Rio de Janeiro

Surely the most famous hotel in South America, the Palace elegantly lords over Copacabana beach, an oasis of class in a neighbourhood not always renowned for such dignity. — Time Out

Set on a former coffee plantation on a hill overlooking Rio’s red-tile roofs, the beautifully restored 44-room Santa Teresa Hotel feels like the home of a globe-trotting artist. — Travel + Leisure

Bringing a much-needed touch of contemporary cool to Ipanema's surprisingly stale hotel scene, the Fasano has usurped the Copacabana Palace as the A-listers’ Rio stay of choice. — The Telegraph

On a prime spot on famed Ipanema Beach, the Caesar Park is a favorite with top executives and visiting dignitaries. — Travel + Leisure

A top pick for business travelers, the Sofitel sits right on the famed Copacabana Beach. — Travel + Leisure

The views out over Copacabana from this hotel’s rooftop pool are some of the best in Rio. The rooms are welldecorated and all have balconies. — DK Eyewitness

One block north of the Copacabana Palace, this modern-looking hotel in Copacabana is a streamlined glass tower striated with red supports. — Star Service

This hotel occupies a tall tower a block from the sea at Ipanema’s Arpoador end. The rooms on the “Ipanema floor” have clean modern lines and colors, along with Italian furniture. — DK Eyewitness

High-rise beauty overlooking one of Rio’s most famous beaches, with panoramic views from the rooftop pool. — Jetsetter

Relaxed luxury with spectacular oceanfront views and a crowning open-air terrace. — Jetsetter

Fronting a police post in the heart of Ipanema beach, one block from the famous Girl from Ipanema bar, near popular cafes and fashionable shops, this...hotel has an unbeatable location. — Star Service

A solid upper-middle-range option with an excellent location in a quieter neighborhood... the free breakfast buffet is a good value. — Oyster

The only budget-priced oceanfront hotel in Ipanema, the Arpoador Inn enjoys a privileged location on a quiet stretch of beach popular with the surf crowd. — Frommer's

This brand-new hotel is the first Hilton in Rio, built in the heart of the Olympic Zone, just a short walk from the Olympic Park and Athletes' Village. — Travel + Leisure

Ipanema Inn is a simple hotel whose rooms have off-white ceramic tile floors and simple wood furnishings; some are disappointingly small. — Lonely Planet

A little out of the action, La Suite's elegant lodgings are nonetheless well worth the taxi rides in and out to the nightlife of Ipanema and Leblon. — Time Out

For a very different hotel experience, consider spending a few nights in the quaint hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. — Frommer's