on one of the area’s highest points, the Santa Teresa Hotel attracts guests from around the globe with spectacular views, five star accommodations, and unique Brazilian-style comfort.

A former coffee plantation, the property was first purchased for renovation in 2004 and opened its doors in 2008. After only two years in operation, Santa Teresa Hotel has been recognized for its excellent service and high-end accommodations. It was inaugurated into the exclusive Relais & Chateaux association and stands as one of only three hotels in Brazil given a spot.

Centrally located within the city, the hotel gives guests easy access to  charming Santa Teresa, the cultural attractions of Centro, and the music in Lapa, all while still being in easy reach of the Zona Sul (South Zone) beaches.

Besides location, comfort and natural beauty are what set the Santa Teresa Hotel apart from other luxury hotels in Rio. Featuring a décor of natural wood furniture, ample gardens and green space, and floor to ceiling windows, the hotel channels peace and tranquility while at the same time offering all the comfortable amenities that come with five star accommodations.

The hotel offers forty large and airy rooms and a full restaurant named Tereze, led by renowned chef Damien Montecer and capable of serving up to 100 diners at a time. The hotel also has the relaxed Bar dos Descasados, a spa and sauna, and plans for a pool and fitness center in the near future.

The uniquely Brazilian experience offered at the Santa Teresa Hotel is the result of careful planning. Nelly Pager, Head of Marketing and Sales, says that extra attention is given to every aspect and that, “here, everyone is VIP.”

The hotel strives to cater to each and every individual guest and to create an authentic Brazilian environment. The hotel proudly displays works by local artists, including furniture, paintings, and photography, and the decor and furnishings are made with organic local materials.

When asked why guests prefer to stay at the Santa Teresa Hotel over other top hotels in Rio, Nelly explains that “the idea of luxury is changing,” and that clients of the hotel want an experience that is elegant but unique, and “emphasizes local culture.”

It seems the critics agree, as some recent awards the Santa Teresa Hotel has earned are: National Geographic Traveler 2011 Stay List, Conde Nast Traveller Hot List 2009, and World’s Best Hotel Suite by Wallpaper Magazine.

While pleased with the hotel’s prominence and increasing popularity, Nelly explains they are not yet satisfied and that they “are now focusing a lot on events, corporate but also especially unique and exclusive weddings.”

The Santa Teresa Hotel is located at Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660, Santa Teresa. Guests can find out more about the Santa Teresa Hotel at its website or by calling +55 (21) 3380-0200 for reservations.

* This is an Advertorial for the Santa Teresa Hotel.