Casa Cool Beans, Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa), Rio de Janeiro -

Casa Cool Beans opened in December 2010 and in less than 6 months rocketed up to the top of Trip Advisor so I was anxious to see what was so good about the place! It wasn't difficult. Starting from the warm reception at the front gate you get the feeling that this is a place you want to be, where you are amongst like minded people in the heart of a city, but still have the peace and quiet and friendliness  which comes with being in a small community.

There are seven suites at Cool Beans at present (with 2 more planned for the New Year)  and each one has been beautifully refurbished with decoration by local artists and artisans under the watchful eye of American owners Lance and David and the ever accompanying dog, Mousse. Walk up the steps and you are surprised by a large terrace with communal breakfast area and bar and great plunge pool for those hot sultry days.

However the real difference of this place comes in the detail. Even before you arrive at Cool Beans you get an email telling you what will be on in Rio during your trip and when you get to the pousada you will find a whole host of other suggestions as well. Nothing appears to be too much trouble to arrange, although you might just find that the best option is sometimes what we did- forget it all and chill by the pool with a book and a super cool glass of local champagne.

Santa Teresa is a wonderfully hidden part of  Rio de Janeiro, perched on a hill between the centre of the city and Zona Sul, where most of  the beaches are. Long known for its bohemian culture, famous for being Amy Winehouse's last place of abode in Rio and infamous for being home for decades to Ronnie Biggs, of UK Great Train Robbery fame, the area is a delight of old colonial mansions, and cobbled streets, served by "bondes" or trams, most of which date back over 100 years.

The slower, more "alternative" pace of life here attracts artists, musicians and writers, many of whom hang out in the numerous bars and restaurants dotted about the place. For travellers who prefer laid back charm and history to being right close to a beach, it's a wonderful place to stay.

• A visit to the historical centre
• Restaurants: Hotel Santa Teresa, Espirita Santa and Marcô
• Bar do Arnaudo and Bar do Mineiro
• Dancing in Lapa (at the bottom of the hill!)
• Jazz at Triboz and Santo Scenarium, also in Lapa
• A buggy trip round Floresta da Tijuca weith Dolores
• Chilling out by the Cool Beans pool

• Location in the heart of Santa Teresa
• Great plunge pool, terrace and bar
• Style and service of owners Lance and David

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Price Guide

Prices below are low season rates for two people in brazilian reais (R$). Standard double room, with en-suite shower room, breakfast included.

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