Janeiro Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"A boutique beachfront property in Leblon that opened in mid-2018 and has since collected international design awards, this hotel blends contemporary Brazilian style with an understated, nature-forward luxury. Owned and curated by couturier-turned-hotelier Oskar Metsavaht, rooms feature Osklen scents, the owner’s artwork, honey-hued freijó wood panels and handcrafted furniture from local artisans, embodying a described ethos of “natural minimalism.” The hotel emphasizes sustainability—renewable materials, plastic-free amenities and eco-conscious partnerships—while offering 51 rooms (including 15 suites) across an 18-floor building with sweeping Atlantic views. Food and drink are highlights: a second-floor restaurant led by Chef Diego Ali focuses on locally sourced, organic ingredients with dishes like grilled octopus and Moqueca-inspired seafood paired with biodynamic South American wines, while an upper-level bar serves inventive cachaça cocktails (the Macunaíma is singled out) beside a cozy infinity pool with views of Two Brothers Mountain. Guests enjoy practical perks such as free parasols and sun beds for the adjacent Leblon beach, complimentary Ipanema flip-flops, free bikes for rides to the Lagoa, and a partnership that provides free access to a nearby Body-Tech gym. Ideally sited on Avenida Delfim Moreira, it’s within easy walking distance of Leblon and Ipanema beaches, galleries, boutiques and notable restaurants, with rates starting around $400 per night and Santos Dumont Airport roughly 15 km away."