A hacienda-style hotel set high on a hillside in Rio’s bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.
Housed in a restored coffee plantation mansion dating from 1850, Hotel Santa Teresa feels far removed from the city below. Its 43 spacious, light-filled rooms and suites are individually styled with Brazilian art and design, looking out over the lush gardens or across Guanabara Bay.
For the most commanding vantage point, head to the pool terrace, where you’ll find an 80-foot pool overlooking Santa Teresa’s stately villas and the glittering waters of the bay below.
What we love about Hotel Santa Teresa
- Eclectic interiors, with furniture, arts and craft pieces by Brazilian designers and Indigenous artisans.
- The outdoor 80ft pool and lounge bar, set amid gardens planted with mango, palm and avocado trees.
- Térèze restaurant, a quiet, intimate setting serving contemporary Brazilian and international dishes.
- Bar dos Descasados, set beneath the hotel’s arches, with rotating art exhibitions alongside DJs and live bands at weekends.
- A small, atmospheric spa, offering scrubs, massages and facials using Brazilian
- Walking distance from Santa Teresa’s studios, galleries, bars and restaurants.
Wander the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa, one of Rio’s most characterful neighbourhoods.
Colonial-era mansions sit alongside artists’ studios, small galleries and independent shops. Visit local museums, drop into ateliers or stop at one of the area’s many cafés and bars.
Later, ride Rio’s historic tram into the city centre, head up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue, or make for Copacabana or Ipanema beach for an afternoon in the sun.
After a day exploring the city, return to the hotel for a treatment at the spa or sip a cocktail by the pool as you watch the sun go down over Rio. Dinner at Térèze is an easy choice before continuing to Lapa, where samba spills into the streets until late.
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ-MGallery by Sofitel is located in the Santa Teresa district of Rio de Janeiro. Connected to downtown Rio by tram, this charming neighbourhood has winding, cobbled streets lined with quirky cocktail bars, restaurants and artists’ studios.
The hotel is only a 15 minute drive from Santos Dumont Airport and a 35 minute drive from Galeao Airport. There are direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Florianopolis and Salvador.
When to Travel
Rio de Janeiro has plenty to offer throughout the year. During spring (September to November) and summer (December to March), there’s plenty of sunshine and little rain. For a buzzing atmosphere, visit at New Year or during Carnival (February or March).
ENQUIRE NOW