Hotels in São Paulo

Hotels in São Paulo offer excellent accommodations in a destination locally known as “Sampa”. Brazil’s financial center, São Paulo is known for its shopping malls, museums, theaters, produce markets, historical & modernist architecture, cultural centers, expansive skyline, parques (urban parks), praça / largo (squares / plazas), jardim (gardens), graffiti (street art – sanctioned murals / illicit “Pichação”), steak restaurants and football. São Paulo ranks as the world’s sixth-most populous city. Close to the city of Santos on the Atlantic coast, São Paulo is about 265 miles southwesterly of Rio de Janeiro. São Paulo points of interest include Ibirapuera Park (158-hectare Park), Mercado Municipal de São Paulo (historical building / market – rare fruit, vegatables, dairy produce, food court), Shopping Eldorado (shopping mall), Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (art museum), Allianz Parque (stadium), Shopping Center Norte (shopping mall), Galeria do Rock (shopping mall), Morumbi Shopping (shopping mall), Bourbon Shopping São Paulo (shopping mall), Shopping Ibirapuera (shopping mall), Expo Center Norte (convention center), Memorial da América Latina (cultural center), Mooca Plaza Shopping (shopping mall), Northeastern Traditions Center (cultural center), Shopping West Plaza (shopping mall), Parque da Independência (city park – museums, topiary gardens, monuments, fountain), Padaria Bella Paulista (bakery), Aquário de São Paulo (aquarium), Parque da Água Branca (park – horseback riding arena, geology museum, country estate replicas), Cepam (bakery), JK Iguatemi (shopping mall), Shopping Pátio Higienópolis (shopping mall), Restaurante Coco Bambu Anhembi (seafood restaurant), Cultural Walkway (formerly Sambadrome – São Paulo Carnival Venue), Pinacoteca de São Paulo (museum), Shopping Light (shopping mall), Mercado Municipal da Lapa (traditional covered food market), Iguatemi Shopping (shopping mall), Museu Catavento (science museum), Theatro Municipal de São Paulo (performing arts theater), SESC 24 de Maio (cultural center), Esfiha Imigrantes (Sfiha restaurant), Bar e Lanches Estadão (restaurant), Beco do Batman (compact area – cobbled alleyways, colorful wall graffiti), Teatro Renault (Philharmonic hall), Museu do Ipiranga (museum), Fogo de Chão Moema (barbecue restaurant), Galeria Pagé Brás (shopping mall), Sé Metropolitan Cathedral (Catholic cathedral – gothic architecture, Renaissance-style dome),  Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil São Paulo (cultural center), Famiglia Mancini Trattoria (Italian restaurant), Shopping Vautier Premium (shopping mall), Praça Charles Miller (plaza), Fogo de Chão Vila Olímpia (barbecue restaurant), Sala São Paulo (concert hall), Parque do Povo (riverside city park – cycling, open lawns, play areas), Transamerica Expo Center (convention center), Farol Santander (museum / skyscraper – observation deck, city views), Óticas Gassi (optician), Fogo de Chão Jardins (barbecue restaurant), Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS – museum), Praça Pôr do Sol (green space – open lawn, picnics, city / sunset views), Shopping Cidade Jardim (shopping mall), Taverna Medieval (hamburger restaurant), Livraria Martins Fontes (book store), Museu do Futebol (sports museum), Nestor Pizzaria Gastronômica (pizza restaurant), Estância Caipira (Brazilian restaurant), Instituto Moreira Salles – IMS Paulista (cultural center), Jardim Pamplona Shopping (shopping mall), Casa das Rosas (historic mansion / museum / café – seafood, finger foods), Instituto Itaú Cultural (cultural center), Osnir Hamburger (hamburger restaurant), Mercado Municipal de Pinheiros (market), SESC Vila Mariana (cultural center), Teatro Santander (performing arts theater), Casa Santa Luzia (supermarket), Joakins Hamburguer (hamburger restaurant), Museu da Imigração do Estado de São Paulo (museum), Terraço Itália (Italian restaurant), Instituto Tomie Ohtake (art center), Templo – Bar de Fé (cocktail bar), Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, Big Kahuna Burger (hamburger restaurant), Museu Afro Brasil (museum), A Figueira Rubaiyat (meat dish restaurant), Panificadora Ceci (bakery), Z Deli Sandwich Shop, PRO MAGNO Centro de Eventos (convention center), Porto Seguro Theater (performing arts theater), Audio (music venue – dance floor, bar), Teatro Sérgio Cardoso (performing arts theater), Parque Buenos Aires (park / former city square – playground, outdoor gym), Padaria Merci (bakery), Sampa Sky (observation deck), Sacolão Lapa (fruit and vegetable store), Peace Square – Rita Lee (park – events, games, open spaces), Oca (museum), Ginásio Estadual Geraldo José de Almeida (sports complex), Oba Hortifruti Farm (fruit and vegetables store), Padaria Laika (bakeries), Teatro das Artes (performing arts theater), Monumento às Bandeiras (interactive statue honoring Brazil’s 17th-century settlers), Dengo Chocolates (chocolate shop), Theatro São Pedro (performing arts theater), Impulso Park (amusement park), Carioca Club (music venue), Museu da Imaginação (children’s museum), Casa Natura Musical (event venue), Mansão Arya (wedding buffet), Marte Hall São Paulo (comedy club) and Bona Casa de Música (live music venue). Bordering / surrounding São Paulo, attractions include Zoológico de São Paulo (zoo), Neo Química Arena (stadium), Magic City (water park), Quinta do Olivardo (Portuguese restaurant), Don Patto Village (gastronomy complex), Espaço Verde Chico Mendes (park – soccer, basketball, handball, ping-pong, food kiosks), Urbano Caldeira Stadium (stadium), Parque Ecológico do Tietê (ecological park – museum, native plants & animals, recreational activities), Parque Estadual Cantareira – Núcleo Pedra Grande (nature preserve – walking / biking trails, fishing, waterfall), Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai (Buddhist temple), Animália Park (zoo), Parque Caminhos do Mar (state park – Atlantic rainforest, hiking trails, secluded waterfalls, mountain lookouts) and Dream Car São Roque (museum). Not far southward, near the cities of Santos, Guaruja and Praia Grande, are several outstanding beaches in Praia da Enseada (large urban beach, palm trees, promenade, restaurants, kiosks, cycle lane), Praia Branca (long / narrow sand, tree-lined, eateries), Eden’s Beach (intimate sandy beach, picturesque cove, cliffs, jungle vegetation), Praia de Iporanga, Praia do Tombo (white sand beach, waves, mountain views, food / cocktail kiosks) and Praia do Caiçara (long sandy beach, palm trees, food kiosks). São Paulo’s main airport is São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, while its subway system is São Paulo Metro. Good to know is that Uber rideshare does operate in Sao Paulo, with service to include the airport. Naturally, football is beloved in Brazil. Palmeiras, Corinthians, São Paulo FC and Santos are the city’s / area’s main professional football clubs. When traveling to Sampa, language should be taken into consideration. As only about 5% of Brazilians, including those in Sao Paulo, speak English, it’s important to learn at least some Portuguese beforehand. Olá (hello), adeus (goodbye), obrigado (thank you), não obrigado (no thank you), você fala inglês? (do you speak English?) and linda (beautiful) are some good words to start with. Sao Paulo weather can be sporadic due to the urban heat island effect mixed with a subtropical climate. While tourist areas generally are safe, particular areas to avoid include Jardim Ângela (southwest), Jardim São Luís (southwest), Capão Redondo (southwest), Campo Limpo (southwest), Paraisópolis (southwest), Itaquera (east), Vila Clementino (southcentral) and Cracolândia (“Crackland” – downtown near Luz Station). Generally, visitors should avoid the city’s outskirts, and remain vigilant in city-center, while attempting to blend in amidst public  places (i.e. not act foolishly or speak loudly in a foreign language). On the flipside, an area not to miss is the Jardins District, with its fine restaurants, bars, clubs, stucco villas and modern glass mansions. Great for younger travelers especially, São Paulo’s hostels are some of the best out there. São Paulo’s currency is the Brazilian real, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Keep in mind, when driving, that motorcyclists are known to be aggressive. São Paulo  top events include São Paulo Carnival, São Paulo International Film Festival, Playground Music Festival, DGTL São Paulo and Brazilian Grand Prix. Hotels in São Paulo are some of South America’s best accommodations. Before we get to hotels in São Paulo, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

