Second Home

The Accor group hotels that welcome families in Rio de Janeiro

The Wonderful City of Rio remains beautiful and is even more irresistible now, with renewed hotels for the whole family

By Denise Bobadilha

The resumption of tourism in 2022 further solidified Rio de Janeiro as one of the top holiday destinations for Brazilians and foreigners. The Marvelous City not only regained ground lost in the last three years of the pandemic, but also showed a growth of 9% in the tourism sector compared to 2019. Even on a global scale, it was a significant advance – behind only the growth recorded by Doha (Qatar), Warsaw (Poland), Sanya (China), and Orlando (USA), according to data from the World Tourism Council (WTTC). This ranking is fully justified: the city’s unparalleled landscape and the warm welcome of the locals make many people return to Rio, whether in their single and partying phase of life, in a romantic trip as a couple, with a thousand attractions for young children or teenagers, or in a nostalgic maturity.

In this context, hotels have prepared themselves like never before to receive the new waves of visitors. However, no hotel chain has bet more on the rebirth of Rio than the French Accor chain, which owns 331 hotels in Brazil, divided into 13 brands capable of serving guests of all classes and interests, from the practical Ibis to the luxurious Fairmont. For families, this is great news: it is possible to take advantage of all the benefits of the chain (such as the All loyalty program, widely used by business travelers) with the comforts deserved for those who just want to relax and get to know the Marvelous City; always enjoyable travel, whether for a weekend, a long holiday or a vacation.

The largest hotel chain in the world, present in 117 countries, Accor has 28 hotels anchored in Rio. Half of them are by the seaside – such as the Grand Mercure Rio, the Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel, and the Fairmont in Copacabana, a new Sofitel in Ipanema (in 2024), or the Novotel in Barra da Tijuca – or close to it, just a few blocks from the shore. The other half is also scattered in pleasant settings, such as the Morro de Santa Teresa and the Largo do Boticário, or in strategic locations near the metro and Santos Dumont airport.

Accor’s latest addition in Rio is the Jo&Joe Rio Largo do Boticário, which opened in July last year and offers a type of accommodation that is still relatively unexplored in Brazil. It is a hostel with shared accommodations that can house up to eight people, but also offers private rooms for two or four people. Minors are not allowed in shared rooms, but private rooms can accommodate families with children. This is an excellent new, modern and more affordable option. Installed in renovated old buildings, Jo&Joe has an informal and youthful atmosphere that encourages socialization with other guests and features an inviting swimming pool. In addition, it is located near the train to Corcovado, with a view of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Already in Botafogo and Leme, near Sugar Loaf and Copacabana, two options from Novotel have the Family & Novotel seal, with rooms featuring a double bed and sofa bed, a special menu, a children’s play area, and exemption from daily fees for up to two children under 16 years old. Additionally, it’s also possible to bring a pet for an extra fee, provided they weigh less than 15 kg. In Copacabana, Mercure also has rooms for three people, and children up to 7 years old do not pay a daily fee. In Botafogo, there’s also the option of Ibis Styles, located right next to the subway station, and the possibility of getting adjoining rooms to accommodate the family.

With a privileged location, the Fairmont Copacabana is the newest – and brightest – star in the group in Rio de Janeiro. The highlights are the pools, the rooftop infinity pool with views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the charming pool at the back (quieter and perfect for children), the Marine Restô restaurant, and the comfortable Family Suite for four people. Opened in 2019 and decorated inspired by Rio in the 1950s, the hotel is the first luxury Fairmont property in South America.

Outside the South Zone circuit, Accor also has two options in Barra da Tijuca – perfect for those who are more interested in hitting the beach than enjoying the city’s cultural attractions. The Novotel in Barra has the Family & Novotel seal, with rooms for up to four people, a kids’ area with toys (and monitors during high season), a dedicated children’s area in the restaurant, as well as bike rentals and beach support at Posto 7, in front of the hotel. It’s even great for Cariocas who want to get away from the hustle and bustle. Hotels to fully enjoy Rio: with the wind in your hair and a smile on your face.