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:
Quiet beaches in Rio
Riotur (official site)
💡 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:
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
What to do in Rio
🛏️ 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
