Tranquil location in the bohemian Santa Teresa district
Beautiful tropical gardens and animal sightings
Daily tropical-inspired breakfast included in the room rate
Spacious and stylish rooms, one comes with a big terrace
Comfy vibe that feels like staying at a friends' house
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Nice swimming pool area
Friendly and helpful owner couple
30-minute drive to Ipanema
No restaurant on-site
A bit difficult to find
Steep steps and hills are a mobility issue for some
Not all rooms are air-conditioned
The three-pearl Casa Beleza offers a tropical hideaway from the sometimes overwhelming and crowded beach scene of Copacabana and Ipanema. It's located in the bohemian Art District of Santa Teresa, often called the Montmarte of Rio. The mansion was built in the 1930s and was once a former residence of the governor of Rio de Janeiro. Today, the guesthouse offers four well-decorated guest rooms. The owners live at the main building and they are helpful and knowledgeable about the local tourist, music, and art scene. The house is surrounded by a lush tropical garden with occasional parrots, toucans, and monkeys passing by the outdoor swimming pool. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi helps to keep costs low.
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Scene
A true hideaway in the bohemian Santa Teresa district
The Casa Beleza -- the former mansion of the governor of Rio de Janeiro, built in the 1930s -- offers an attractive alternative for a Rio de Janeiro holiday. The guesthouse offers an intimate home stay kind of experience in a beautiful tropical garden setting. Steep stone steps lead up to the small and simple lobby, decorated with world maps, hardwood floors, and a narrow spiral staircase painted green. Outside, the garden grounds are set with chic furniture. Fruit trees, as well as blooming heliconias and red ginger add color and a fragrant scent to the grounds .Views of the neighborhood's rooftops and church spires provide romantic ambience. Past guests have reported waking up to the sounds of birds. Toucans, colorful butterflies, parrots, and monkeys have been spotted in the huge trees surrounding the house.
Location
Naturual beauty, peace, and tranquility in Santa Teresa
Although most travelers to Rio de Janeiro opt to stay near the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the artist district of Santa Teresa offers a great alternative for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. The bohemian district is both vibrant and fun, particularly on weekends, offering great dining experiences, cafes, galleries, music performances, and shops. In the 19th century the area was popular among the wealthy cariocas (Rio de Janeiro citizens), as Santa Teresa -- located in the hills -- was considered a bit cooler than Copacabana, with fewer mosquitos and sweeping views over the Guanabara Bay.It's a 10-minute taxi ride to the vibrant Centro which has interesting Colonial architecture, Baroque churches, markets, chic restaurants, and green plazas. It's also the home of MAR, Museu Arte do Rio De Janeiro. Ipanema and Copacabana are a bit further away, about 20-minutes on the metro or 25- to 30-minutes in a car. Gloria metro station can be reached by walking downhill from the hotel for 20 minutes.
Rooms
Individually decorated with local art
There are just four guest rooms at Casa Beleza. Three are located in the private part of the main building, and one -- called the Bungalow -- has a more private location on the slopes behind the main house. All rooms have stylish decor, with local art, wooden furniture, and colorful textiles. Some rooms have air-conditioners while others have just a ceiling fan. Bathrooms include rainhead showers, Brazilian-made toiletries, and ceramic tiles. The Bungalow offers a huge terrace, with a hammock and a bench, and truly tropical views over the Centro. None of the rooms have TVs, but Wi-Fi is free.
Features
Tropical gardens, free breakfast, and a beautiful swimming pool
The Casa Beleza is an intimate, family-run guesthouse, so don't expect to find a fitness center, bar, or restaurant. Instead, the property provides a quiet tropical hideaway in a lush garden with a fantastic outdoor swimming pool. The owners are a friendly French/Canadian couple who have been known to greet guests with a caipirinha and information about nearby restaurants and shopping. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and a free breakfast of tropical fruit, eggs, ham, cakes, and juice is provided. The guest house offers its own spring water -- quite a perk in Rio de Janeiro -- and the well is located just next to the house. Laundry service is available and there's easy street parking.
