Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sao Conrado
Vibe
Wide glass walls open onto São Conrado beach, where expansive modernist lounges and Portuguese stone paving welcome the Atlantic breeze.
“Modernist coastal revival”
A 34-story cylindrical glass tower by Oscar Niemeyer set within tropical gardens by Roberto Burle Marx.
A listed national heritage landmark from 1972 housing preserved concrete relief murals and cast mermaid sculptures.
Celebrates Brazilian modernist culture with native coastal flora, Portuguese stone paving, and monumental carioca relief artwork.
On Avenida Niemeyer in São Conrado, facing the beach beneath Pedra da Gávea.
“The restoration of the imposing tubular building ... has preserved key elements of the original design.”
Rooms
Curved floor-to-ceiling glass wraps each bedroom, framing panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean and the granite face of Pedra da Gávea.
Wellness
An outdoor heated pool sits among lush tropical grounds, paired with dry and steam saunas and an ocean-facing second-floor gym.
Backstory
Inaugurated in 1972 as a modernist seaside beacon, the landmark tower sat abandoned for two decades before a complete restoration.
Eat & drink
Enjoy regional Brazilian dishes at Restaurante A Sereia, cocktails beside the lobby mural at Lounge Bar Carybé, and beachside drinks at Quiosque Nacional.
The neighborhood
Steps from the sands of São Conrado, the hotel looks out to crashing surf and the sheer cliffs of Pedra da Gávea.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.