Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Fasano Rio de Janeiro, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its chic design, exceptional location, and vibrant atmosphere, although some guests note inconsistencies in service and value.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Fasano Rio de Janeiro is overwhelmingly positive, often described as a luxurious and fashionable hotel with a "sexy vibe". Guests frequently rate it as "Excellent" or "Superb," with an average score of 8.8 on one platform. It is considered by many to be Rio's best hotel for a discerning, design-oriented clientele. However, some reviews indicate that while it aims for luxury, certain aspects of service and cleanliness don't always meet the highest expectations of a luxury establishment.

2. Key Highlights

• Rooftop Infinity Pool: Undeniably the "jewel in the hotel's crown," offering unparalleled panoramic views of Ipanema Beach, Rio's skyline, and the iconic Two Brothers mountain. It's a lively, exclusive oasis for hotel guests, with staff providing attentive service like adjusting umbrellas.
• Location: The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "amazing location" directly on Ipanema Beach, providing immediate access to one of Rio's most animated and beautiful beaches, as well as shopping and nightlife.
• Design & Ambiance: Designed by Philippe Starck, the hotel exhibits a distinctive blend of retro charm and modern luxury, paying homage to the Bossa Nova era of the 1950s and 60s. The interiors feature rich natural materials like leather, wicker, and lustrous wood, with custom furniture from renowned Brazilian designers. It maintains a "cool but elegant design".
• Vibrant Scene: The hotel has a "see-and-be-seen vibe," attracting sophisticated travelers, stylish locals, and celebrities. Its open-to-all policy for certain areas allows for a lively, immersed feeling within Rio's culture.

3. Room Quality

The hotel has 89 accommodations, with 43 facing Ipanema Beach. Rooms feature "gorgeous wood floors and stylish furniture" inspired by 1950s and 1960s designs. They include well-fitting robes, furnished patios, and unique "melting Dali-esque mirrors". Guests often find the beds very comfortable. Welcome amenities like local chips, apples, and homemade cheese bread are appreciated. Some guests have noted rooms can be "smaller with less space to put luggage" and that ceilings might feel low for taller individuals. Bathrooms are typically held in white marble with a separate toilet, bidet, single vanity, and walk-in shower, featuring Costa Brazil bath amenities. Renovations, including the addition of kitchens, are planned for the Deluxe Oceanfront Suites in 2025.

4. Dining Experience

• Gero Restaurant: This Italian concept restaurant, an ode to family patriarch Gero Fasano, receives "high praise for their quality and authenticity". Chef Luigi Moressa leads the kitchen, offering an à la carte or tasting menu with highlights like homemade focaccia, ciabatta, baguette, carpaccio Fasano, house-made tortellini, veal stuffed ravioli, and seafood risotto. The sprawling indoor/outdoor restaurant can host up to 150 diners and features polished, English-speaking staff.
• Fasano Caffè (Breakfast): Breakfast, served buffet style with à la carte options, is available at Fasano Caffè, a space added in 2023. It includes a high-quality selection of fresh fruits, pastries (some of the best experienced by guests), cold cuts, and Brazilian specialties like queijo Minas and pão de queijo. While attentive service is often highlighted at breakfast, it is usually an additional cost (around €30 per person), which some guests find excessive.
• Rooftop Pool Bar: Offers refreshing drinks, including juices, and a menu with Brazilian flavors and Italian-inflected food. However, some find the snack quality, such as club sandwiches with soggy fries, to be mediocre.

5. Service & Staff

Service at Fasano Rio is frequently described as "exceptional," "top-notch," and "extraordinary". Guests appreciate staff who go "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay, with personalized touches like bringing a towel rolled as a pillow for poolside wine service. The concierge team receives special credit for being proactive and helpful with bookings and reservations, even assisting with flight check-ins. Front desk staff are noted for being very nice and making guests feel special. However, some guests have reported issues with service, including poor communication, slow service at the rooftop pool, and many staff members not speaking very good English, which can hinder communication, particularly at breakfast and the bar.

6. Location & Accessibility

Fasano Rio de Janeiro is situated at Avenida Vieira Souto 80, directly on Ipanema Beach. This prime location provides immediate access to the beach, with attendants available to set up sling chairs, sand loungers, and umbrellas. The neighborhood of Ipanema is renowned for its vibrant scene, excellent shopping, and nightlife. The hotel is also well-positioned for accessing other attractions, with suggestions to use Uber Premium for safe transportation within Ipanema and Leblon. The hotel also offers various activities and excursions, including surf lessons, Hawaiian canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and cultural tours, which can be arranged by the Les Clefs d'Or concierges.

7. Value & Pricing

Fasano Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the most expensive hotels on Ipanema Beach. Average weeknight prices were around $1,131, while weekend nights averaged $747 in a recent period. High season (May) can see prices rise significantly (an average 274% increase), while August is typically the cheapest month. While many guests find the experience "absolutely worth it" for the location, service, and design, others question the value for money, especially concerning the additional cost of breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

• Service Inconsistencies: Despite generally high praise, some guests have experienced poor communication from staff, slow service at the rooftop pool, and language barriers.
• Cleanliness Issues: A few reviews have mentioned problems with room cleanliness and uncomfortable bedding.
• Breakfast Cost: The additional charge for breakfast, often around €30 per person, is a recurring point of criticism, with some guests feeling it's excessive given the room rates.
• Room Size/Aesthetic: Some find rooms to be smaller than expected or a bit cramped with limited luggage space. The "dark lighting aesthetic" in some areas and low ceilings have also been mentioned.
• Pool Bar Food Quality: While drinks are popular, the food menu at the rooftop pool bar has received mixed reviews, with some items like a club sandwich described as mediocre.

Sources

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