Hotel Fasano Rio De Janeiro
The Fasano Rio de Janeiro is undoubtingly the best hotel in the Ipanema area of Rio. Fasano opened in 2007 and it's been buzzing ever since. Famed designer Philippe Starck is responsible for the design and although it may not appeal to all tastes it is certainly unique. Brazilian dark wood floors prevail with lighting that looks great but not always functional, especially in the rooms.
An ocean front room (they all have furnished balcony's) are well worth the extra you will pay. Even these are not large but do have have spectacutlar views of Ipanema beach and "two brothers" mountain. It's from the privacy of these rooms that you can also view the largest concentration of beautiful bodies in the world passing by 24/7. Be sure to bring binoculars.
Suites 507, 607 and 707 are the best if you want to splurge. The Presidential suite is beyond and, if you can afford it, you probably will not want to leave soon.
Crisp Egyptian cotton linens and plush mattresses are the best and glass-walled baths provide enormous towels, flat-basined designer sinks, psychedelic-shaped mirrors and quality toiletries. You will use the black and white flip flops that the Fasano provides, and are yours to keep, as they are the footware of choice anywhere close to the beach. After you make a reservation, email us and we'll make sure the hotel has your size waiting.
The use of Earth-friendly woods is visible in guest rooms as well, although the leather furnishings and modern accent pieces provide attractive diversion. Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, cordless phones, wireless high-speed Internet, coffeemakers (espresso machines in suites), safes, and minibars are in all units.
A rooftop infinity swimming pool has glass barriers to take in the seascape and even the Corcovado Christ statue is visible from the sundeck. Laptop users take pleasure in the fast wireless Internet signals that weave throughout the building. A light cafe menu is also served by the pool, and a steam room is available. The well equipped small gym adjacent to the pool is designed to prepare guests for their beachfront promenades.
The minimalist yet rustic lobby is awash in hardwoods, glass, marble and cowboy-style appointments from animal hide fabrics to antique furnishings and books. Bossa nova tunes are piped into the space to add regional appeal. Public areas are small so designer Philippe Starck decided to divide the areas with flowing curtains to engage the space with free-flowing energy.
The long tree-trunk reception desk is staffed plentifully with employees clad in sleek black uniforms as if Secret Service agents rather than front desk associates. They are quick to remark that the desk's creation did not result in the death of a tree; rather, a resourceful environmental program transforms sick Amazonian trees into furniture and then plants new seedlings in their place.
Dining is a trendy affair with a naturally lit restaurant serving up contemporary cuisine. The Italian chef brings a wealth of experience from his days in a Michelin-starred Florence restaurant. Modern furnishings, tall drapery, and outdoor seating areas add to the luxury.
A stark white bar serves up cocktails at all hours, but it is the British pub with Italian flair that keeps the evenings rocking here. Lines wind around the corner for a seat in this clever space, reputed to be the hottest spot in town for a drink. The British Union Jack is bathed in red and green hues, a humorous gesture from the Italian owner to encourage conversation and debate.
Elevators rise to art museum-quality hallways. Botero-like chairs (known affectionally by staffers as Big Mammas) sit idly in the empty hallway lounges while guests search for rooms via illuminated floor-level room numbers.
Staffers exhibit an air of condescension expected for a hotel of this caliber. Doormen are instructed to use discretion when monitoring the dress code of those who enter. Stars of the fashion model and movie star ilk are regulars here.
Arguably the most fashionable hotel in the city, this place has little competition as the Copacabana Palace, which is still fantastic is in Copacabana and appeals more to traditionalists than trendsetters.
Hotel Fasano Rio De Janeiro is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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