Rio de Janeiro Bed and Breakfasts, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro bed and breakfasts offer fine alternatives to the city's larger hotels and resorts. These smaller, more intimate lodging establishments have long been popular with couples, though more and more travelers who aren't traveling with the ones they love have been taking notice as well. In addition to offering a relatively relaxed environment with an intimate appeal, your typical Rio B&B also offers good service, as there aren't as many guests to satisfy. A satisfying breakfast to help you get your day started is also part of the deal, and should you need it, most can help you arrange airport transportation.

Naming the best bed and breakfast in Rio de Janeiro is difficult as there are bunch of good ones to choose from. Among the best, however, is the Um Meia Tres B&B, which can be found in the hilly and historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa. With its winding, narrow streets and its proximity to the Centro (City Center), Santa Teresa is a neighborhood with plenty of positive attributes. The Um Meia Tres B&B offers a guest house appeal and plenty of modern amenities that you would expect at a contemporary hotel. The location on the highest hill in the neighborhood only adds to the charm. You'll enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city in all five rooms, not to mention a stylish contemporary decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a safe to put your valuables in while you're out enjoying the many excellent Rio de Janeiro attractions. Outside of the rooms, an outdoor pool, patio, and barbecue area provides options for when you have down time to fill. Around the clock bar and front desk service is just one more thing to like about the Um Meia Tres B&B, and it's worth noting that free parking is available if you have a rental car with you.

Another bed and breakfast that deserves mention when it comes to the best bed and breakfast in Rio de Janeiro is the Bed and Breakfast Leblon. This two-unit Rio B&B offers some of the best lodging rates in Leblon, which is an upscale beach neighborhood. The location is excellent if you want to enjoy some fun in the sun, and with the money that you save on rates, you'll have more left over for the neighborhood's fine restaurants. While not overly luxurious, the Bed and Breakfast Leblon is comfortable and prides itself on offering a "safe and nurturing environment." Between the two rooms, six people can be accommodated. The rooms are private and share a bathroom. A big bed, a table with chairs, clean linens and towels, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi are among the in-room amenities. You can book a guide for area tours with ease during your stay at the Bed and Breakfast Leblon, and regardless of what you have in mind for the day, the complimentary continental breakfast should come in handy.

Making a claim for best bed and breakfast in Rio de Janeiro is another inn by the sea. The Rio de Janeiro Guesthouse, which is also commonly referred to as Marta's Guesthouse, is right across the street from the beach at Copacabana. Within walking distance is Ipanema, not to mention Leblon. A large balcony at this Rio B&B affords excellent views of the area, not to mention prime sunbathing opportunities. The building that houses the six uniquely designed units at Marta's is an art deco gem from the 1940s that has been lovingly restored, and you're free to use the fantastic guest kitchen or enjoy the large LCD TV and DVD player in the common room. Inside the rooms, the decor is homey, thanks in part to the antique wardrobes. Luxury bedding encourages a good night's sleep, and you won't have to worry about sharing a bathroom.

If these top-rated Rio de Janeiro bed and breakfasts are booked for the period that you plan on being in town, then you can always turn to one of the city's other fine B&B inns. Two others that might make your list of considerations include the Arpoador Bed and Breakfast (pictured) and the Casa Beleza. As is true of the Um Meia Tres B&B, the Casa Beleza can be found in the lovely Santa Teresa neighborhood. Formerly a mansion, it boasts an attractive outdoor pool and garden area and an all around charming appeal. As for the Arpoador Bed and Breakfast, it can be found just a half block from Arpoador Beach and no more than a block from both Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach. The two guest units at this popular guest house go fast, as do the rooms at all of these Rio de Janeiro bed and breakfasts.