Picolo recommends · Hotel in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Santa Teresa Hotel Rio MGallery
A mansion on the hill above central Rio, where the pool looks out over rooftops and the bay, and the beach crowds feel far away.
Santa Teresa is the neighbourhood that climbs the hill behind central Rio, all cobbles, old villas and artists' workshops. The hotel has taken over one of its historic mansions and wrapped it in tropical garden, with a pool and terraces looking out over the city and Guanabara Bay.
Evenings here are slow. The small bars along the winding streets fill up, the old tram still climbs the hill, and below you the lights of the centre come on. Copacabana and Ipanema are a taxi ride away when you want the beach.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Santa Teresa Hotel Rio MGallery
We chose this hotel for couples who want Rio with character and calm, not the beachfront high-rises. The mansion, the gardens and the view give a sense of place that is hard to find down by the sand.
You will need taxis to reach the beaches, and the steep streets make walking hard work in the heat. If your trip is mostly about sun and sea, Ipanema or Copacabana will suit you better.
What you get
- Rooms in a historic mansion
- Pool in the garden
- Tropical gardens
- Views over the city and the bay
- Taxi to the beaches
A day at Santa Teresa Hotel Rio MGallery
- Morning
- Breakfast on the terrace as the city wakes below.
- Midday
- Wander the cobbled lanes and drop in on the artists' studios.
- Afternoon
- A swim in the garden pool when the heat peaks.
- Evening
- A drink in one of the neighbourhood's small bars, with the lights of Rio below.
Location
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Open in MapsQuestions about Santa Teresa Hotel Rio MGallery
Is Santa Teresa a good area to stay in Rio?
Yes, if you want character and calm rather than the beach. It is a hillside neighbourhood of old houses, studios and small bars. Take taxis after dark, as you would anywhere in the city.
How far is Santa Teresa Hotel from Copacabana?
It is a taxi ride rather than a walk, as the hotel sits on a hill above the centre. Plan on taxis or ride-hailing apps for beach days.
Does Santa Teresa Hotel Rio MGallery have a pool?
Yes, there is a pool in the garden, with views towards the city. It is a welcome place to cool off after an afternoon on the steep streets.
Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
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