Castelinho 38, Rio de Janeiro (Santa Teresa), Rio de Janeiro - stylish castellated townhouse in centre of Santa Teresa

I had already passed the Castelinho several times on visits to Santa Teresa but it was friends of mine who stayed there that said it really ought to be part of Hidden Pousadas Brazil. Once I walked inside I began to understand why. Like many pousadas in Santa Teresa this is beautifully refurbished house which dates back to 1866; the difference comes in the style, the space, the tranquility and the wonderful welcome from Italian owner Marco and friends.

Castelinho 38 has 10 stylish spacious bedrooms with high ceilings, all en-suite together with a 70 sq mtr reception just perfect for the art exhibitions and displays that are frequently held heree. From the terrace you get a wonderful view of the city center with Guanabara bay beyond, and sitting in the garden you are surrounded by coconut palms , fruit trees and tropical foliage. All this within a stone’s throw of the bars and restaurants in the center of Santa Teresa and the picturesque trams which still run up and down the cobbled streets and across the viaduct into the center of Rio.

There are a great many pousadas in Santa Teresa- of all sizes and prices, but for people who want artistic style coupled with space and a great location Castelinho 38 would be hard to beat.

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, and infamous for being home for decades to Ronnie Biggs, of Great Train Robbery fame, the area is a delight of old colonial mansions, and cobbled streets, served by old style trams. 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, history  and music as opposed to being right close to a beach, it's a wonderful place to stay.

• Bar do Mineiro
• SobreNatural & Espirito Santa restaurants
• Museum with Sugarloaf views: Chácara do Ceu
• Sala Cecilia Meireles for classical concerts
• Taking the bonde/ tram to the centre
• Lapa samba and chorinho bars  

• exhibitions, workshops on dance and rhythm, music, poetry
• excellent location in central Santa Teresa
• good meeting place for travellers
• Italian style and comfort

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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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