Best Historical Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

A shining example of Rio’s glamour, this neo-classical Grande Dame has been in business since the roaring twenties. It faces out onto the beach, where guests can receive a waiter drinks service. On the third floor, there’s a rooftop tennis court and a large glitzy pool area. The food and drink offer comprises the terrace Pérgula restaurant, Italian eatery Cipriani and Mee, a Michelin starred establishment under the direction of Ken Hom. Guests who’ve stayed at this landmark hotel include Prince Charles, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Tom Cruise, Paul McCartney, and Lenny Kravitz. Black and white prints of past patrons adorn the walls, while chandeliers, wood panelling and marble add to the palatial feel.

A coffee farm in the 19th century, Santa Teresa is named after the neighbourhood in which the hotel resides, with decor inspired by the property’s own heritage; native materials such as burnt cement, lime, wine and golden slate, tropical woods, banana, buritia and bacaba fibres have been used in the design. Accommodation is made up of apartments and suites beside fruit-filled gardens, and artworks by Sergio Rodrigues, Studio Vitty and Rock Lane are showcased throughout. The MGallery Collection hotel also has a pool with views over Guanabara Bay, Le Spa, Térèze restaurant and Bar dos Descasados.