Mama Ruisa

Mama Ruisa is housed within a century-old mansion, along a quiet cobbled street in Rio’s bohemian district of Santa Teresa. Just a one-minute walk from the main street of Largo de Guimarães with its bars, restaurants and shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs, the hotel is also only 10 minutes from the historical centre of Rio and the samba bars and clubs of Lapa. While this hotel is not so conveniently located for the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema they are only a 15-minute taxi drive away.

The hotel has 8 elegant, individually designed rooms, including four junior suites and four deluxe rooms with modern en-suite bathrooms. All of the rooms are spacious and are located at the back of the property facing Guanabara Bay. All have solid ipê wood floors, high ceilings and shuttered windows, which look out onto the hotel’s lush gardens. Careful attention to detail has gone into the design of the hotel, with antique furniture, colourful textiles and indigenous artwork placed throughout.

Mama Ruisa has maintained the layout of the colonial residence it once was. A small entrance hall leads on to a spacious lounge and dining room with high ceilings and fantastic views out to Sugar Loaf and the Bay. Guests can relax on the terrace or by the pool in the hotel’s tranquil gardens.

It is clear that the owner of Mama Ruisa takes a great deal of pride over the hotel, which is reflected in the attentive service and attention to detail. Staff are on hand to offer recommendations and book restaurants, while home-cooked Brazilian dishes with a French twist can be served up on your terrace at your request. Afternoon tea is served daily in the garden and the hotel’s caiprinhas come highly- recommended. A plentiful breakfast can either be served in your room or by the swimming pool.