Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro: our sea-view stay (December)
There are only a handful of cities in the world that have become a state of mind. Rome is eternal. Paris is light. Rio is vacation — even for those who live here, like us.
In December 2025, we decided to do what every Carioca should do from time to time: stay in your own city, change surroundings without leaving your ZIP code, and look at Rio with the eyes of a visitor. The choice was the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro, in the quietest corner of the South Zone. The experience at the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro was amazing, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to enjoy what the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro has to offer.
And I’ll tell you now: it was the kind of experience that makes you think “why don’t I do this more often?”
📌 Want to compare Leme with other neighborhoods?
See our complete guide:
👉 Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro: best neighborhoods and hotels in 2026
🏨 Where is the Novotel Leme located
📍 Location of the Novotel Leme: is it worth staying in Leme?
The Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro is located in one of the most strategic areas of the South Zone.
- ✔️ Facing Leme Beach
- ✔️ Quieter area than Copacabana
- ✔️ Easy access to subway and Uber
Leme is ideal for those who want to be close to everything, but without the tourist chaos.
👉 Also see:
💡 Our experience at the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro
If you’re unsure whether the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro is worth it, here’s a direct answer: yes — especially if you want a balance of location, comfort, and good value for money in the South Zone.
During our stay, what stood out the most was the combination of incredible view, rooftop with pool and one of the best breakfasts in the area.
Unlike older hotels along the waterfront, the Novotel delivers a modern, functional, and well-located experience.
👉 Compare with other regions:
🛏️ The room: space, comfort and golden tip
The room stands out at first glance for its size — a rarity in a South Zone hotel.
✔️ Room highlights
- Comfortable bed
- Space for large suitcases
- Accessible and well-planned bathroom
- Good natural lighting
💡 Tip from someone who has been there:
Ask for a sea view room.
Waking up to the sea in Leme changes the experience completely.
🌅 Rooftop Sky Lounge: the big highlight
Here is the heart of the hotel.
The Sky Lounge, on the rooftop, is open even to non-guests, but guests fare better with more ease.
What you find up there:
- Pool with direct sea view
- Sun loungers
- Bar and restaurant
- Perfect sunset vibe
👉 We’ve already detailed everything in this specific post:
🔗 https://viagenselugaress.com/restaurante-sky-leme-gastronomia-com-vista-espetacular-no-coracao-do-leme/
Even living in Rio, the feeling up there is like a real trip.
☕ Breakfast: one of the best in Rio
No exaggeration.
The breakfast at the Novotel Leme is the kind that makes you wake up craving it, not out of obligation.
Real highlights:
- Eggs Benedict
- Açaí with several toppings
- Fresh fruit
- Breads, cakes and hot options
- Well-served coffee, not stingy
📌 That is the kind of coffee that becomes an event, not just a meal.
🍽️ Where to eat near the Novotel Leme
If you’re staying there, these are the best nearby places:
- Yayá Comidaria – great value
See review - Frederic Epicerie – brunch and coffee
See review - Botecos do Leme – rustic food
See guide - 🌊 Leme seafront kiosks Highlight for the Classic Beach Club Leme
👉 More options:
🚇 How to get around
- Uber works very well
- Hassle-free ride-hailing taxis
- Subway relatively close
- You can do a lot on foot
👉 Useful guide:
🔗 https://viagenselugaress.com/como-usar-transporte-publico-com-seguranca-no-rio/
💰 Is it worth staying at the Novotel Leme?
✅ It’s definitely worth it if you:
- Want a beach view without Copacabana chaos
- Like a modern and functional hotel
- Value a strong breakfast
- Want a rooftop with a pool and an incredible view
⚠️ Maybe not ideal if:
- You want extreme luxury (the idea here is smart comfort)
- Prefer historic or boutique hotels
📊 Quick summary of the stay
| Item | Rating |
|---|---|
| Location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Room comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Breakfast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rooftop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
🧠 Final tips from someone who lives in Rio
- December is hot, but the rooftop makes up for it
- Stay for at least one weekend
- Combine hotel + beach + good restaurants
- Use the Duo Gourmet to really save
👉 To plan your stay better:
🔗 https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro/
🌅 Novotel Leme Rooftop: is it worth it?
The Sky Leme rooftop is one of the hotel’s biggest differentiators.
With an infinity pool and direct sea view, the space offers one of the best sunset experiences in the South Zone.
👉 See the full guide:
💡 Tip: go in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset — it’s the best moment of the day.
⚠️ 5 mistakes when staying at the Novotel Leme
- Not requesting a room with a sea view
- Not taking advantage of the rooftop at sunset
- Ignoring breakfast (one of the hotel’s best)
- Going without planning nearby restaurants
- Underestimate the heat in summer
👉 Also see:
Frequently asked questions about the Novotel Leme Rio de Janeiro
See below the main questions from those thinking about staying at the Novotel Leme:
Does the Novotel Leme face the beach?
Yes. The hotel is located practically on the edge of Leme Beach, with easy access to the sand.
Is it worth staying at the Novotel Leme?
Yes — especially for those seeking comfort, good location, and a rooftop with an incredible view in Rio de Janeiro.
Is the rooftop of the Novotel Leme open to the public?
Yes, the Sky Lounge can be accessed by non-guests, but those staying have more ease and comfort.
Is the Leme neighborhood safe?
Yes, it’s considered one of the quietest areas in Rio’s South Zone, especially during the day and early evening.
How much does it cost to stay at the Novotel Leme?
Prices vary, but are typically mid-to-upper range, with good value for money given the location.
Is breakfast worth it?
Yes — it’s one of the stay’s highlights, with variety and quality above average.
What is the best room to choose?
Rooms with sea view are the most recommended, as they greatly elevate the experience.
Can you walk to everything in Leme?
Yes, many restaurants, the beach, and attractions are within a few minutes’ walk.
How do you get to the hotel?
Uber and apps are the best options. You can also use the subway and walk a few minutes.
Is the Novotel Leme good for couples?
Yes, mainly for the rooftop and the calmer neighborhood atmosphere.
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