Casa 32
Style Neoclassical art house
Setting Lazy, leafy colonial quarter
Owned and run by a friendly and welcoming family, this historic mansion at the foot of Rio’s iconic Christ sculpture is the ideal eye-opener for jaded hotel hoppers. A succession of art lovers and collectors have owned and passed through Casa 32 over the generations, and their legacy is visible in the stunning baroque carving, impressive murals and hand-painted rococo tile. Modern touches abound also – both suites (yep, there’s only two) exhibit swish designer furniture and a sensitive contemporary colour scheme. The looks may be lavish, but the atmosphere’s as homely and intimate as it gets.
Need to know
- Rooms Two suites.
- Rates Double rooms from $435.53 (€330), excluding tax at 10 per cent.
- More details Rates include breakfast and a mobile phone for local calls.
- Facilities Sauna, gardens, library, DVD/CD selection, free WiFi throughout, parking. In rooms: TV, DVD player, iPod-compatible sound system, minibar.
- Poolside There’s a small plunge pool in the courtyard at the back of the villa, surrounded by loungers and parasols.
- Check-out Entirely flexible, as is check-in.
- Children Kids are welcome, although the hotel has no specific facilities. More...
- Also There’s a 10 per cent discount if you book five nights or more. There’s a five-night minimum over Christmas, new Year and Carnival, when rates increase to €280 a night.
Food and drink at Casa 32
-
Hotel restaurant
Although there’s no formal restaurant, guests are invited to lunch with owners Lucio and Johana at no charge. The family chef has been with them for years, ensuring there’s nowhere better in Rio to sample Brazilian home cooking. -
Dress code
As laid-back as you like. -
Top table
Lunch is served around the main table in the family kitchen, occasionally in the courtyard by the plunge pool. -
Room service
You can help yourself to snacks and drinks. -
Hotel bar
There’s a 24-hour honesty bar in the library area – with Lucio’s instruction, you’ll be mixing yourselves killer capirinhas in no time.
Casa 32 32 Largo do Boticário, Cosme Velho, Rio De Janeiro, 22241-120
Join us – it's free!
Sign up now for exclusive hotel offers, money back on every booking, and Smith extras (like the one below) whenever you book with us. more
Smith extra at Casa 32
A bottle of Cachaça from Paraty (complete with capirinha recipe)
In the know
Our favourite rooms
Overlooking the courtyard, Rodolfo da Siqueira (named after an art-collector former owner) is brightly decorated in white and soft yellow, with dark wooden floors, a canopy bed, and a freestanding claw-foot bath tub. Magu Leão (which takes its name for a high-society hostess who owned Casa 32 in the Fifties) adopts a more sultry red and brown colour scheme.
Packing tips
Bring binoculars, so you can make the most of the view of the Christ the Redeemer statue from the courtyard.
Also
Lucio knows Rio inside out, and is only too happy to share his insights and recommendations – it’s like staying with your own city guide.
