Casa Cool Beans B&B

As the name readily suggests, the Casa Cool Beans is a unique, charming B&B. The four-story building is painted purple and has swirling, multicolored decoration along the first-floor doors and windows, immediately establishing the inn as youthful, funky, and whimsical. Guests must be at least 18 years old, and tend to be couples or single travelers keen on sunbathing and exploring the local culture. Common spaces are a mix of outdoor and open-air patio spaces, making the property feel bright and natural. The open-air lobby/living room has white walls, neutral stone floors, and slim, wood benches and chairs, all livened up with cairn-shaped table lamps, potted plants, and bright paintings. Guests can also sit under orange umbrellas in the garden, which gets a fair amount of shade, but still gives a peek at the hills of Santa Teresa. The dining room, in another patio space, has a long wood table and mix of orange and black chairs, inviting guests to mingle during breakfast and offering a pleasant, homey feel. In the back of the property is a stone patio and small pool with beautiful blue tiles, shaded a bit by palm trees. From up here, guests can enjoy the sun, take a dip, and appreciate the views of the old, quiet neighborhood of Santa Teresa. 

Santa Teresa is a popular, artsy district in Rio de Janeiro that's far from the beaches, but is great for those seeking a quieter stay and atmospheric cobblestone streets -- although it's not always safe for nighttime strolling. Being that rainforest surrounds parts of the neighborhood, guests may even spot wild monkeys and birds, and there are lots of cool cafes and restaurants around. The city's historic center is about a 15-minute drive, and offers colonial architecture, historic statues, and the Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil, a complex with theaters and art exhibits. Taxi drivers are sometimes hesitant to travel into Santa Teresa because of its narrow, bumpy streets, though the Gloria metro is about a 20-minute walk away, and offers a semi-convenient option for getting around the greater city. 

The rooms at the Casa Cool Beans are simple and spacious, with dark wood furniture, bright accent walls, and interesting artwork, often by local artists. The leafy plants in rounded ceramic vases are nice touches. Beds are made up with only sheets, with a blanket folded over top, encouraging lighter layers and the use of ceiling fans, though rooms do have air-conditioners. Each room has a small wood table with chairs, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi; some have safes. The only displeasing thing is the lack of armoires or closets; two bars hang from the ceiling, on which there are a few hangers. Bathrooms are petite, but modern, with stone floors, glass-doored showers, and Granado bath products. The larger Deluxe rooms have double the sleeping space — two queens, two doubles, or a queen and two singles — and may be useful for families; bathrooms have shower/tub combos. 

Like many bed and breakfasts, the Casa Cool Beans has few added amenities. The property does provide a free daily breakfast of eggs cooked-to-order, breads, pastries, local fruits, meats, cheeses, juices, and fresh coffee served by the pool. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The owners can schedule private guides and tours, and with 24-hours notice can arrange for a massage on-site. While there is no parking, and Santa Teresa is not the most central part of Rio De Janeiro, the Casa Cool Beans offers a pleasant, quiet stay within the city.