Sol Ipanema Hotel

The Sol Ipanema is a small mid-range hotel that's ideal for anyone who wants to be right near the beach. Renovated in 2015, it attracts both leisure and business travelers from all over the world. From the outside, it doesn't have much in the way of curb appeal, and the off-white facade looks a tad worn and dull. Inside, the lobby is small, with a marble-topped bar and modern curved chairs by the entrance. A flight of stairs takes guests up to the restaurant, which was designed by famous architect, Jairo de Sender. The blue and beige color scheme reflects the sea and the sand, which is visible from the room's big, bright windows. The rooftop pool and bar offer stunning panoramic views of Ipanema Beach below, making it a go-to for evening cocktails. The common areas are mostly quiet throughout the day, with many guests opting to hang out at the beach and explore the local area. The rooftop bar has a lively vibe in the evening, with a lot of guests having a drink before heading out. 

The hotel is located on Avenida Vieira Souto, which faces the white sands and azure waters of Ipanema Beach. A one-minute walk from Posto 9, the immediate area is busy, with lots of traffic and people passing through. The road continues on to Leblon Beach, which is around a 20-minute walk from the hotel. There are numerous shops, nightclubs, and restaurants within walking distance, and a cool local hippie market on Sundays in a park nearby. The hotel is close to General Osorio Metro Station, and there are several bus stops nearby. Bustling Copacabana is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and many popular sights are a short car ride away. Rio De Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statue is about 30 minutes by taxi, while the Botanical Gardens are a 15-minute drive. Galeao International Airport is around a 30-minute drive from the hotel, and Santos Dumont Airport is a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

The Sol Ipanema offers 89 rooms in two categories -- Standard and Deluxe. All of them were renovated in 2015, with soft tone color schemes, simple decor, and polished wood laminated floors. Minimalist paintings and dark wood furniture give the rooms a generically modern feel, and all include work desks, fully-stocked minibars, safes, phones, air-conditioning, Nespresso coffeemakers, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Free flip-flops and robes are a nice extra touch, and Wi-Fi is free. All rooms are spacious and similar in size, with bright windows that let in plenty of natural light, though they lack balconies. Front-facing rooms have gorgeous views of Ipanema Beach, while others have city views with a mountainous backdrop. Traffic noise is audible in most rooms. Bathrooms are modern and small, with dark gray marble countertops, glass-enclosed showers, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and generous free toiletries. 

For such a small property, the Sol Ipanema manages to pack in a wide range of facilities. The contemporary Italian restaurant, Gabbiano Al Mare, is a highlight, serving pastas, meats, and fresh seafood. The restaurant has nice beach views, and offers an excellent wine list with over 100 wines. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, with generous hot and cold options such as fresh pastries, tropical fruits, eggs, bacon, and coffee. The rooftop pool is tiny, but it has stunning views of the ocean plus sun loungers for tanning. Guests preferring to hang out at the beach can use sun loungers, umbrellas, and towels for free. The rooftop also has a lively bar, serving fresh cocktails throughout the day and evening. A fitness center is available, but it's tiny with minimal cardio equipment, and a small beauty salon provides nail and hair treatments. Other services include room service around the clock, as well as a 24-hour front desk and business center with computers and printers. Airport transfers, car rentals, and day tours can be arranged for a fee. There is no on-site parking, though there are plenty of parking lots nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.