Escape

Escape
the Brazilian tourist clichés at Mama Ruisa, a colonial building
turned boutique hotel at the heart of the trendy Santa Teresa
neighbourhood.

Rio‘s hilly neighbourhood of Santa Teresa is the perfect
setting for this bohemian
jewel of a hotel. Set in an old colonial building turned private
hospital turned hotel, the perfectly curated interior of this home
away from home will make you feel like you’re part of the Easy
Rider movie set. With its high ceilings, squeaky wooden floors and
hand-picked antiques, it is the place to be for anyone looking to
explore
Rio away from tourist clichés.

Rooms

Whether a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite, each accommodation is
uniquely decorated with pieces picked up from Rio’s numerous flea
markets and lovingly restored by the owner. If you’re feeling
inspired to redecorate your home in the same style, note that most
of the furniture is available to buy. Take some time to chill out
in the enormous sitting room with views of the abundant tropical
vegetation just outside.

What’s for breakfast?

A testament to its French owner, Mama Ruisa serves continental
breakfast with fresh pastries, baguettes, butter and jam. Opt for a
suite with a private terrace to start your day in peace,
accompanied by fresh tropical fruits and exquisite South American
coffee while admiring the distant Sugarloaf Mountain.

How about lunch and dinner?

If you’re looking for an authentic Brazilian experience, you’re
in luck. A five-minute walk will take you to Bar Do Mineiro, a
no-frills eatery full of character, where locals have been washing
down feijoadas (a traditional Brazilian stew of meat and beans)
with ice cold caipirinhas since 1992. Alternatively, head to
Espirito Santa for some indegenous dishes or Simplesmente for a
Carioca take on pizza.

Is there a bar?

There is no bar at the hotel but fear not, the Santa Teresa
neighbourhood is home to the coolest public houses in Rio. Throw
your best samba moves with a crowd of locals at Rua Paschoal Carlos
Magno or enjoy the sunset with panoramas across the city at
Aprazível.

Amenities

There is a small pool on the top 18th floor, by
which Mama Ruisa’s attentive staff will fulfill your every wish
before you can even express it.

Things you should know

Due to Santa Teresa’s steep and plentiful hills, taxis and ubers
can sometimes be reluctant to drive through its labyrinthine
streets, especially when it’s raining. Plan well ahead if you’re
looking to bar-hop or ask the hotel staff to call in a favour with
a taxi driver they know. Alternatively, use the tram that connects
different parts of the neighbourhood to the rest of the city at the
foot of the hills.

Within a short walk you can find…

As you would expect from a bohemian neighbourhood, there’s a
plethora of cultural and intellectually stimulating experiences on
your doorstep. At Parque das Ruínas the ruins of an old mansion are
transformed into architecturally innovative art, theatre and music
venue, where you can book to see a live performance. At the Museu
da Chácara do Céu, you can admire a substantial (formerly private)
collection of 20th-century masterpieces by the likes of Degas,
Matisse and Picasso as well as works by prominent Brazilian
modernists.