La Maison

Stylish French-owned B&B in Gávea, a smart hillside neighbourhood with great views of Rio and the statue of Christ

Located in the upmarket residential district of Gávea, a 10-minute taxi ride from Ipanema beach, this pretty boutique B&B is small, stylish and spoiling. You’re up in the hills and the view is huge: lush forest gives way to a shimmering bay and a vibrant city, with the statue of Christ the Redeemer towering above the lot. You can breakfast looking out on it all, gaze at it from your private terrace, or lie by the pool and listen to the hummingbirds.

The house is built into the side of a hill. You enter on the top floor and tumble down to the pool and terrace. Reception rooms on the ground floor are all open to the elements. You get candles in the alcoves, statues of Buddha, a mirrored salon with smart white sofas, and loungers by the pool. With just 5 elegant bedrooms, each with its own terrace or balcony and décor inspired by travels around the world, it's more home than hotel. You also get the inside track on Rio: your host Jacques is passionate about Brazil and can point you towards the hottest restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Highs

• Cocktails by the pool with a view that’s hard to beat
• Flamboyant, immaculate interiors to satisfy design afficionados
• Personal service from the knowledgeable and helpful host
• This was Rio's first boutique B&B - it makes a welcome change from the city's bland chain hotels
• Set in a peaceful, leafy district just a 10-minute drive from fashionable Leblon, with its hip restaurants, bars and beach
• Convenient location for visiting the Botanical Gardens and touring Rocinha - Latin America's largest favela (truly illuminating)

Lows

• You’ll need taxis to zip you up and down the hill, but they’re not too expensive
• Don't expect all mod cons: there are no TVs, DVD players or minibars, but you do get swish bathrooms, air conditioning and great views
• The garden and pool are fairly small, breakfast is served at one table and the atmosphere is intimate, so it's not for those seeking anonymity
• Rooms vary in size, design and outlook; some are better than others (see our favourites)
• The staff speak very limited English, but Jacques is usually around to assist