Hotel Arpoador
Carioca coastal modernism — design-forward but genuinely relaxed. Nautical detailing, sun-bleached tones, and beach-bar energy at street level meet clean architectural lines and thoughtful wellness programming upstairs.
Ask for a Big Room or higher facing the beach — the floor-to-ceiling windows with hammock and sea view are worth the upgrade from a Medium or Small
Why It Matters
One of very few hotels in Rio with true 'pé na areia' (feet-in-the-sand) access — no road between the front door and the beach. The Bernardes Arquitetura redesign earned international architecture press coverage and turned a dated mid-century block into one of the most architecturally interesting hotels in the city. The award-winning arp bar draws non-guests too.
Hotel Arpoador sits right at the point where Ipanema turns into Copacabana — the only hotel in Rio with direct beach access, no road to cross. After a full redesign by Thiago Bernardes and his Bernardes Arquitetura studio, the modernist concrete-and-glass building now reads as a nautical object: custom woodwork throughout, rope accents, fabrics in the sandy tones of Arpoador beach, and furniture that folds and reconfigures like boat-cabin joinery. The 49 rooms range from a cozy 16m² courtyard-facing box to a 50m² suite with sea balcony. The rooftop terrace, home to a triangular sitting pool, yoga sessions, sauna, and the Maré Spa, has some of the best views in the city.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Arpoador Suite
The flagship room. A big living area flows into the bedroom, and the sea-facing balcony is generous enough to actually use. Bathroom has a shower and there's a dedicated dressing area. Views take in Arpoador rock and the Dois Irmãos peaks. Sleep up to 4.
50 sqm
Big Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows face the beach, and there's even a hammock — a nice touch. The bathroom also looks out over the water. At 24m² it's compact but very well used, with the sea as your main decoration.
24 sqmLarge Room with Balcony
A proper balcony over the sea, plus a full bath with shower and a separate dressing area. The triangular geometry of the building gives it an angular, distinctive shape. Comfortable for two.
32 sqm
Medium Room
Urban view rather than ocean. Decorated in greens with the same functional nautical design language. At 18m² it's tight — the window is large but faces the city silhouette rather than the beach. Good entry-level option for those spending most of their time outside.
18 sqmSmall Room
Faces the inner courtyard. At 16m² this is one of the smallest hotel rooms you'll find at this price point in Rio — but the design is tight and considered, and it works if you're here mostly for the beach and the city. Don't expect a view.
16 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Chairs, umbrellas, and towels set up directly on the sand for guests. Staff bring the setup right to the beach in front of the hotel.
Bikes provided to guests for rides along the beachfront promenade (the Ciclovia) or into the neighborhood. The flat coastal path connects Arpoador to Ipanema and Leblon — excellent for exploring.
Guests-only bar on the top-floor terrace. Handcrafted Brazilian cocktails with a front-row view of the Arpoador sunset. Get there early before the sun drops.
Collective yoga sessions on the sea-facing rooftop terrace, Monday through Friday at 8am. Complimentary for hotel guests. Non-guests can book through City & Sea Shop.
A steam room on the rooftop terrace with a large porthole-style window — designed like a boat hatch — and a shower. Open to guests.
A compact triangular plunge/sitting pool on the top-floor terrace. The geometry mirrors the angled tip of the Arpoador peninsula. Views from the pool take in Arpoador rock, Dois Irmãos peak, and the Cagarras islands.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available throughout the hotel, including all guest rooms.
A compact gym on the rooftop terrace with treadmill, transport bike, and free weights.
Included for all guests, served daily 7am–11am on the beachfront porch of arp bar.
An on-site lifestyle and gift shop also serving as the booking portal for Maré Spa treatments and experiences like yoga.
Available at additional charge. No on-site parking.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL ARPOADOR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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