BOOK BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Situated on the sands of Copacabana Beach for over 80 years now, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is truly a Rio de Janeiro legend. Undoubtedly one of the very best hotels in Rio (some would really argue it's the best hotel), this historical beachfront hotel, located on Avenida Atlantica, offers extraordinary views onto Copacabana Beach, Morro do Leme (to the left) and Fort Copacabana and Cagarras Islands (to the right). Belmond Copacabana Palace was revamped in 2012, but it's elegant heritage has been preserved. Many of this luxury hotel's generously sized rooms have sublime sea views - which, in our vision, is the perfect perk for those lucky souls staying in Rio de Janeiro. The Pan-Asian restaurant Mee, opened in 2014, is one of Rio's hippest restaurants and deserves a visit. As you wake-up, treat yourself with a delightful breakfast, enjoy mouth-watering tropical fruits and cross Avenida Atlantica towards the world-famous Copacabana Beach with your new pair of Brazilian flip-flops (Havaianas). You've just become a Carioca.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, FORT COPACABANA, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK FASANO RIO DE JANEIRO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Presenting you to one of Rio's best hotels: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, a 5-star beachfront hotel, located on beautiful Ipanema Beach, a the place to see and be seen. Expect to find a stylish ambiance and designer elements throughout this 99-room hotel. One of Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro's highlights is its rooftop pool delivering unforgettable panoramic views of Ipanema Beach and Morro dos Dois Irmãos (literally the Two Brothers Mountains) - sunsets here tend to be jaw-dropping. Take a look back and you'll have a clear sight of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue ("Cristo Redentor" or simply "Cristo" as locals call it), Rio's most photographed monument. Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro's hip rooms overlook the ocean and will win you over, as soon as you open the curtains (the magical number here is 707, our favorite suite within the hotel). Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro's design is the result of the combined visions of Rogério Fasano (the owner as you might have guessed) and Philippe Starck - sounds promising, doesn't it?

HOTEL VIEW: IPANEMA BEACH, LEBLON BEACH, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, AVENIDA VIEIRA SOUTO, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK JANEIRO HOTEL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Formerly known as Marina All Suites, JANEIRO Hotel is located in the prestigious Leblon area, directly facing Leblon Beach. This tropical-chic boutique hotel was recently renovated and many details had to go under the approval of Oskar Metsavaht, Osklen’s visionary founder. Many of the 53 hotel rooms boast memorable ocean views and capture Rio’s essence in an elegant, somehow understated luxury manner. There’s no better way to get into the “carioca mood” rather than spending some relaxing moments at the hotel’s spectacular sea-facing, marble pool. JANEIRO is located on Avenida Delfim Moreira and Bartolomeu Mitre intersection, a 10-minute walk from the upscale Rua Dias Ferreira, a charming street with some of Rio's finest restaurants and designer shops.

HOTEL VIEW: IPANEMA BEACH, LEBLON BEACH, AVENIDA DELFIM MOREIRA, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK SOFITEL RIO DE JANEIRO IPANEMA (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Staying at Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is staying in one of the best locations you can choose in Rio de Janeiro. The luxurious hotel is strategically located by Ipanema Beach, between Posto 9 and Posto 10 (beach posts). Pick a room with an ocean view and begin your day with dazzling vistas of Rio's trendiest beach. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema offers beach service to its guests, which is a nice touch. Views from Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema stretch from Arpoador (the place to surf in Ipanema or watch the sunset with locals) to the Two Brothers Mountain. Living like a Carioca means needing to stay in shape - luckily, this 5-star hotel features a gym with panoramic Rio views (in any case, you'll always have the beach's "calçadão", the equivalent of a running track parallel to Ipanema Beach).

HOTEL VIEW: IPANEMA BEACH, LEBLON BEACH, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, AVENIDA VIEIRA SOUTO, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK EMILIANO RIO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Whenever we think of “tropical sophistication”, we think of Emiliano Rio. Following the footsteps of its homonymous São Paulo hotel, glamorous Emiliano Rio hotel was a breath of fresh air when it arrived in 2016 at Rio’s most famous sand stretch, Copacabana Beach. The immaculate waterfront rooms - our favourites - come with Brazilian modernist chairs, private balconies and a sea view impossible to ignore. In case you’re unable to secure an ocean-facing room, head to the L-shaped rooftop pool and enjoy the 180-degree, unobstructed views. A last piece of advice: no visit to this luxury hotel would be complete without having dinner at Emiliano Restaurant, one of the finest Italians in Rio de Janeiro.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK YOO2 RIO DE JANEIRO BY INTERCITY (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Dubbed as one of Rio’s coolest hotels, Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity in Botafogo grabbed our attention since it opened its doors in June 2016. The winning-formula behind this hotel’s success is rather simple to understand: unmatched views of Rio’s postcards - Sugarloaf and Corcovado, prime position in the city centre facing Guanabara Bay, stylish interiors that include tropical murals signed by Marcelo Ment, contemporary rooms with wide windows that allow taking in the glorious views (guests can actually choose between Sugarloaf or Corcovado views), and a rooftop that is hard to forget.

