"An indulgent Rio bolthole, just a walk from Joatinga beach, with luxurious, trendy suites, balconies and sea views."
TI reviewer Georgina Guedes
La Suite, a seven-room boutique hotel in Rio de Janeiro is so exclusive that it has no sign at the entrance. Instead, it’s secreted away in a sealed-off road in an elite suburb which is a ten minute drive from Rio’s famous Ipanema beach.
La Suite combines five-star luxury with laid-back ambience. Jack-of-all-trades employees are there to attend to your every need but are more casually attired in Bermuda shorts and white shirts so as to add to this boutique hotel’s casual, relaxed feel. Also, owner Francois-Xavier is a constant presence, he welcomes each of his guests in his diligent attempt to make sure that hospitality and comfort are top notch in this luxury boutique hotel.
The facilities
The plush, wooden-floored entrance, hall and lounge is unspoiled by a reception desk and is comfortable and decadent without being cluttered. Every piece, from the Baccarat black crystal chandelier to the Andy Warhol prints in the white room, has been hand-picked at antique shops and auctions.
La Suite’s roof terrace not only boasts a stunning view, but is also utilised by many guests who arrive to the boutique hotel by helicopter. Depending on the weather, dining tables can be set up either around the indoor reception area, or out on the patio which has a dizzying view of the seafront and looming mountain.
If you’re feeling adventurous, activities like surfing can be arranged. But, if you’re looking for a more relaxing day, golf trips can also be set up on request. Or, if you’re in the mood for such grand relaxation that you’re not even up for the ten minute walk from the boutique hotel to a nearby private beach, you can relax and cool off in the circular pool on the patio.
The rooms
The rooms are spread over the two lower levels. Each room at this boutique hotel is basked in light and individually styled and themed by colour. The spacious bathrooms are finished in matching marble – no mean feat when you consider that two of the colour schemes are lavender and shocking pink.
From the decadent bawdiness of La Suite's black room (think a four-poster bed with a fringe of silk tassels) to the ladies’ boudoir-like lavender room (antique Chinese screens and gentle tones), each space and interior is completely unique. The only uniformity at this boutique hotel comes from the omnipresent breathtaking view. Try and nab the corner rooms for the best views of all.
Children and pets are welcome, and while a cradle or extra mattresses are available, certain rooms will need to be reshuffled to accommodate them. Each room at the boutique hotel has an iPod dock complete with an iPod loaded with an eclectic music selection. It is also possible to arrange massage and stretch or yoga classes in your room.
Star rating:
Address: Rua Jackson de Figueiredo 501, Joa, Rio de Janeiro 22611-000, Brazil
View rooms Address: Rua Jackson de Figueiredo 501, Joa, Rio de Janeiro 22611-000, Brazil
Booking info
Arrival:
Thu 21 Aug 2008
Departure: Fri 22 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Departure: Fri 22 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
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Who stays here
The guests of La Maison consist of the design-conscious and well-groomed.
Come for
- Private parties
- Your honeymoon
Not suitable for
- Party-animals – there are no bars in walking distance, and you’ll need all your wits about you to guide your taxi driver back from central Rio
- Businessmen looking for the full range of corporate facilities
Awards
"The It List", Travel and Leisure 07
Children
The hotel welcomes children. There are extra beds and baby cots for the rooms, a babysitting service, and a kid's menu at the hotel restaurant.
Eating in
Dinners and lunches can be ordered in advance from the accomplished in-house chef.
