Avenida Ibirapuera 2534, Moema, Sao Paulo, Brazil | (888) 635-3814
Chic and modern style throughout the lobby and rooms
Near Ibirapuera Park, where a handful of museums are located
Nicely-updated rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs
Stylish lobby bar serves drinks and coffee
Bright, spacious restaurant with international cuisine
Small, heated indoor lap pool and sauna
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Event center with 12 meeting rooms of different sizes
Valet parking (for a fee)
Not located closed to a metro station
Long car or taxi ride to the main Paulista Avenue area
Fitness room is small and a bit dated
Breakfast not included for all rates
The three-and-a-half-pearl Melia has a cosmopolitan feel and some of the polish of an upscale property, offering a good value. The 350 rooms and suites have decent updates, including nice wood finishes and flat-screen TVs. The stylish lobby bar and indoor pool are the stars of the show, and there's an international restaurant. The location, however, is not for everyone. It’s located far from the popular Paulista Avenue thoroughfare and it's about two miles from the closest metro stop. But for those looking to stay in the Moema neighborhood and near Ibirapuera Park, the Melia Ibirapuera offers a more refined style and nicer amenities than many of its nearby competitors. Comfort Hotel Ibirapuera offers lower rates, free hot breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
Scene
Modern glass elevators and hip lobby bar set the scene for business or leisure
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.
Location
In the Moema District near Ibirapuera park; far from Paulista or a metro stop
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.
Rooms
Bright and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and some amazing views
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
A stylish lobby bar, contemporary restaurant and indoor lap pool (but no seating area)
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.