HOTEL VIEW: SUGARLOAF, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, BOTAFOGO BAY

BOOK MIRAMAR HOTEL BY WINDSOR (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Situated next to Post 5 of Copacabana Beach, Miramar Hotel by Windsor is one of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro with a view. They say an image can be worth a thousand words and this couldn't be any more true in this case (How many rooftop pools have you been to with such a splendid sea view?) Sophisticated rooms at luxury hotel Miramar Hotel by Windsor have the signature of Paola Ribeiro, a renowned local architect. Across Avenida Atlântica, guests will be able to enjoy the beach service provided by the hotel - definitely a nice perk to make your stay in Rio de Janeiro even more pleasant.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK VILA SANTA TERESA (in cooperation with Booking.com)

For those not settling with “just” a sea view, Vila Santa Teresa offers commanding vistas from its hilltop position in artsy Santa Teresa area. From up there guests are treated with a staggering scenery that includes Rio’s most famous postcard - Sugarloaf, the scintillating lights from Botafogo’s boats, airplanes arriving and departing from Santos Dumont Airport and the many mountains that surround this beautiful city. The very private Vila Santa Teresa hotel stands on a category of its own: landscaped gardens and vegetation, impeccable décor and attention to details, bright and spacious rooms, an inviting swimming pool and, last but not least, one of the best hotel breakfasts ever.

HOTEL VIEW: SUGARLOAF, BOTAFOGO, GUANABARA BAY, MOUNTAINS

BOOK SANTA TERESA HOTEL RJ - MGALLERY BY SOFITEL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - MGallery By Sofitel, is a luxury boutique hotel in the artsy Santa Teresa area. This charming Rio hotel boasts panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Santa Teresa de Jesus Church and the surrounding charming rooftops. Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - MGallery By Sofitel is nestled among lush vegetation, giving the sense of staying more in a private house than a hotel itself. Perhaps our favourite venue here is the outdoor pool with picturesque views over the horizon (particularly beautiful because of its elevated position). One of Rio's most romantic bars is located at this exceptional hotel and goes by the name of "Bar dos Descasados" (something like "The unmarried bar") - this comes as no surprise, since the dramatic views, in addition to the perfect lighting, are the ideal ingredients for romance. At this charming hotel guests are also welcome to try Térèze, a chic restaurant that combines French and Brazilian delicacies. To sum up, Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - MGallery By Sofitel is a wonderful hotel in Rio de Janeiro, for those looking for an exclusive retreat, away from the busier areas, while visiting Brazil’s most photographed city.

HOTEL VIEW: GUANABARA BAY, SANTA TERESA DE JESUS CHURCH, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK FAIRMONT RIO DE JANEIRO COPACABANA (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, due to re-open in 2019, is one of the best-located hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The iconic hotel is undergoing through extensive renovations and the staggering new design is the brainchild of renowned architect Patricia Anastassiadis. The hotel lies at the very beginning of Copacabana Beach and minutes away from Ipanema Beach - ideal for those wishing to try both beaches without having to walk much. Not really a beach person? The hotel offers a spectacular panoramic pool overlooking Copacabana Beach. Because of Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana's angled layout, a room with a sea view, Copacabana Beach and Rio's classic postcard Sugarloaf is almost guaranteed for this, make sure to book a room type that clearly states "sea view".