First known as Piratininga, the São Paulo area was inhabited by the Tupi people, one of Brazil’s largest pre-colonization indigenous groups, near the Tietê River. When Europeans arrived, the region was divided into Caciquedoms, or chiefdoms. Chief Tibiriçá, a converted Christian baptized as Martim Afonso, supported Portugal and other European colonists. São Paulo’s first village (Portuguese) was known as São Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga. On January 25, 1554, the Jesuit church and school Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga was founded. Twelve priests included Manuel da Nóbrega (Portuguese) and José de Anchieta (Spanish), who proved instrumental in building a hilltop mission between the Anhangabaú and Tamanduateí rivers. Rammed earth made of natural raw materials, the mission’s first small structure was built by Native Indian workers, whom the priests wanted to evangelize, in traditional style. São Paulo struggled early-on largely due to Indian raids along the Caminho do Piraquê (Piraquê Path – Piaçaguera – present-day Cubatão). Second Marquis de Cascais and donee Luís Álvares de Castro moved the Captaincy of São Vicente capital to São Paulo on March 22, 1681. On April 23, 1683, the new capital was officially established, followed promptly by pubic celebrations. São Paulo was one of the 17th-century Portuguese Empire’s poorest regions. Paulistas could not afford to buy African slaves, as was customary with other Portuguese colonists. However, following the 1690s discovery of gold at Minas Gerais, The Captaincy of São Paulo and Minas de Ouro was created. On November 3, 1709, the Portuguese crown purchased from former grantees the Captaincies of São Paulo and Santo Amaro. São Paulo countryside, located securely above the steep Serra do Mar mountain range and not far from the coastal town of Santos, became a center for the bandeirantes, who in 1640 expelled the Jesuits due to their opposition to the domestic Indian slave trade. The town of São Paulo was elevated to city status on July 11, 1711. More gold was found at present-day Cuiabá and Goiânia during the 1720s. Not long thereafter, the gold ran out, and São Paulo shifted to growing sugar cane, which was exported through the Port of Santos via the Calçada do Lorena highway. In 1822, Brazil became independent from Portugal. Emperor Pedro I “The Liberator” founded the Empire of Brazil and became its ruler from 1822 to 1831, naming São Paulo as an Imperial City. Thereafter, significant São Paulo growth is attributed to coffee production and exportation. The Estrada de Ferro Santos-Jundiaí (Santos-Jundiaí Railroad – “The Lady”) connected São Paulo to the Port of Santos beginning in 1869. Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil in 1888 sanctioned the “Golden Law”, which abolished slavery and naturally promoted immigration, particularly from Italian, Japanese and Portuguese peasants. On November 15, 1889, Brazil became a republic. São Paulo rose in political prominence alongside Minas Gerais, and the two became known as “coffee and milk”, as Minas Gerais was known for its dairy production. São Paulo’s present-day Luz Station was built at the end of the 19th century, followed by Paulista Avenue and its mansions in 1900. Brazil’s Old Republic lasted from 1889 to 1930, a time period marked by fog, modernist fashion / art and political upheavals (São Paulo Revolt). The state of São Paulo’s 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution between Constitutionalists (São Paulo) and the Federal government / Loyalists (Rio de Janeiro included) resulted in a Government / loyalist victory, and the Brazilian Constitution of 1934. Brazil’s largest university today, the University of São Paulo was founded in 1934. A crisis in coffee farming during the Second World War actually benefitted São Paulo’s deep-rooted coffee exportation industry. The Via Anchieta, São Paulo’s first paved highway, like The Lady railway almost a century prior, connected the city to the coast beginning in 1947. Ibirapuera Park was inaugurated in 1954 during “Fourth Centenary” celebrations, at which time the Tietê River’s source in Salesópolis was discovered, and most Paulista Avenue mansions were replaced by financial center high-rises. On September 14, 1974, the São Paulo Metro began operating. Ironically and technically, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pelé, scored his final professional club goal in a friendly match for the New York Cosmos against Santos FC on October 1, 1977 (played 1 half for Santos, 1 half for Cosmos). Samba Pagode music became popular in São Paulo during the early 1980s.

