Review Author

Georgie Darling

There’s a long-running joke amongst Brazilians when it comes to beach holidays: why would they need to travel abroad when the best beaches are right here? 

In Rio de Janeiro, LeBlon beach is undeniably the best-of-the-best. And right on its sun-drenched shores, you’ll find Janeiro Hotel. 

This boutique stay reimagines the luxury beachfront experience, blending contemporary aesthetics with the organic beauty of its coastal surroundings. The result? A tranquil, design-forward spot that embodies the sophistication of Rio’s most exclusive neighborhood.

Opened in mid-2018, Janeiro Hotel has won three internationally recognized awards: Wallpaper’s Best Urban Hotel 2019, Tatler’s Travel Awards 2020, and the iF Design Award 2022.

Owned and heavily-infused by Brazilian couturier turned hotelier Oskar Metsavaht, this is a place that’s all about the little details: Osklen scents piped through every room, Metsavaht’s own artwork on the walls, warm, honey-hued Brazilian freijó wood panels contrasting against deep blue ocean views.

The hotel’s 18 floors host five rooms each, with views of the Atlantic, open-plan layouts, and a restrained color palette that enhances, rather than distracts from, those coastal views. Though Rio perpetually hums with energy, Janeiro Hotels ensures you witness the city’s vibrancy without the soundtrack when staying here. 

Those natural textures, from handcrafted furniture sourced from local artisans to subtly woven linen textiles, exude an artful simplicity—an aesthetic Metsavaht himself describes as “natural minimalism.”

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is equally impressive, with an emphasis on renewable materials, plastic-free amenities, and eco-conscious partnerships that align with Metsavaht’s dedication to environmental advocacy.

Post-check-in, it’s time for a welcome drink upstairs at VARANDA. A quick run-through of the cocktail menu offers a great array of Cachaça-based options (the Macunaíma was our fave) as well as all the classics. Head up the spiral staircase to the cozy-but-cute infinity pool with a circular view of Two Brothers Mountain—a nod to Metsavaht’s love of photography. 

Dining here is a must-do, something confirmed by the number of non-hotel guests popping by for a bite. Both breakfast and dinner are served at the second-floor restaurant with bright, sweeping views of the Atlantic just below. A fusion of European and Brazilian buffet picks (house-made granola, freshly baked pão de queijo, tropical fruit bowls) comes accentuated with a made-to-order menu heavy with eggs, avocado, and pancakes. Despite a strong variety of juices, condiments, and pastries, you’ll find no single-use plastic here. 

The hotel’s signature restaurant, helmed by Chef Diego Ali, champions sustainable gastronomy. The menu spotlights locally sourced, organic ingredients, celebrating classic Brazilian flavors with a refined twist. Grilled octopus and Moqueca-inspired seafood are perfectly paired with biodynamic wines from South America’s top vineyards.

Set along Avenida Delfim Moreira, the Janeiro Hotel is ideally positioned for a wander: Michelin-starred restaurants, independent art galleries, and Brazilian boutiques are all within a quick walk. 

While you’re just steps from Leblon Beach (make use of Janeiro’s free parasols, sun beds, and yours-to-keep Ipanema flip-flops), the hotel also has free bikes available. We cycled 20 minutes away to Lagoa for an easy 7km morning ride in the sunshine. An extra nice perk is Janeiro Hotel’s partnership with the nearby Body-Tech gym: skip the $37 USD day pass fee with free passes when you stay here. 

In a city known for its vibrant energy and unapologetic glamor, Janeiro Hotel offers a rare kind of luxury – one that feels deeply personal, effortlessly stylish, and intrinsically tied to the rhythm of Rio itself.

Top Takeaways

Location: Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rating: 5-star

The vibe: Thoughtful minimalism meets contemporary Brazilian design in a beachfront setting.

Food + drink: Janeiro Hotel has a popular on-site restaurant on the second floor, where breakfast (included when staying in the suites) is also served. Expect a great range of locally-inspired dishes and a backdrop of panoramic ocean views. Up on the 18th floor, there’s also the Little Pool Bar and VARANDA, complete with cocktails, wine, and beers. 

Our favorite part of the hotel: All the little details – bite-size Brazilian sweets in the room, access to a private beach area on super busy days, the mixologists going above and beyond to talk us through the array of local spirits. 

What’s nearby: Leblon and Ipanema Beaches, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, local boutiques, art galleries, and a great dining scene.

Any personal neighborhood recs? Giuseppe Grill (a five-minute walk) is a must-visit—try the seafood. Use the hotel’s free bikes to cycle around the Lagoa and grab a cold coconut en route. LeBlon, arguably Rio’s fanciest neighborhood, is a top spot for independent Brazilian designers, so make sure to explore its boutique stores nearby, too. 

Rooms: 51 rooms, including 15 suites.

Pricing: Rates start at $400 per night.

Closest Airport: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), approximately 15 kilometers away.