PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

The combination of French sophistication and Brazilian hospitality results in one fine hotel. Owned by the French Accor group that also manages a large number of apart-hotels in the city, the Sofitel is the luxury flagship of the chain. Located just across from Ibirapuera Park, the hotel is ideal for those who like to start the day with a nice walk or a vigorous game of tennis; this is one of the few hotels in the city with its own courts. A quick cab ride will take you into Jardins and Centro, or a helicopter can pick you up from the hotel's helipad. The guest rooms are quite spacious and elegantly appointed in cheerful yellow-gold and greens. A sitting area and desk provide plenty of space to spread out. Breakfast is not included, but strategically placed in the lobby is a boulangerie that sells croissants and other French pastries. Not a bad way to start your morning. Those traveling on a weekend can often book a room online for rates as low as R$250 to R$300 (US$125-US$150/£68-£81)!

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Brazil, 4th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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