Today, São Paulo is home to around 12 million “Paulistanos”. Sampa is the largest, most Portuguese-speaking city south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Named after Paul the Apostle, São Paulo  and its inhabitants are largely of the Christian faith (numerous cathedrals, historical churches, chapels – population 58.2% Catholic, 22,1% Protestant). The city’s expansive skyline is made up of around 10,000 buildings at 115-feet or higher (152 over 339 feet, 18 over 490 feet). At present, the mixed-use skyscraper Platina 220 is the city’s tallest building (564 feet), though the Alto das Nações tower (718 feet) is under construction. Latin America’s largest stock exchange, B3 is headquartered in São Paulo, where Germany and Sweden in particular have a large business / commercial presence. Along with finance, commodity exports and retail, tourism is a big economic contributor. Over 11 million people per year visit São Paulo, a city ranked highest in Brazil in terms of cost-of-living. São Paulo’s subtropical climate, though sporadic at times, accounts for fairly consistent high temperatures throughout the year. Summer (February) highs average around 84 °F, while winters stay around 72 °F. Wet season occurs between December and March. Additional points of interest include Praça da Sé (central square), Edifício Copan (skyscraper), Paulista Avenue (financial hub), Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge (“Ponte Estaiada”, – iconic cable-stayed bridge) and Marginal Pinheiros (riverside expressway). Local foods include virado à Paulista (traditional dish – pork chops, rice, beans, collard greens, fried eggs, fried bananas), coxinha (street food – fried dough chicken), akara (cowpea fritter), pao de queijo (cheese bread), esfiha (flatbread), acai and steak. Popular is the Caipirinha drink (fruity liquor distilled from sugarcane juice), while craft beer is also well-regarded. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for hotels in São Paulo that will help make for a memorable experience.

