Leblon (Avenida Niemeyer)

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel and Resort

★★★★★

The Sheraton Grand Rio is the closest thing in the South Zone to a beach resort. It stands on Avenida Niemeyer at number 121, on the cliff road that leads west from the end of Leblon towards Sao Conrado, and it sits on its own cove at the foot of the Vidigal hillside, with private access down to the beach and a beach service of chairs, loungers and towels. Every one of its 538 rooms and suites has a private balcony with a partial or full ocean view, looking out over the Atlantic, the Dois Irmaos peaks and back along the coast to Leblon and Ipanema. The grounds are the main draw for families and longer stays: there is an outdoor pool surrounded by palms, a separate children's pool, a whirlpool and a jacuzzi, and a fully equipped fitness centre with classes. The Shine Spa faces the sea. Dining is varied enough that guests rarely need to leave in the evenings: Casarao for Brazilian barbecue, Bene for Italian food, L'Etoile for French dinners, Casa da Cachaca for Brazil's national spirit, Bar das Palmeiras by the pool and the Lobby Bar. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to Leblon beach and the neighbourhood, a few minutes away, which is handy because walking along Avenida Niemeyer is not pleasant. It is also one of the largest event hotels in the city, so you will often share it with conferences and groups. The hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy, which matters to loyalty members who can use points or earn status here.

Choosing a room: all rooms have balconies, but full ocean views on higher floors are worth the upgrade; partial-view rooms look across the hillside or the gardens with the sea to one side. Suites and club-level rooms add lounge access. Families should ask for connecting rooms or larger suites, which are easier here than in the boutique hotels along the beaches.

What the stay is like: resort-style, with days around the pool and the hotel's own beach, and Leblon's restaurants and bars a shuttle ride away. The location is a trade-off. It is quieter and more self-contained than the beachfront hotels of Ipanema or Copacabana, but it is not walkable to most of the city, and Avenida Niemeyer can close during heavy rain or, occasionally, during police operations in the neighbouring Vidigal community, as happened in April 2026, so allow extra time for airport runs and check the news if you hear of disruption. Ride-hailing cars are the easiest way to get around.

Who it suits: families who want pools and space, travellers who prefer a resort to a city hotel, Marriott Bonvoy members and conference guests. Couples looking for character will prefer the boutique hotels of Ipanema and Leblon, but for a relaxed beach stay with everything on site, it is the most complete option in the South Zone. The hotel's size also makes it a practical choice at short notice in busy periods, when the boutique hotels on the beaches are full, though New Year and Carnival still call for early booking.