Relais Solar

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Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Creative guesthouse set in arty Santa Teresa - homely, stylish, comfortable and inspiring From 1 April 2008 Relais Solar will only offer whole house rentals.

Reviewed by Aidan Forestier-Walker

Relais Solar, Brazil, Overview

RELAIS SOLAR - REVIEW

With its cobbled streets and colonial architecture, Santa Teresa's hills are a far cry from Rio's beach front tower blocks. It's here that artists and musicians flourish. Yet only French-Canadian owner Gwenael Allan, with his background in cutting edge stage shows, could have made something so inspired and charming in style.

Its 5 bedrooms are each named after birds; murals of which are painted by each bed. The largest room is set up in the treetops where toucans and marmosets come to visit. It's a fun stylish hideout to meet creative people - but this is only part of the picture: Gwenael’s idea is to put you in touch with specialists to match your interests whether in Brazilian food, music or the arts. There's a cutting room for media guests and a snug DVD room in case it rains. The guests' kitchen comes with instructions for how to make your own Caipirinha and everywhere around you will see the best of contemporary handmade arts and crafts - all sourced from Brazil.

HIGHS

Good value for money - simple stylish comfortable bedrooms with welcome extras (bathrobes, aromatherapy toiletries, wifi, etc)
Highly personalised, relaxed atmosphere - one where it's easy to fall into conversation with fellow guests
Concierge service with access to a wide network of Brazilian special interests - from positive impact visits to favelas, to contacts in the Brazilian arts and other professions
You're in the heart of Santa Teresa with its village feel and authentic Brazilian restaurants
You're closer to the Christ and Rio's best nightlife in Lapa than if you stay by the beach

LOWS

You're not on the beach but Ipanema is just a 15-20 minute taxi ride away
Only three of the rooms have their own bathroom - the other two are only let out to groups who don't mind sharing
You will need to take a short taxi ride to go into downtown - but taking the old tram can be fun
Recently opened in early 2006, the hotel is in soft launch mode with some aspects still evolving
Only double rooms are available (no twins) but some rooms have room for an extra bed

Print Whole Report

Name	Relais Solar	Location	Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - City
Type	Creative Guest House: 4 rooms and 1 bungalow	Country	Brazil
Price Guide	Dbl: from R$145 Bungalow: from R$490	Open	Open all year


DISTANCES	Airport: 20km	Nearest Shops: 0.1km	Nearest restaurant: 0.1km	Beach: 5km