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, IPANEMA BEACH, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK HILTON COPACABANA RIO DE JANEIRO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro, located where Avenida Princesa Isabel and Avenida Atlântida meet, is a 5-star beachfront hotel in the eastern section of Copacabana Beach, not far from Leme Beach. The rooftop pool, in case you feel like skipping the sand on your feet, boasts impressive sea views and surrounding Rio's landmarks. The hotel's 39 floors ensure tremendous vistas and most contemporary rooms feature the so-desired Rio de Janeiro perfect hotel view (great for taking those panoramic pictures that will the envy of friends). Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by many restaurants and bars and is five-minutes away from Rio Sul Shopping Center, the largest in the Copacabana area.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK PESTANA ATLANTICA (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Words don't do justice to the astounding Copacabana Beach views enjoyed from Pestana Rio Atlantica, one of the top hotels in Copacabana. The hotel's rooftop bar is a magical place where the hotel's international crowd often mingles with locals. The pool is also special and also benefits from the fact that it stands sixteen floors above Copacabana Beach's sands. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, some featuring balconies with partial sea views. Pestana Rio Atlantica is a beachfront Rio hotel, near Post 4 and within walking distance of of restaurants and bars in Copacabana.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, PEDRA DA GÁVEA MOUNTAIN

BOOK GRAND HYATT RIO DE JANEIRO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Until 2016, Rio visitors had been craving for a long time for a truly upscale, beach resort in the city - and then Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro came along. Located in Barra da Tijuca, opposite to several kilometres of beaches (including Reserva) and featuring a fabulous outdoor pool and spa, the hotel offers 3 high-quality on-site restaurants. Guests staying at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro can choose between waking up to a spectacular sea view or a more serene lagoon view - one of the tough choices those visiting Rio will have to face. The hotel is a short drive away from some of the area’s best shopping malls such as Rio Design, Barra Shopping and affluent Village Mall.

HOTEL VIEW: BARRA BEACH, MARAPENDI LAGOON, MOUNTAINS

BOOK HILTON BARRA RIO DE JANEIRO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

As one of Rio de Janeiro's newest hotels, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro delivers exceptional facilities and the flawless service to match. This luxury hotel is located in Barra da Tijuca, in a region that has been increasingly developed as a result of Rio 2016 Olympics. Barra da Tijuca beautiful beaches can be reached, within a 10-minute drive. Barra Olympic Park and RioCentro Convention Centre are also within easy-reach from the hotel. Rooms at Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro are ultra-modern and feature all the expected amenities of a true five-star hotel. Our favorite venue of the hotel has to be its spectacular rooftop pool with fascinating views onto the mountains and surrounding lagoons.

HOTEL VIEW: PEDRA DA GÁVEA MOUNTAIN, JACAREPAGUÁ LAGOON, TIJUCA LAGOON

BOOK PRAIA IPANEMA HOTEL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Praia Ipanema Hotel, a 4-star beachfront hotel, benefits from an unbeatable location right by the water channel (or simply put "canal" as cariocas would say) that divides the prestigious Ipanema and Leblon areas. Staying at Praia Ipanema Beach means having Rio's affluent elites as your neighbours - the cities most expensive real estate is around this area. The quintessential Rio de Janeiro view can be admired from this Ipanema hotel's rooftop pool - the immensity of the ocean ahead, the Two Brothers Mountain to the right and Christ The Redeemer behind you - we guarantee this is a view you will never forget. Espaço 7zero6, a contemporary lounge with gorgeous views, is just the perfect place to enjoy the panoramas with your favourite drink in hand.

HOTEL VIEW: IPANEMA BEACH, LEBLON BEACH, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, AVENIDA VIEIRA SOUTO, AVENIDA DELFIM MOREIRA, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RODRIGO DE FREITAS LAGOON

BOOK PORTO BAY RIO (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Check your smartphone or camera's battery before heading to the hotel's rooftop, one of the best in Rio de Janeiro. Frankly, we just love that pool. Expect being tempted to take endless pictures of this spectacular hotel's view. All this is possible at Porto Bay Rio, one of our hotel suggestions in Copacabana Beach. This Rio de Janeiro hotel has 117 rooms, all with a partial or full sea view. Rooms at Porto Bay Rio are nicely done, designed to soothe and relax, with beautiful wood used in the hotel's interior. That being said, the truly amazing feature is still the dazzling view onto the ocean and Copacabana Beach. The hotel boasts a great location in Copacabana with several restaurants and bars nearby.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, SUGARLOAF, FORT COPACABANA, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK SOL IPANEMA HOTEL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

When it comes to location, it's very hard to beat Sol Ipanema Hotel. This 4-star hotel lies in front of Ipanema Beach, steps away from the famous Posto 9. The view, well, the view is magnificent, absolutely stunning, be it day or night. Rio de Janeiro mornings, at Sol Ipanema Hotel start with a breakfast at the hotel's beachfront restaurant, also featuring sublime sea views. Saving the best for last, one of the hotel's highlights is the view enjoyed from the rooftop (or as cariocas would say, from the "cobertura") - Ipanema Beach sands and sea in front, Two Brothers Mountain to the right and Christ the Redeemer behind you. A block away, guests at this Rio hotel will be given the opportunity to try the delicious Brazilian picanha at Garota de Ipanema restaurant (where they say Tom Jobim wrote the world-acclaimed song Garota de Ipanema).

