Stay here in Rio!

Where to stay? Like many urban cities, Rio can be overwhelming in trying to decide which neighborhood to use as your vacation base.

Rio views

More often than not, I tend to be drawn to stay in the more historic areas of cities that I visit, as long as the neighborhood is safe. Casa Cool Beans B&B is located in the artsy cobblestoned neighborhood of historic Santa Teresa, a perfect base for touring and visiting Rio for the first time.

Street art in the area of Casa Cool Beans

The quaint area around Santa Teresa

Using Casa Cool Beans airport pick up service, made arriving in Rio a breeze. Our driver Marco, a former geography teacher, pointed out and explained different areas we passed including the famed Carnival stadium, various favelas on the hillsides and other areas of interest.

Rio views

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Sergio, the property manager and David, the co-owner of the beautiful Casa Cool Beans and shown to our double room (the largest on the property). The rooms tall windows opened to the garden below which let in cross breezes when not too warm outside to have to utilize the A/C.

Casa Cool Beans double room

Casa Cool Beans welcome info

A well sized bathroom contained not one, but two showers, good toiletries, wash clothes and ample towels. The room also contained a safe and refrigerator. The roof area was also the breakfast and pool area.

Casa Cool Beans roof area

Casa Cool Beans pool area

After dropping our bags in the room, David (from Washington DC) graciously invited us to have what would be the first, of many delicious breakfasts at their property. Varieties of fresh fruits, cheeses, meats, breads, cereal, yogurt, coffee, tea, hot milk, juice and filtered water were provided.

Casa cool beans breakfast cooks

All of this food accompanied eggs prepared to order.

Casa Cool Beans omelette with homemade hot sauce

On Friday, we experienced “pancake day” and devoured some delicious banana pancakes. Needless to say, the need for lunch was not always necessary after such a breakfast abundance.

The best banana pancakes

The entire staff was warm and welcoming, eager to assist in any way possible. David and Sergio gave detailed and well thought out instructions for every anticipated need such as ATM, restaurant recommendations, cab stand etc. They were very detailed about personal safety within the city and it pays to take heed to their advice.

The hotel is well situated to be able to walk to great restaurants and cafe’s. The 1/2 day tour we took with Marco, drove us to great overlooks and views of Rio. Our last stop on the tour was to be Sugarloaf Mountain but the clouds had rolled in so we decided to attempt it again on our return (below, we made it on a beautiful day)