Mama Ruisa

Built in 1871, the Hotel Mama Ruisa, with its breathtaking views over the city, is situated in the historical colonial district on the slopes of Santa Teresa. This neighbourhood, with its narrow alleys, colourful houses and half-caste population offers a much more authentic image of Rio de Janeiro than that given at Copacabana or Ipanema, exclusively tourist beaches. While many of the original inhabitants left the area during the coastal urbanization era, local police and European emigrants, nostalgic for its former glory, have taken to rehabilitate Santa Teresa, bringing to it a new vitality mingled with old world charm. “I wanted to find a district completely away form the beaten tourist track Modern-day travelers are looking for something different from the usual hotel chains with their standardized, uniform comfort. Nothing beats a stay in a small structure for discovering a city,” explains the hotel’s owner, Jean-Michel Ruis. “One should come to Rio to enjoy the views and vegetation and discover its history. The Mama Ruisa has all this and more to offer.

What we like :
The wooden floor, shiny as a mirror, Art deco stained glass, rocking chairs and swimming pool overlooking the bay, an authentic atmosphere with great charm.