Best hotels in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro: From luxury to budget stays
Ipanema is one of the most desirable areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro. I live here, and I get why. Walking distance to the beach, close to Rio's most iconic sunset, and surrounded by an incredible food scene, Ipanema is a great base whether you're visiting for the first time or deciding to stay longer.
That comes at a price, though. Hotels in Ipanema run higher than most other neighborhoods in the city, due to a smaller inventory of options. And rates spike hard during Carnival, New Year's, and the summer months.
To help you choose the best hotel in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, for your style and budget, I've grouped my picks below, from the splurge-worthy to the genuinely affordable, so you can find something that fits without overpaying.
If you're still deciding whether Ipanema itself is the right fit, my guide to the best areas to stay in Ipanema breaks down the neighborhood. This post is just about the hotels, the ones I'd actually point a friend toward.
My favorite hotel in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Arpoador ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If I had to pick just one, it's Hotel Arpoador. The design says a lot about Rio itself: sophisticated but never stiff, with that easy elegance the city seems to share. The location sets it apart, as it’s the only hotel on the stretch of Arpoador where cars don't pass. You still get access from the avenue side, which makes arriving and leaving with luggage easy.
It's a small hotel, and if you can, pick a room with ocean views. Some have a balcony while others have a hammock strung up for the afternoon. Downstairs, the beachfront restaurant, the same Arp suggested on the best restaurants in Ipanema guide, serves breakfast right on the sand. And when you've had enough of the beach, there's a rooftop pool waiting upstairs.
Book here: Hotel Arpoador
Best luxury hotels in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Fasano ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fasano is the name that comes up first whenever luxury in Ipanema is the topic. The rooftop pool, exclusive for guests, overlooks the beach with what's probably the most photographed view in the city, and the rest of the hotel matches: modern, minimal, Philippe Starck-designed interiors that feel more like a private residence than a hotel lobby. It's also where many celebrities visiting Rio choose to stay, drawn to that same modern take on luxury.
Book here: Hotel Fasano
From $750/night
Sol Ipanema Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sol Ipanema is the right choice for anyone who wants to be beachfront without being right on top of the Arpoador sunset crowds. Located at Posto 9, Ipanema's social heart, the hotel offers beach service with chairs and umbrellas right on the sand, plus a rooftop with a pool and bar for whenever you'd rather admire the view in comfort.
Book here: Sol Ipanema Hotel
From $280/night
If Ipanema's price tag isn't a dealbreaker but you want to see what else the city's top tier looks like, check out my guide to the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
Best mid-range hotels in Ipanema
Ipanema has options for travelers who want comfort and charm without paying a fortune.
Arena Ipanema Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Arena Ipanema isn't beachfront, but it might as well b. The rooftop pool looks straight out over the beach and Arpoador, and you're just a few steps from the sand either way. It's an older hotel, but the location is hard to beat.
Book here: Arena Ipanema Hotel
From $250/night
Ipanema Inn Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
Ipanema Inn is a small, modern hotel in the heart of Ipanema, close to shopping and the metro but still just steps from the beach. It offers beach service with chairs and umbrellas, and a breakfast I've tried a few times myself and can vouch for.
Book here: Ipanema Inn Hotel
From $280/night
Best budget hotel in Ipanema
Hotel Vermont ⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Vermont is one of the best value-for-money options in the neighborhood, for anyone who wants real hotel services without paying a premium for them. It sits on Ipanema's main street, so ask for a room away from the street-facing side if you're a light sleeper because it can get noisy.
Book here: Hotel Vermont
From $120/night
Best hostel in Ipanema
El Misti Hostel Ipanema
Shared dorms in one of the best locations in the neighborhood with walking distance to the beach and everything else covered in this guide.
Looking for more hostel and budget options? My guide to Rio's best hostels and cheap hotels covers the full range, including a few more picks right here in Ipanema.
Book here: El Misti Hostel Ipanema
From $135/night - shared dorm
Plan the rest of your trip to Rio de Janeiro
🏙️ Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
If Ipanema isn't quite what you had in mind, explore the other neighborhoods to find the right fit.
🧭 What to do in Ipanema
A full day itinerary, from a sunrise most visitors miss to dinner and live samba on the sand.
🚇 Getting around Rio
Metro, bus, Uber, and everything you need to know about moving through the city.
🎒 What to wear in Rio de Janeiro
Beach essentials and what locals actually wear.
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
Known as one of the most expensive places to stay in the city, Ipanema also has affordable options. Here's my list of the best hotels in Ipanema, by category.