Melia Ibirapuera

Melia is a large hotel company with several brands and properties around the world. The interior entrance area to the Melia Ibirapuera may not seem very impressive at first, until you look up -- the lobby is open to the many floors above, punctuated by two exposed glass elevators running up and down. With a crisp black-and-white color palette including black marble floors and black leather furniture, the overall effect is very modern and clean -- maybe even a bit sterile. The lobby lounge bar just beyond the elevator bank offers a warmer (and hipper) feel. It’s a stylish space with lots of natural wood details mixed in with contemporary dark gray, jungle-inspired prints, and pops of lime green. The nicely backlit bar makes an appealing area to meet for drinks or coffee, with comfortable seating. A clean, contemporary style extends to the restaurant and rooms, but the lounge area is easily the snazziest part of the hotel. Overall, the vibe of the hotel is polished and relaxed, a nice atmosphere for either business or leisure travel. 

The hotel is located in the Moema District, an area that offers a mix of residential and commercial blocks while providing a relatively peaceful setting when compared to the rest of the bustling megalapolis of Sao Paulo. Still, traffic is a regular presence on the busy Avenue Ibirapuera which the hotel faces out onto. This modern neighborhood offers a good range of bars, restaurants, and shopping. It’s close to the Congonhas Airport, the São Paulo Expo center, and the popular Ibirapuera Park, where a handful of museums are located.

The location might be a drawback for anyone who wants to stay close to Paulista Avenue -- one of Sao Paulo’s most popular streets where many cultural activities, dining, and nightlife are centered. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Paulista by car. Also, there is no metro station close by to the hotel (the closest one is about two miles away) meaning that guests will have to brave Sao Paulo’s notorious traffic by bus, car, or taxi to get around the city. Sao Paulo International Airport is about an hour away. 

The rooms and suites of the Melia Ibirapuera include Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and three types of suites. The bright, contemporary rooms are decked out with wood finishes on both the floors and furniture. While the decor is up to date, some small dents and dings are present. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a refrigerated minibar, free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea facilities, and a bathrobe and slippers. Deluxe Rooms and suites offer extra amenities such as upgraded toiletries (like a shaving kit and dental kit), an iPod dock, better coffee facilities, and nicer bed linens. Deluxe Rooms are also larger in size and have upgraded decor and bathrooms, like stylish headboards and sinks. The bathrooms in some Classic Rooms are on the small side, especially when it comes to the shower stalls. The spacious suites vary in layout, some offer a sink area by the mini-fridge, others have an extra large desk and a whirlpool tub in the bathroom. A few rooms have clear glass walls separating the bathrooms, which might not be a pro for all guests (there is a curtain for privacy). Many rooms have good city views, especially from the higher floors.

Features at Melia feel upscale. The lobby bar is a cozy and stylish space that offers cocktails, appetizers, and coffee. Just across the lobby, the Maesto Restaurant provides a spacious and contemporary setting with lots of windows. It serves international cuisine buffet-style for breakfast, and lunch and a la carte plates for dinner. Room service is also available. Breakfast is not included in all room rates. The small heated lap pool is located in an indoor facility. The pool area, however, does not provide any chairs or seating, making it more of a fitness area than a place to lounge. Next to the pool is a sauna and fitness room, however the equipment is a bit old and due for an update. The hotel has a small event center consisting of 12 meeting rooms, offering spaces that can facilitate from 10 to 220 people. Outside of the event rooms, there is no dedicated business center. Valet parking is available for a daily fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.