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Janeiro Hotel, sitting proudly along an exclusive area of beach in Rio de Janeiro’s upscale neighborhood of Leblon, is a newcomer in the city’s ever-evolving hotel scene. The property was founded by Oskar Metsavaht, the creator of iconic Brazilian fashion label, Osklen. Metsavaht is known for melding the fashionable with green thinking and initiatives that benefit the environment, and Janeiro Hotel is no different.
I was a guest here recently and was very impressed with not only the design and service, but the cool and effortless elegance that seemed to flood every public space. I arrived early in the morning to a hot cappuccino and warm welcome from the front desk team. The hotel itself seemed to melt into the sand with the use of calming whites, creams and beige – punctuated with bright greens that might be found in the neighboring jungle neighborhood of Joa. I was escorted to my room immediately which, to my delight, looked directly out onto the shimmering blue Atlantic.
53 rooms and suites offer ocean and beach vistas, flat screen televisions, pillowy white beds, seating areas and open bathroom plans that are some of the sexiest in the city. The hotel itself seems like an understated apartment building where a wealthy friend might live, the second floor being dedicated to delicious morning breakfasts and a rooftop pool and bar with views across the entire city. Janeiro Hotel is the perfect place for an early breakfast of acai and fruit, or an evening caipirinha in the pool as the sun dips below the horizon.
Janeiro Hotel was my home base while in the city for five days. The staff here gets to know you rather quickly and are never without a smile and hello – no matter what time of day. It’s here where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Rio, as you’re smack dab in the middle of it all, or just relax and slip into your room’s giant tub before dinner.
Granado soaps are replenished daily, homemade Brazilian treats left bedside and even Metsavaht’s signature bottled juice served at breakfast. All you need is a few bathing suit options and a pair of denim and you’re set to arrive.
What I love about Janeiro Hotel is that it’s easy, casual and fun – yet is enveloped in style without evening trying. You’ll run into both visitors and other Brazilians from nearby cities here, a sign that you’ve picked something real. No matter what time of year you journey to Rio, even with travel being as modified as it is due to COVID-19, make Janeiro Hotel your choice. You won’t regret it.
