The Luxurious Beachfront and Hilltop Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has hilltop hideaways as well as beachfront hotels. The Fasano Rio on Ipanema beachfront is a great place for opulent indulgence while Hotel Santa Teresa - Relais & Chateaux on the hilly and artsy Santa Teresa is where Amy Winehouse stayed during her Brazil tour. The Copacabana Palace which is now owned by Orient Express is an epitome of razzle-dazzle in the city. If you are willing to pay good money for a seafront view around the New Year, the midnight fireworks are a spectacular sight.

The luminaries love Rio de Janeiro and you may easily spot the Obamas, Brazilian Soccer Stars, Will Smith or Madonna enjoying a sun bath or the panoramic hilltop views.

Check out the seven best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro that you will love to splurge on.

Belmond Copacabana Palace
Sans pareil of luxury hotels in the city, this hotel is an embodiment of glamour, glitz and luxury in Cidade Maravilhosa since the 1920s. The hotel welcomes crème de la crème of the personalities including the Obamas, Madonna and Will Smith. Since the staff is habitual to fulfilling the whims and fancies of the rich and famous, the service of the hotel is the best among luxury hotels in Rio. The two restaurants, luxury spa and an up market nightclub have led the hotel into the twenty-first century and ahead of others.

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
This hotel competes with Copacabana Palace for the glamor quotient. This boutique hotel designed by Philippe Starcke is situated on the most coveted stretch of Ipanema Beach in Rio. It offers a section of the private beach for the hotel residents. A glass exterior with white interiors in minimalistic design blends with playful hues including pod chairs with candy stripes in the corridor. The vintage mixed with the urbane pay homage to the era of bossa nova. Adjacent to the crowning glory of the hotel - the rooftop infinity pool is the Pool Bar which offers spectacular views of the Arpoador beaches, the Corvovado and the Two Brothers Mountains. Fresh fruit juice with combinations of coconut and fig water or ginger-infused watermelon juices are served in the bar. Baretto-Londra and Fasano Al Mare Restaurant serve traditional Brazilian delicacies.

Hotel Santa Teresa - Relais & Chateaux
The best hotels besides the prime location of beaches can also be found in the hilly and artsy Santa Teresa. This lavish hotel built on an old fazenda features unique décor with natural fibers and wood work of cinnamon, jacaranda, ipe wood and golden slate flooring. Amazonian oil baths and Xingu massages are among the best available in the wellness center. The palm fringed pool and the renowned French restaurant completes this tropical chic yet authentic hotel. Bar Dos Descasados is a fine lounge designed by Zemog and offers the best Brazilian rums.

Mama Ruisa
It is a -hillside Bed & Breakfast in bohemian Santa Teresa owned by Jean Michel Ruis from France. The hotel has a large swimming pool surrounded by verdant garden. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. Each of the eight suites has a unique décor and the breakfast is served in the garden under the tree shade bringing you closer to the nature. Christ the Redeemer and Lapa neighborhood along with its effervescent nightlife are close by. Resident cat Mademoiselle and dog Lilli are quite friendly and popular among the kids.

La Maison Boutique Guest House
This is a stylish boutique hotel in the residential neighborhood of Gavea. The hotel has featured in various Brazilian and international magazines. The colonial building surrounded by fruit trees make for a spectacular exterior while the interiors feature Parisian boudoir style with soft beds and deep red walls. There are five suites with large balconies and great views of the swimming pool.

Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort
Sheraton Rio is one of the largest hotels in the city with several restaurants, swimming pools and unlimited facilities. The pacified Vidigal favela houses the hotel to the west of Ipanema and Leblon. The private beach section spots a few visitors as most of them take a cab ride to the popular Ipanema. The hotel also features a play rooms for kids.

Marina All Suites
This elegant hotel on Leblon beachfront boasts the A-listers that visit this. Unlike most of the hotels that are located uphill or near the beaches, this hotel sits on the chic Leblon beach front. The 38 Design Suites feature a unique décor with spacious lounge areas, kitchenettes and surround sound stereo systems. The guests can also reserve a bar and a private cinema. Bar d’Hotel is a public bar restaurant famous among the ritzy youth of Rio.