Review of Relais Solar, by The TI Review Team

Located in the heart of Santa Teresa, the old colonial part of Rio which is unknown to most tourists, lies, high on a hill, the magnificent, eclectic, artistic, romantic mansion that is Relais Solar. With a high element of design, the hotel magnificently achieves what it sets out to be-a home away from home. It is totally different than anything else Rio has to offer. A colonial villa on the outside, and a showcase of contemporary Brazilian design on the inside, this boutique hotel is the ideal choice for those who wish to experience authentic Brazil.

The staff add to the luxury and go out of their way to make your stay more enjoyable with helpful recommendations, making reservations, organizing tours and airport transfers. They will also organize to have your goods shipped back to you.

Serving great breakfasts, the hotel offers choices of wonderful fruits, breads and pastries. During the day, you can get pastas, local dishes, club sandwiches and similar fare from a bar menu or participate in one of the regular tastings (wine, coffees, regional delicacies).

The luxury facilities include a 24-hour tv/dvd room and fully stocked "honesty" bar with instructions on how to make your own caipirinha. For the business-minded, there's also an internet room, a Mac G5 editing suite (yes, really!), and a dining room that converts into a fully functional multi-media conference room, which will sit 12 comfortably and 20 at maximum.

There are just five rooms, all individually and stylishly decorated, themed around the birds that nest in the trees adorning the large, jungle-esque garden. And what trees; some must be hundreds of years old. All the furniture, lights and shades, pictures and fabrics used in this boutique hotel are made by local craftsmen, many from the neighbouring favelas and artisan ateliers from all around Brazil, and can be purchased.

Four of the five rooms are in the main house, while a gorgeous loft style bungalow with double height ceilings and a bath the size of a small swimming pool is perched above the mansion. Rent a room at this boutique hotel or the whole mansion. Both are possible. All are comfortable with air conditioning, ceiling fans and Wi-Fi access, but not all have private bathrooms.

The peaceful quiet of the location means kids under 5 are not encouraged, and the steep mountainside location means not practical for the elderly or infirm.