Rua Praia de Joao Fernandes 4 Cuadra C, Lote 52-53, Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil | (251) 219-4428
Scenic location on a hill above famous Joao Fernandes Beach
Quaint rooms with balconies offering at least partial sea views
Flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and safes in all rooms
Two outdoor pools with panoramic sea views and padded loungers
International restaurant offers great views and outdoor seating
Massages, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool available at the spa
Private and couples’ yoga classes available for a fee
Free tasty, varied breakfast with fresh fruit and local pastries
Free outdoor parking (limited spots) and free Wi-Fi throughout
Room service available (limited hours)
Hillside location may be challenging for guests with mobility issues
20-minute walk to historic center and most attractions
Some bathrooms could use an update
Entry-level rooms are a tad small for the price
No fitness center
The 28-room La Pedrera Small Hotel & Spa is a charming upper-middle-range boutique located on a hill about a 10-minute walk from João Fernandes Beach. Rooms are decorated in a rustic, rather romantic style and feature balconies -- most offering wonderful sea views -- as well as solid amenities such as LCD TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. The spa offers an excellent treatment menu, along with a sauna, a glass-enclosed steam room with great views, a big whirlpool, and yoga classes (fee). The pools, set on a wooden deck overlooking the beach and surrounding greenery, are a lovely spot for a quiet day in the sun, while the restaurant keeps food and drinks flowing until the evening. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at Pousadas Unicornio, though it is farther away from the city center.
Scene
Romantic boutique with stunning ocean views and charming interiors
Located on the side of a steep hill in the Joao Fernandes area, La Pedrera is ideally situated for those looking to get away from it all. It is within walking distance of one of the most popular beaches in the area, but far enough from the hustle and bustle for a serene stay. The views from here are magnificent, and the layout of the property makes the most of its privileged position, with huge windows offering panoramic vistas of the lush hillside and the ocean beyond, and several decks that open onto the beautiful landscape. Several small, wooden buildings with pitched wooden roofs topped with terra-cotta tiles make up this boutique, lending the property an intimate feel more suitable for couples than for families with young children. The vibe is quiet and relaxing, and the only noise that can be heard here is that of some lounge music played around the pool at sunset.Interiors are decorated in a charming, rustic style that incorporates exotic touches such as Asian-inspired heavy wooden furniture with delicate carvings, and white, billowy curtains. Outside, stone paths wind through tropical gardens overflowing with plants and flowers. Just note that there are plenty of steps here, which is inconvenient for guests with mobility issues. For something similar offering easier walking access to the beach, consider Le Village Buzios Boutique Hotel, though views aren't as impressive.
Location
On a hill above Joao Fernandes Beach, and a 20-minute walk from the city center
La Pedrera Small Hotel & Spa is on a small street in the Joao Fernandes area, a hilly neighborhood just north of the city center. This part of town is quiet and residential, with just a few private homes and small hotels, and no other attractions besides the Joao Fernandes Beach, which is one of the most popular in Buzios. There are many other wonderful beaches in town -- including Ossos and Azeda -- but most are between five and 10 minutes away by car. The historic center and the famous Brigitte Bardot statue are each about 20 minutes by foot, as is the bustling Rua das Pedras. Cabo Frio International Airport can be reached in about an hour and 10 minutes by car, while the Rio de Janeiro International Airport is just over three hours away. Heavy traffic should be expected in peak season.
Rooms
Pleasant, clean rooms with rustic, romantic decor and excellent views
La Pedrera’s 28 air-conditioned rooms are set on the side of the hill and accessed by stairs. They are all decorated in a rather rustic yet charming style that combines cute wooden furniture with neutral curtains and fuzzy pillows in either beige or plum hues. Some Premium Rooms and suites have canopies or four-poster beds. The overall feel is simple yet pleasant, and big wooden windows make rooms light and airy. Some units have lovely wooden ceilings, and all feature spacious balconies with a couple of chairs or loungers. The views from the rooms are a highlight here, as most offer panoramic vistas of the sea; in some standard units the views are partially obstructed by trees. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars stocked with drinks and a few snacks. Bathrooms range from simple to contemporary: some have basic off-white tiles throughout, along with small stone counters, while others are decorated with wood-like tiles on walls and floors, and big, white sink areas with sunken basins. All, however, have spacious walk-in showers, and suites feature double showers and robes. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms.
Features
Two pools, spa, beautiful yoga deck with panoramic sea views, and a restaurant
Set on a spacious wooden deck overlooking the hill and the sea, the two pools are quiet, clean, and pleasant, with several padded loungers and just some music in the evening. One of them has an infinity edge, while the other one is set back from the railing and has a separate jetted section. Right off the pool deck is the spa, offering massages, a glass-enclosed steam room with great views, and a sauna. Private and couples’ yoga classes are offered (for a fee) on a wooden deck with beautiful panoramic sea and garden views. A tasty, varied breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, yogurt, and local pastries, among other items, is served at the restaurant free of charge every morning. An international menu is available for lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day. Room service is available until after dinner. The hotel also offers a few parking spots in an outdoor lot a little bit down the hill from the lobby.