Fasano Hotel

São Paulo's best hotel and restaurant: elegant, discreetly stylish, and set in the leafiest and trendiest shopping district

São Paulo may not share the visual splendour of Rio de Janeiro, but Brazil's financial hub and South America's largest city is full of energy and packed with top-notch restaurants, hip bars and glam boutiques; we recommend spending at least couple of nights in this lively metropolis.

For us there's only one place to stay. Walk into the Fasano Hotel and you'll find pure class. Since owner Rogerio Fasano's grandfather came here from Milan in 1900, the name has been synonymous with the city's finest restaurants. A century later their first hotel opened in 2003 to much acclaim, and rightly so. Inspired by 1930s designs, it shines with understated style and matchless quality. Rich hardwoods and antique leather armchairs blend well with contemporary features; its 60 rooms are spacious and supremely comfortable, with subtle retro styling. Service is impeccable, so good in fact, that Brazilian singing icon, Caetano Veloso, has taken a long term residence here.

Highs

• Classic 1930s-inspired styling makes it the most refined hotel in São Paulo
• Perfect location in the heart of São Paulo's most fashionable district; you can walk safely round the corner to explore the best shops in town
• Dining at the historic Fasano Restaurant - the best Italian restaurant in South America
• Views of São Paulo's expansive skyscape from the small rooftop indoor pool, spa and gym
• The quality, low-key luxury, attention to detail and exceptional personal service (unusual for Brazil)
• Its hip jazz bar, Baretto, is the draw of the city, where renowned Brazilian singers and acclaimed international musicians smooch

Lows

• You'll pay handsomely for the experience of dining at the Fasano Restaurant - but you won't forget it
• Limited outdoor space (although breakfast can be taken on a shaded terrace)
• Traffic in this concrete jungle can be hellish - avoid travelling across the city in rush hour