 

 

 

Grand Hyatt São Paulo

Avenida das Nações Unidas

Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge

Grand Hyatt São Paulo features 2 swimming pools, a spa, Estaiada Bridge views, free WiFi, modern rooms, panoramic city views, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, work desks, 2 restaurants, a 20th-floor club lounge, complimentary breakfast/cocktail, a sauna, a spa and a fitness center. Nearby you may find Restaurante L’eau (event venue), Amanary Spa (massage spa), Restaurante Praça Z (buffet restaurant), Unyc (health food restaurant), Carrefour Express Torre Z (supermarket), TV Globo (television station), Teatro VIVO (performing arts theater), Pecorino Cucina (Mediterranean restaurant), Recanto Gaúcho (buffet restaurant), It’s Fit (restaurant) and more.

Within feet:

• • • Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
    • Largo Los Andes
    • Praça Arlindo Rossi
    • Jardim Dente

Within 1.4 miles:

• • • Bandeirantes Palace -San Paulo State Governament

Within 3.4 miles:

• • • São Paulo Modern Art Museum

Within 4.7 miles:

• • • Art Museum of San Paulo (MASP)
    • Japan House

Within 7 miles:

• • • Latin America Memorial

Grand Hyatt São Paulo is 2.8 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hostel Ipê

198 Rua Pandiá Calógeras

Praça Zuinglio Themudo Lessa

Hostel Ipê has a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, free WiFi, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, luggage storage, desks, balconies and buffet or continental breakfast. Capitao Onigiri (comic book store), Donna Giulia Sapatos (shoe store), Ação Academia (gym), On Estudios (event venue), Bar & Restaurante Moeda de Prata (restaurant), Orchid Palace Bakery (bakery), boteco Tamandaré (restaurant), Bar Do Atila (bar) and more are within range.

Within feet:

• • • Praça Zuinglio Themudo Lessa,
    • Largo Nossa Senhora da Conceição
    • Liberdade Square

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • Altino Arantes Building

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Copan Building
    • Museu Catavento
    • Art Museum of San Paulo (MASP)

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • Juventus – Mooca Train
    • Brás Train

Within 2.2 miles:

• • • São Paulo Modern Art Museum

Hostel Ipê is 4.7 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Superior Triple Room): $64

 

 

 

Ô de Casa Hostel

Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha, 385

Praça dos Omaguás

Ô de Casa Hostel provides modern accommodations, free WiFi, 24-hour reception, lockers, fans, air conditioning, a lounge area, acoustic guitars, a bar and currency exchange. Board House (surf shop), House of Legends (live music bar), Casa Gin Vila Madalena (bar), Bubaa Cookies (cookie shop), Crayon Material para Desenho (art supply store), Carrefour Express (supermarket), Galeria Bolsa de Arte (art gallery), Supra Bar Vila Madalena (pub), Bella Jaú (restaurant), Spin’n Soul Vila Madalena (gym), Gracie School (fitness center), One Beauty (beauty salon), Yandê Padaria Artesanal (bakery), Atelier Carlos Casnati (jeweler), Swift (butcher shop), Casa Octo (event venue), Bar Lanches Garrafão (snack bar), Xenê (wine bar), Sensory Coffee Roasters (coffee roasters) and more are in the area.

