Built in 1871, and exquisitely renovated by Frenchman Jean Michel Ruis, Mama Ruisa was once the home of the mayor of Rio, and is among the most historic mansions in the district of Santa Teresa.
Despite its small stature, space is not an issue here. High ceilings, amply sized rooms, and a cloistered pool area make for a comfortable stay. Service-wise, there's real flexibility and attention to detail.
OUR OPINION:
Mama Ruisa is a very tranquil place to stay. Its location in Santa Teresa, a part of the city noted for its colonial architecture and thriving art scene, offers a very different experience compared to the bustling beachfront districts of Copacabana and Ipanema.
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who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Brazil specialists
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Photos of Mama Ruisa
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![View from Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro]()
View from Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro -
![Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro]()
Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro -
![Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro]()
Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro -
![Cambre Amazone, Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro]()
Cambre Amazone, Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro -
![Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro]()
Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro
Rooms
There are seven rooms divided between two categories, each of which is stylish and spacious, some of them with balconies offering views across the city and Guanabara Bay. Each room is decorated with objects curated by the owner from around Rio, while orchids and oil fragrances make for congenial touches. Garden-level rooms feel very private and offer easy pool access while those on the first floor are bathed in light and offer the best views. Several have private verandas.
Location
Though scarcely 20 minutes from the beach, and closer still to metropolitan shopping streets and boutique art galleries, Mama Ruisa is an elegant and serene retreat, and an excellent alternative to Rio's more crowded beachfront hotels. Leisurely afternoons can be spent lounging by the tree-lined pool while evenings out can be spent enjoying the sounds of samba or dining at the nearby bars and restaurants.
Food and drink
Tropical breakfasts of delicious coffee, fresh fruit, and light fare are served in your room, in the common space, or by the pool. There's no restaurant at the hotel so lunch and dinner must be taken at one of the nearby restaurants. The hotel can arrange taxis for meals out: just ask at reception.
Facilities and activities
The tranquil and tropical pool and outdoor patio area are one of the highlights of the property. The hotel can also arrange spa services such as massages, pedicures, and manicures.
Tour ideas in Rio de Janeiro
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Mama Ruisa as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Hotel exterior, Belmond Copacabana Palace]()
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Rio de Janeiro -
![Fasano Rio, Rio de Janeiro]()
Fasano Rio
Rio de Janeiro -
![Hotel Emiliano, Rio de Janeiro]()
Hotel Emiliano
Rio de Janeiro -
![Roof Terrace, Miramar Hotel by Windsor]()
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Rio de Janeiro
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Cycling Tour of Rio's Beaches ![Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro]()
Cycling Tour of Rio's Beaches
Cycling Tour of Rio's Beaches
The beaches are an excellent place to watch cariocas jogging, strutting and walking their poodles in the sunshine. You set the pace and if there is time you will also be able to circle the Lagoa before returning to your hotel.
View details -
Maracanã Football Match ![Maracanã stadium, Rio de Janeiro]()
Maracanã Football Match
Maracanã Football Match
The Maracanã football stadium was built in 1950 for the World Cup and is the biggest stadium of its kind, holding at one point, before terraces were converted to seating, more than 200,000 fans.
View details -
Rio by Night ![Rio de Janeiro at sunset]()
Rio by Night
Rio by Night
There is no other place in Rio that embodies the 'alegria' or happiness of the Brazilian people more than the nightlife scene in the neighbourhood of Lapa.
View details
Rio de Janeiro and nearby places
- Ilha Grande 65 miles away
- Búzios 84 miles away
- Green Coast 88 miles away
- Paraty 100 miles away
- Tiradentes 141 miles away
- Ouro Preto 177 miles away
- Minas Gerais 334 miles away
- Florianópolis 466 miles away
- Trancoso 513 miles away
- Brasília 582 miles away