What is Emiliano Rio?

Emiliano Rio is a Selected hotel located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Emiliano Rio have?

Emiliano Rio has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Emiliano Rio located?

Emiliano Rio is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the South America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Emiliano Rio?

You can view more details and booking information for Emiliano Rio through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

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Emiliano Rio

Name: Emiliano Rio
Address: Rio de Janeiro, South America, Brazil
Rating: 4.5

Selected

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Hotel Details

Location

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil, South America

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Expert Review: Emiliano Rio

Emiliano Rio: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis on Copacabana Beach

The Emiliano Rio stands as a beacon of luxury and refined Brazilian modernism on the iconic Copacabana Beach, earning a Michelin Key selection for its exceptional offerings. Guests consistently rate their stays as "Fabulous" to "Exceptional," highlighting a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Emiliano Rio is overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently describe it as an outstanding, luxurious, and peaceful hotel that offers an unforgettable experience. Review scores often range from 8.6 to 9.2 on major booking platforms.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features of Emiliano Rio:

Rooftop Infinity Pool & Views: The rooftop pool is a major draw, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain. It's often reserved exclusively for guests, ensuring it's never too crowded, even during peak seasons like Carnival.
Impeccable Service: The personalized and attentive service, including a dedicated butler team, receives widespread acclaim. Staff are noted for their friendliness, helpfulness, and ability to remember guest names.
Stunning Design: The hotel's modernist Brazilian design, by Arthur Casas and Oppenheim Architecture & Design, is a significant highlight. Its distinctive facade with white, foldable shutters maximizes sea views while providing privacy and natural light. Interiors blend modern style with Brazilian materials like cane, white paraná marble, granite, and stone, featuring pieces by renowned designers.
Exclusive Amenities: Beyond the rooftop pool, the hotel offers a full-service spa (Santapele Spa), a fitness center, a library/lounge, and comprehensive beach service with chairs, towels, and water.

3. Room Quality

The 90 rooms and 28 suites at Emiliano Rio are characterized by their spaciousness, comfort, and sophisticated design. The aesthetic features a soothing palette of light tones, soft lines, curved furniture, natural stone, and wooden floors. Many rooms include private balconies, with sea-view rooms being particularly sought after for their unforgettable vistas. Luxurious details such as large bathtubs, wet rooms, high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets, and vegan, cruelty-free Santapele bath amenities enhance the guest experience. Rooms are also equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and soundproofing for a peaceful stay.

4. Dining Experience

Emiliano Rio offers an exceptional gastronomic journey, primarily centered around Emile Restaurant. This fine-dining establishment, located in the lobby, serves contemporary Brazilian cuisine with strong French influences, emphasizing organic products and fresh seasonal ingredients. A standout feature of Emile Restaurant is its lush vertical garden, which provides a unique ambiance. Executive Chef Viviane Gonçalves (formerly Damien Montecer and Camilo Vanazzi mentioned in older reviews) leads the kitchen, creating vibrant and artfully presented dishes.

Breakfast, brunch, and dinner are served at Emile Restaurant. The breakfast typically starts with cold cuts, bread, cheese, and fruit, followed by an à la carte menu of savory and sweet options. For dinner, guests can enjoy a set menu or choose from a diverse selection. The hotel also boasts a Rooftop Restaurant and Bar that offers contemporary cuisine and cocktails with unparalleled views of Copacabana Beach and Guanabara Bay, perfect for sunset drinks. An all-you-can-eat and drink brunch menu is also available on weekends.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Emiliano Rio is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests describe the staff as "exceptional," "amazing," "super friendly and helpful," "attentive," and "professional." The hotel prides itself on its authentic Brazilian hospitality, offering personalized service through a dedicated butler team who are attentive and anticipate guest needs. Reviewers often praise the staff's ability to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, even going above and beyond to accommodate requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Emiliano Rio enjoys an "iconic" and "spectacular" location directly on Copacabana Beach, making it ideal for beach access and exploring the city. It is centrally located, offering easy access to major attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain (which can be seen from the hotel's rooftop) and Christ The Redeemer. The hotel is also conveniently close to the trendy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon, known for their excellent restaurants and bars. Transportation around the city is facilitated by reliable and affordable Uber services. Santos Dumont Airport is approximately 8 km away, and Galeão International Airport is about 20 km away.

7. Value & Pricing

Emiliano Rio is recognized as a high-end luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. While generally considered expensive, many guests affirm that the "outstanding" experience and high level of service make it "worth the price." Typical cash prices for a standard room can start around USD $457 per night, with Junior Ocean Suites ranging closer to USD $908 per night. Breakfast and free Wi-Fi are usually included.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

Lack of Storage Space: A frequently mentioned complaint is the limited storage for clothes and luggage in the rooms, with a notable absence of drawers.
Noise from Copacabana Side: Some guests have reported noise from the beach avenue, even on higher floors, suggesting that improved soundproofing or window changes might be beneficial.
Minor Wear and Tear: A few reviews have indicated minor wear and tear in some rooms, such as chips or scratches on furniture, which was unexpected for a relatively new luxury hotel.
Inconsistent Pool Service: One guest specifically mentioned inconsistent food and service at the rooftop pool.
AC Issues: There was a report of the air conditioning not functioning properly in one instance, though it was promptly addressed.
Concierge Knowledge: One reviewer expressed that the front desk and concierge sometimes lacked extensive knowledge about local activities and dining recommendations.

Sources

Points to Consider

•Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:
•Lack of Storage Space:** A frequently mentioned complaint is the limited storage for clothes and luggage in the rooms, with a notable absence of drawers.
•AC Issues:** There was a report of the air conditioning not functioning properly in one instance, though it was promptly addressed.