The

The
Janeiro Hotel may be the new kid
on the block but it has already hosted flocks of Brazil’s finest
and most fabulous hot young things. Embodying everything Rio stands for – modern and chic
with an inimitable energy and laid-back attitude – right in the
heart of leafy Leblon, it’s as popular with locals trying to escape
the crowds of tourists at neighbouring Ipanema and Copacabana
beaches as it is among in-the-know globetrotters. If you’re looking
to get a taste of Carioca lifestyle while you’re in town, this is
the place you want to be.

Rooms

There are three types of rooms – standard, standard deluxe and
suites. The suites are enormous penthouses with expansive window
views of the Atlantic Ocean, but all rooms are spacious and have a
view of the ocean, including from within the walk-in shower.
Whichever you choose, you’ll get access to a guest service that
fulfils all your wishes via WhatsApp message – the most widely used
communication method in Brazil.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served on the second floor and offers a full view
of the ocean and the beach in front. An extensive buffet has sweet
and savoury options as well as a never-ending supply of the
jewel-coloured fruits and freshly baked Brazilian breads, including
pão de queijo (a cheese-filled dough ball that is to die for). Fill
your boots with coffee made from aromatic Brazilian beans.

How about lunch and dinner?

There are three restaurants to choose from. The Janeiro offers a
modern twist on Brazilian classics (open for lunch and dinner), the
bar downstairs serves an exceptional Brazilian-Japanese fusion menu
and the pool bar upstairs offers a full omakase experience (dinner
only).

Is there a bar?

Yes – head to the 18th floor for striking views of Rio’s beaches
and imposing hills. We won’t blame you if your head is spinning
after a few caipis, but we do recommend staggering back downstairs
to continue the party at the other bar before disappearing off for
a heady samba-fuelled night that Rio is so famous for.

Amenities

There is a small pool on the 18th floor, where a round window
perfectly frames the Dos Irmaos hills. But who needs the pool when
there’s a sugar-white sandy beach laid out in front of you? The
hotel has its own area just in front of the building, where you can
get sun-loungers, umbrellas and beach towels.

Things you should know

There is no gym onsite but the hotel has a partnership with an
enormous fitness centre just two blocks away. Alternatively, do
like the locals and go for a run along the beach – on Sundays one
of the lanes is closed to cars and Cariocas of all ages come down
for a walk or jog.

Within a short walk you can find…

Plenty of lunch spots on the beach, such as Riso and Marea, but
to get a proper feel for Rio, take a 10-minute stroll into the
heart of Leblon to Academia de Cachaça. This establishment has been
serving traditional Brazilian cuisine like feijoada alongside an
extensive drinks menu for over a century. Try the coco gelada –
frozen coconut soaked in chachaça – and you will understand why Rio
is known as the “cidade maravilhosa”.