HOTEL VIEW: IPANEMA BEACH, LEBLON BEACH, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, AVENIDA VIEIRA SOUTO, CAGARRAS ISLANDS, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK WINDSOR EXCELSIOR COPACABANA (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Looking for a quality 4-star hotel with exceptional ocean views on the world famous Copacabana Beach? Consider Windsor Excelsior Copacabana, a beachfront property featuring well-appointed rooms with remarkable ocean vistas. Don't miss a visit to the hotel's rooftop pool - a good place to sunbathe as an alternative to Copacabana Beach down below. Windsor Excelsior Copacabana is located directly on Avenida Atlântica, next to super luxury hotel Belmond Copacabana Palace.

HOTEL VIEW: COPACABANA BEACH, AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA, LEME MOUNTAIN, FORT COPACABANA, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, CAGARRAS ISLANDS

BOOK PRODIGY SANTOS DUMONT (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Missing a flight at Santos Dumont Airport might come with its rewards, particularly for travellers staying at Prodigy Santos Dumont, a contemporary hotel with expansive views stretching all the way to iconic Sugarloaf mountain. A wonderful breakfast with plenty of tropical fruits is served at the rooftop - and yes, the spectacular views over Guanabara Bay are there to be enjoyed. After spending a whole morning at the hotel’s sleek, panoramic pool, head to the neighboring Rio’s Modern Art Museum as well as the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow only to discover that Rio de Janeiro is so much more than beaches and beautiful natural landscapes.

HOTEL VIEW: SUGARLOAF, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, GUANABARA BAY

BOOK LA SUITE BY DUSSOL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

La Suite by Dussol, or simply La Suite as it is often referred to, is the second boutique hotel by François Xavier Dussol. After La Maison, La Suite was a clear attempt to keep things personal. To be fair, we can't think of any other Rio de Janeiro hotel with a better view than La Suite: from the infinity pool, we find ourselves surrounded by the ocean and Rio's spectacular greenish mountains. 7 color-theme suites to choose from, all with astonishing ocean views. There's a helipad available in case you feel like arriving by helicopter (only a short haul over the coastline, if you come from nearby Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas). La Suite by Dussol is next to Joatinga Beach, strategically located between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. Zona Sul (Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, etc.) can be reached after a short-drive (take Avenida Niemeyer, as this road is absolutely scenic). La Suite by Dussol is most certainly one of the top boutique hotels in Rio de Janeiro with a view.

HOTEL VIEW: OCEAN, TWO BROTHERS MOUNTAIN, PEDRA DA GÁVEA MOUNTAIN, CHRIST THE REDEEMER

BOOK MAMA RUISA BOUTIQUE HOTEL (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Mama Ruisa, a charming boutique hotel in Rio de Janeiro, is the ideal retreat for those looking for something different, a place to relax and unwind from Rio's bustling atmosphere. Mama Ruisa offers seven rooms, each with its own personality or theme (for instance there is a room dedicated to Portuguese-Brazilian diva singer Carmen Miranda). The cherry on top of the cake is the view that you'll be able to enjoy from your private room: the iconic Sugarloaf mountain and Guanabara Bay on the horizon. We highly recommend a stay at this unique mansion in the Santa Teresa area. Mama Ruisa is near Largo do Guimarães, Santa Teresa's bohemian enclave (nevertheless, Mama Ruisa enjoys the quietness and silence you're looking for).

HOTEL VIEW: SUGARLOAF, GUANABARA BAY

BOOK RIO PANORAMIC (in cooperation with Booking.com)

Feel like having Rio at your feet? Rio Panoramic, a very small boutique hotel in Santa Teresa, delivers nothing but perfect vistas from its hilltop terrace onto Guanabara Bay and the distinctive Sugarloaf. The hotel's five rooms are clean, comfortable and fully functional. We particularly enjoy the wooden floors and the art déco furniture dating back to the 50's. To sum up, it's a great option to stay in Rio de Janeiro, for all of those looking for a place with character, style and a gorgeous Rio de Janeiro view.

HOTEL VIEW: SUGARLOAF, GUANABARA BAY