Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Located on Avenida Atlântica across from the Copacabana beach, the Miramar Hotel by Windsor is sophisticated and refined with exceptional views of the beach and Sugarloaf mountain from the rooftop terrace and granite-bottom pool. There is marble wherever you look, from the lobby to the rooms themselves. All 200 are equipped with the best in comfort and modernity, the sea-view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows from which to take in the ocean from the huge beds. The décor is stylish in neutral greys and soft tones, with plenty of bleached wood to soften the feel. All feature free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen televisions and iPod docking systems. Bathrooms are opulent and packed with L’Occitane toiletries. Beautiful paintings of bygone Rio by local artists add to the flair.

The Miramar has different dining options including the award-winning Alloro Al Miramar Restaurant with its exclusive service and à la carte menu. The Lobby Bar and the Roof Bar provide comfort food throughout the day, while the Sá Restaurant is more formal with its creative twists on local classics. On this end of the beach, the waters are calmer for swimmers and stand-up paddle fans, the hip neighbourhoods of Arpoador and Ipanema are a short walk, and four blocks away are the lively late-night bars and restaurants of Rua Bolivar. Pets are welcome, with the hotel providing blankets and bowls.