Accommodations

Accomodation touched by art

Hotels, guest houses,and hostels with galleries as their centrepiece

By Bruna Velon

Because sometimes it is not enough just to have a comfortable bed, attentive service, a central location and one of those typical breakfast buffets. Attracting a niche crowd and keeping up with trends is a great unique selling point. And for those that appreciate  works of art and design have found a haven in Rio. Various types of accommodation offer art galleries, promote exhibition and pay special attention to the small artistic details, all to give your stay that little bit extra.

Modernistas

Tarsila do Amaral, Oswald de Andrade, Di Calvacanti. Alfredo Volpi and Arthur Bispo do Rosário are just some of the modernist artists that have inspired the décor of this guest house’s five rooms located in this old 1925 mansion itself situated in Santa Teresa’s sinuous hills. Every inch of the guest house is capriciously decorated with works of art and objects of popular culture. Next door is the Anexo Galeria, which invites artists of different disciplines to exhibit their work, from paintings and photography  to sketches, sculpture among other things. Oh and the breakfast prepared by the staff here is also a work of art.

Clubhouse Rio

This place is not something you would typically see on a Rio postcard: the favela community Cantagalo, the neighbourhood of Copacabana and its beach framed in a panorama to take your breath away. Combine the city’s beautiful landscape with an interior décor to impress and impeccable service and the Clubhouse emerges as a masterpiece among Rio’s accomodation scene. To enjoy access to the space and all its activities you do need to be a member or a guest in one of the five suites. The intimately lit lounge exhibits different artwork that rotates periodically. Clubhouse also offers a cultural programme of activities with jam sessions, cocktail dinenrs, cinema sessions and an inspirational “Art Talk” which brings together plastic artists to chat with members and guests.

  • Address : Rua Saint Roman , 184, Ipanema
  • Phone : +55 (21) 3586-0456

Oztel

An enormous panel of tiles created by the genius Coletivo MUDA welcomes you into this hostel and bar which is always busy with Cariocas and tourists after their delicious snacks and drinks. Art and design exhibitions are a regular occurrence here, in an environment that allows guests easy interaction with the artwork. Aside from this, all of the spaces are decorated with contemporary art by renowned artists. A special little corner here  is the outdoor area, with over 120 square metres of forest that goes up to Morro dos Cabritos.

Maison VG

Arriving in Rio suburb Vargem Grande immediately slows the accelerated speed of life. The region is surrounded by green and has a provincial air about it. And this is the backdrop of Maison VG Bistrô e Suites, a cluster of colourful houses at the top of a hill, reminiscent of a ranch. The space is looked after by Dutchman Jos Boomgaardt and Brazilian Cleiton Couto. The Dutchman is responsible for the delicacies that leave the kitchen while Couto ensures the visit and the ambience is second to none. The duo, who work in harmony, offer accommodation and peace, the smell of lush vegetation and delicious homemade food. And the talent doesn’t stop there, Chef Jos is an artist outside of the kitchen: he paints on canvas and also creates artwork with bamboo. Displayed in the restaurant and in the bedrooms, they include separation screens and lampshades which can be bought to be taken home.

Casalegre

The intention is for guest to make themselves at home. This guest house, situated near various spots of interest in Santa Teresa, has a very familial atmosphere and combines accommodation with art and well‐being. The rooms are simple but homely and comfortable, all with personalised decor, vintage furnishings and works of art ‐ there is colour everywhere. In the gallery they hold temporary exhibitions featuring local artists from the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa itself. The artistic influence goes beyond the gallery and permeates all the living spaces. Each piece of artwork can be bought as well as the various pieces of handicraft.

  • Address : Rua Monte Alegre, 316, Santa Teresa
  • Phone : +55 (21) 98670-6158
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