Aerial view of Ipanema Beach
There are hundreds of hotels in Rio de Janeiro. Besides, there are hundreds of self-catering fully-furnished holiday apartments for rent.
In addition, there are dozens of youth hostels and a few boutique hotels in the different neighborhoods of Rio.
There are also a few Bed & Breakfast Inns, but not as many as in off-Rio nearby tourist destinations such as Buzios, Paraty, Ilha Grande, and Ouro Preto.
Finding an accommodation in Rio de Janeiro is not a problem, except right before extreme high season days such as Carnival (5 days in every February or March), around New Years Day, and during the Olympics (2016).
View of Copacabana Beach from hotel rooftop
The most popular neighborhoods to stay are those by the beach such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, and Arpoador.
These are by far the best neighborhoods to stay in a sense that they offer the facilities tourists usually need. In fact, most visitors spend most of their time in these neighborhoods (they are all next to each other at walking distance or a short cab ride away).
Another cool neighborhood to stay in Rio de Janeiro is Santa Teresa. Laid-back, colonial, charming, great food — the pros are many. However, Santa Teresa is reasonably far from the beaches. On the other hand is near Lapa, which is the nightlife area.
Inside an old bar in Santa Teresa neighborhood
Other neighborhoods to stay are Botafogo, Flamengo, Catete, and Gloria. These neighborhoods are ok, but the beaches nearby are not good — you’d need to take the subway or a taxi to one of the top 5 beach neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, or Arpoador.
Another area to stay in Rio is São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. Both have great beaches, but these neighborhoods are not so central.
View of Gavea Stone on São Conrado Beach
Conclusion
- Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, and Arpoador are THE places to stay (these are also local’s favorite areas — we, locals, are the majority here).
- Santa Teresa is the old Rio — tramline, colonial architecture, charming cafés — far from the beaches but close to live samba nightlife.
- Botafogo, Flamengo, Catete, and Gloria are ok areas — probably your best option if you can not afford one of the top 5 beach neighborhoods.
- Barra da Tijuca and São Conrado are a bit far from the central Rio (locally called the ‘South Zone’).
Are you about to choose a place to stay in Rio de Janeiro? Before any decision, get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide to learn more about the best-located hotels in Rio de Janeiro, and more.
