Mama Ruisa

We only stayed one night at Mama Ruisa, but it made us want to return. The staff welcomed us right away and check-in was quick and efficient. The lobby was beautifully kept and left a strong impression, while our spacious room had a comfortable bed. Breakfast was better than we expected, and the service was excellent. The stay really lifted the quality of our trip.

The staff knew their stuff and gave me great suggestions for restaurants, activities, and especially art exhibitions. Thanks to them, I felt safe and well looked after. I’ll be back! Mama Ruisa sits on the hillside in Santa Teresa, with a beautiful view. The house itself feels like a work of art, thanks to the owner’s wonderful interior design taste. All the furniture comes from Brazilian designers, and each piece seems prettier than the last. Breakfast was amazing, elegantly set out on the balcony. On hot summer nights, it was lovely that the pool area stayed open after dark.

Jean Michelle and the whole team were caring, attentive, and full of local knowledge from the minute we arrived. The decor is gorgeous, and honestly the photos don’t do this palace justice. The hillside location in Santa Teresa also gives you incredible views. You’re tucked into the curve of a busy road, though I imagine that mostly affects the junior suite by the main entrance, which makes up for it with extra space. Breakfast is delicious, if a little expensive for how simple it is. They also make mean cocktails. Mama Ruisa made my trip to Rio, and I can’t wait to return!

I loved my stay so much that I added two weeks and stayed for three weeks total. I didn’t want to move anywhere else in Rio. It’s a wonderful hotel with great staff, in a great spot in Santa Teresa. A big highlight was breakfast on the balcony, served with silverware in a beautiful setting and building. Thanks to Jean-Francois, the owner, and his wonderful staff for such a nice stay. Definitely one of my best hotel stays on my tour of South America.