Casa 32
Largo do Boticario, Cosme Velho, Rio De Janeiro
Family-owned historic mansion with just 3 funky designer suites, set beneath the Corcovado
If you crave somewhere different to stay in Rio, Casa 32 is a real
tonic. Located in the small picturesque square of Largo do
Boticário, it lies beneath a steep backdrop of Atlantic
rainforest, not far from the station that leads you to Christ the
Redeemer. Rio's past rarely reveals itself but this neo-colonial
mansion is steeped in history. Kings Edward VIII and George VI once
stayed here, as did Le Corbusier, Niemeyer, Portinari and other key
Brazilian figures.
After years of lying derelict, Brazilian owner Lucio and his family
have renovated it back to its former splendour. Today it's a
wonderful jigsaw of modern and antique styles: 21st-century
designer chairs lie beneath intricate 17th-century Baroque
ceilings. Original hand-painted Portuguese tiles are lit by
contemporary floor lights. There are just 3 suites, all
of them imaginatively and luxuriously decorated. Lucio’s
interest lies more in meeting interesting people than running a
business; he may invite you to join his family for lunch and a
chat. We found it familial, intimate, historical and highly
original.
Reviewed by Aidan Forestier-Walker
Last updated 17 February 2012
Highs
- A truly individual bolthole far removed from the tourist trails of Copacabana
- Beautifully restored, providing a fascinating insight into Rio's history in one of the city's prettiest squares
- Treasure trove of antique and modern features
- Only 3 suites (but with lots of space) and charming owners make it a familial and personal experience
- Central location: you’re closer here to some of Rio's hottest nightlife in Lapa than if you stay in Ipanema or Copacabana
- Proximity to the Corcovado station, which takes you up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer
- Some rather tasty food is whipped up in its kitchen
- The large verdant courtyard garden, complete with 2 pools
Lows
- You'll need to take a cab if you want to go out. Shops and restaurants aren't within walking distance of this aristocratic quarter
- It's not on the beach, but you can reach Ipanema and Leblon in little over 10 minutes
- Surrounded by trees, it lacks the views of some of our other places to stay
History drips off it, in hand-painted tiles of Portuguese origin; a facade co-opted from a Spanish mansion; a staircase jemmied from an Italian palazzo...
Sunday Times Travel Magazine, April 2007Casa 32: Read more press reviews