Within feet:

• • • Praça dos Omaguás
    • Praça Maria José Moreira
    • Praça Professor Resende Puech
    • Praça Coronel Caetano Del Cioppo
    • Faria Lima Subway

Within 2.2 miles:

• • • Art Museum of San Paulo (MASP)

Within 2.8 miles:

• • • Latin America Memorial

Within 3.8 miles:

• • • Altino Arantes Building
    • Museum of Fine Arts of São Paulo

Ô de Casa Hostel is 5 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Large Double or Twin Room): $64

Cost per person (four people): $16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palácio Tangará

Rua Deputado Laércio Corte, 1501

Tokio Marine Hall | Burle Marx Park

Palácio Tangará offers park views, balconies, furnished terraces, a restaurant with chef’s table, a bar, a wine cellar, a lobby, a lounge bar, 9 function rooms, a 530-guest ballroom overlooking the park, a fitness center, a spa, a private garden, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a kid’s club. Tangará Jean-Georges (fine dining restaurant), Burle Marx Park, Impakto (party store), Baby Beef Cucina & Steak (restaurant), Restaurante Friends Morumbi (buffet restaurant) and more are in the vicinity.

Within feet:

• • • Tokio Marine Hall
    • Burle Marx Park
    • AHK – German-Brazil Chamber of Commerce
    • Club Transatlântico

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Credicard Hall

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • EZ Towers

Within 4.3 miles:

• • • Interlagos Shopping Mall

Within 6.2 miles:

• • • Fontes do Ipiranga State Park

Within 8.5 miles:

• • • Sala São Paulo
    • São Paulo Municipal Market

Palácio Tangará is 4 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Prestige Suite): $1,060

 

 

 

MADÁ hostel

Rua Luiz Anhaia, 54

Praça Senador Lineu Prestes

MADÁ hostel comes with free WiFi, a shared kitchen and darts. Butiquim da cidade (beer hall), Da Silva Sauro (pet store), Tabacaria Capivara Hemp Fradique Coutinho (bar tabac), O Pasquim Bar e Prosa (bar), Salve Jorge (bar), Tropikall Bar (restaurant), Armazém Piola (bar), Navarro Bar (cocktail bar), Boteco São Bento Vila Madalena (bar), Xiu! Bar (bar), Patriarca Bar (cocktail bar), Posto 6 (sports bar), Banho Urbano (wellness center), ESPAÇO ARTLAB | Co-branding (store), Presley Pub (bar), Osho Meditation (meditation center), Docis Brigadeiros (dessert shop), Osteria Santi (Italian restaurant), Espetto da Vila (bar), Nine Ink Tattoo Shop (tattoo shop), NOLA BAR (night club), Bocca Nera (wine bar), Mona lisa bar (cocktail bar), Bullguer – Vila Madalena (hamburger restaurant), Porto Madalena (bar & grill), Bear pub (pub), Studio Integrado Vila Madalena (fitness center), Bar Samba (bar), Miss Saigon (Vietnamese restaurant), Raies Dança Teatro S/S (flamenco school), Beb’s Bar Vila Madalena (cocktail bar) and more are nearby.

Within feet:

• • • Praça Senador Lineu Prestes
    • Praça Doutor Luiz Carlos de Toledo
    • Praça André Baldin de Souza
    • Fradique Coutinho Subway

Within 2.3 miles:

• • • Art Museum of San Paulo (MASP)

Within 2.7 miles:

• • • Latin America Memorial

Within 3.1 miles:

• • • Japan House

Within 8 miles:

• • • São Paulo’s Zoo Park

MADÁ hostel is 5 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Family Room): $75

Cost per person (six people): $12

 

 

 

Hotel Unique

Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4700

Ibirapuera Park

With city and park views, a rooftop pool, a restaurant, a bar, free WiFi, modern furniture, hot tubs, Acqua di Parma amenities, air conditioning, LCD TVs, JBL speakers, mini-bars, spacious seating areas and Nespresso® coffee machines, Hotel Unique is near Skye (gastropub), Petí Panamericana Groenlândia (buffet restaurant), Candy Brown (dress store), Antonella Maison (restaurant), Bel Galeria de Arte (art gallery), Studio PadeD (fashion accessories store) and more.

Within feet:

• • • Ibirapuera Park
    • Sancta Maggiore Hospital Itaim Bibi
    • Monumento as Bandeiras
    • Ibirapuera Gymnasium
    • Juca Chaves Theatre

Within 2.8 miles:

• • • Edifício Copan

Within 3 miles:

• • • São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral

Within 3.5 miles:

• • • SubAstor

Hotel Unique is 3.3 miles from Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Suite Rodeo Drive): $886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hostel Maktub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Emiliano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cobertura Duplex Villa Paulista