23 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Rio, Brazil

The epitome of Santorini chic, this sparkling gem of a family-run hotel combines an intimate atmosphere with spectacular views over Búzios's fishing-boat-strewn bay, a first-rate spa, and gourmet restaurant. The building's winding corridors and curling stairwells lead to a plunge pool with magnificent bay views and each of the 32 rooms are unique—many have deep baths, beach views, and private balconies.

Small children are not permitted, but are welcome at the smaller sister hotel, Abracadabara.

Rooms at this gorgeous, centrally located boutique hotel are simply but stylishly appointed and have soft white linens and fresh flowers, but the crowning glory is an infinity pool that has stunning views over the bay and out to sea. The service is first-rate, and the breakfasts, served at the excellent poolside restaurant Mistico, are a feast of fresh fruit and juices, strong coffee, and devilishly good cakes and pastries. Unlike its larger but equally chic sister hotel next door, Casas Brancas, Abracadabra accepts guests with young children.

This family-run inn set just outside of Petrópolis offers one of the most charming and authentic accommodation experiences in the area. Alongside the flower-filled garden, the farmhouse style cooking is a highlight—the emphasis is on using the freshest ingredients, some of which are grown in the hotel's own herb and vegetable gardens—with spectacular, abundant breakfasts, stews, and high-teas served at a big communal table.

Arguably one of the most enthralling places to stay in Paraty, this spacious, expertly run colonial guesthouse combines exquisite design with a first-class spa, all-day breakfast, and a resplendent library that celebrates Paraty's literary heart. The spacious rooms, decorated with book-themed artworks, have tasteful, brightly colored contemporary fixtures, but what really makes a stay here special is the large heated pool in the courtyard.

Book well in advance if you want to stay during the town's famous literary festival, held in July, as this is the place Brazil's creative elite clamor to stay.

A beachfront location, excellent service, and sumptuous breakfasts all contribute to the appeal of Pousada Naturalia, which is set in lush tropical gardens visited by colorful birds, monkeys, and squirrels. The rooms here, which can easily accommodate up to four people, have large balconies with hammocks and perfect sea views, and although it's just a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal and bars and restaurants, the place feels pleasingly remote and is free of street noise.

Occupying a tastefully restored 1875 neoclassical building and smaller outlying houses amid Petrópolis's historic center, this elegant hotel provides stylish, comfortable accommodations. The buildings, which retain many original features, were constructed according to the wishes of Princesa Isabel and the gleaming-white setting has lost none of its aesthetic appeal over the years, and the palatial grounds are immaculately maintained (young children will love the gardens and fish pond). Nice touches include the chocolate crowns placed nightly on guests' pillows, and the fact that breakfast can be enjoyed at any time or place.

A Zen-like calm pervades the rooms and living spaces at this casual-chic spot just a few minutes' walk from Geribá Beach. Much use is made of natural materials such as bamboo, linen, and reclaimed wood, and the attention to detail is impressive—each suite is decorated with arts and crafts gathered during the owners' travels overseas.

An inviting warmth pervades this historic villa, which sits right on the edge of Geribá Beach. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the pool area has sweeping views out to sea, and the excellent restaurant serves lunch by the pool or in the interior courtyard and garden.

Sitting in a valley with walking trails winding through colorful bougainvillea trees, this cozy pousada has six well-appointed suites decorated in a classical style with imperial influences. Guests have access to a pool, a sauna, and a well-equipped gym, as well as an excellent restaurant that's open to nonguests and comes highly acclaimed by national food critics.

Small but welcoming, this intimate guesthouse close to Geribá Beach provides clean, budget-friendly accommodations. All rooms have simple, contemporary furnishings—some of the private rooms have a terrace with a hammock—and the outdoor communal area with sun loungers is a pleasant place to relax with a book after a day at the beach.

In a colonial-style house, this family-friendly pousada with a tropical atmosphere faces lovely Praia do Canto. The rooms are simple but comfortable and bright, and those with sea views take in bobbing fishing boats and have small verandas—they're worth the higher rate.

Owned by the great-grandson of Emperor Pedro II, this inn at the edge of the Centro Histórico has rooms decorated in colonial style that face either the interior garden or the swimming pool, which is set in a pleasant courtyard. The aptly named "Pousada of the Prince" is painted in the yellow and green of the imperial flag, and its quiet, colorful public areas are decorated with photos of the royal family.

Its central location a block from the main square, interior courtyard complete with swimming pool, and colorful interiors make this colonial pousada a good local base. Rooms are spacious and come with comfy beds, while downstairs, the vibrant bar and on-site Italian restaurant Pippo are an added convenience.

Its location right on the beach at scenic Praia do Bonfim combined with the friendly staff make this simple hotel a great option for its price range. Many of the spacious rooms have sea views, and guests can take to the water on complimentary kayak rides and paddle out to a small, whitewashed church on a nearby island.

A 10-minute walk from downtown, this Bavarian-style inn has a lobby with a fireplace, a comfortable restaurant and bar area, and cozy, rustic rooms that have marshmallow-soft beds. The lovely gardens have a pool and spectacular views of the city.

Expect a rustic, yet relaxing experience at one of Paraty's oldest guesthouses, where high-ceilinged rooms are decorated in 19th-century colonial style and set around an orchid-filled courtyard garden and swimming pool. While the rooms don't have TVs, there's a living room with a home theater. Close to the beach and with its own pool, the inn is ideal for sun lovers.