HB Hotels Ninety

When entering the HB Hotels Ninety (known locally as the HB Ninety) the modern lobby, which is decked out with lots of windows and a preponderance of beige marble, helps create a polished atmosphere and sets a formal tone for this largely business-centered hotel. The two-floor entrance area is open and airy, featuring high ceilings that add to the refined atmosphere -- though it stops short of feeling grand. Fruit-infused iced water stationed next the front desk is a nice touch on a hot day, and there’s also an espresso bar in a corner of the lobby. Some of the furnishings in the lobby and common areas feel a bit dated and reminiscent of the '90s -- including the tufted leather couches, mirror-covered walls, gold fixtures, and Art Deco-style lighting fixtures, to name a few. The restaurant and bar next door to the lobby provide a more welcoming, cozy atmosphere and offer contemporary furnishings that feel more up to date than the rest of the hotel. The restaurant is bustling at lunch time and busy people in suits hurry through the lobby doors throughout the day. The property is well located for business travelers and can be a popular spot for corporate events and meetings.

The hotel is centrally located in the upscale Jardins District, an area known for luxury shopping malls and fun nightlife. It’s a popular area for business and leisure travelers alike, with good access to the nearby parks and the museums along the main artery of Paulista Avenue. The shopping district around Oscar Freire Avenue is a short walk away. However, getting to other parts of the city might be a more arduous task: the nearest metro station is about a 20-minute walk away. While there are bus stops close by and taxis are always an option, Sao Paulo is notorious for its traffic and the metro is a preferred mode of transit for many. It's about a 50-minute drive to Sao Paulo International Airport. 

The hotel’s 246 rooms are all in the style of suites, featuring extra space for a sofa or seating area. While all the rooms are roughly the same size, they’re divided into three categories according to the floor, furnishings, and amenities: Standard, Luxury, or VIP. Some of the VIP or Luxury rooms also include sliding doors that separate the seating area from the bedroom. All rooms include a refrigerated minibar, free Wi-Fi, and a coffeemaker. The Luxury and VIP rooms also feature a small kitchen space with the addition of a microwave, sink, and some dishware. The VIP rooms, located on higher floors with great city views, additionally provide some upscale perks like a robe, slippers, and laundry service.The style of the furnishings is inconsistent and can vary from room to room. Overall, the decor is rather plain, featuring a bland color palette consisting mostly of white and beige. Some of the rooms on higher levels have dark wood accents or modern furniture pieces. If there is anything consistent about the style of the rooms, it’s that they’re all lacking in color. Some bathrooms are small, particularly in the Standard Rooms, though they all have nice marble countertops, toiletries, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent hardware updates.

One of the highlights of the hotel is the cozy, garden restaurant and adjacent bar area. The restaurant, Pimenta Roma, features a pleasant outdoor patio area with tables situated below an arbor of tropical plants. The name means "Spicy Roma,” after a kind of local fruit that’s similar to a pomegranate. Breakfast (included) and lunch are served buffet-style, and dinner is a la carte. The restaurant features a brick pizza oven. Make your way up to the top floor to find a small rooftop pool and solarium. The pool has a nice fountain feature, however the size makes it more suited for a quick dip than for any type of exercise. Next to the pool, there’s a sunny seating area with lounge chairs and great views of the city out of the large glass walls. Located next to the pool, the fitness room also has panoramic views. However, much of the fitness gear shows its age. There’s also a steam room and sauna nearby. On the lower level, there’s also a squash court and lessons an be arranged the front desk (for a fee).The hotel offers six meeting rooms of different sizes for business use or events. The rooms are bright, offering good lighting and updated tech equipment. There’s a small business center with a few computers as well. In the lobby is a small gift counter featuring local Brazilian chocolates and other souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. One feature that stands out from other hotels: Parking at the HB Ninety is included for guests -- a hard-to-find amenity in the crowded city of Sao Paulo.