Where to Stay

São Paulo is a true megalopolis. It pulsates with the energy of all the people who make it what it is: one of the world's biggest and greatest cities. There are many good reasons to come to São Paulo, from business and study to entertainment, culture and leisure, and that is why it is one of the most frequently visited cities in Brazil today, by Brazilians as well as others from the world over.

Whatever the reason that brings you, São Paulo offers plenty to choose from in the way of comfortable accommodation, ranging from luxury first-class hotels, renowned for their exclusive service, to less sophisticated establishments found all over the city. The quality and conditions of hotel service are given a star rating by the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur), ranging from five stars for a top luxury hotel, to one star for the simplest board and lodgings.

The majority of the luxury hotels are located in the most commercially important sector of the city: the Avenida Paulista. One of the most traditional places is the Maksoud Plaza Hotel, distinguished by its architecture and its impressive atrium and panoramic elevators. More recent constructions include the Gran Melia Mofarrej, the Caesar São Paulo Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Another, slightly newer hotel in this category is the Renaissance São Paulo, with a central location that offers easy access to most parts of the city. New developments are also going up in the south zone near Nações Unidas Avenue. Here you can find the Transamerica Hotel, regularly attended by the Formula One crowd when the Brazilian Grand Prix is on, due to its proximity to the city's municipal racetrack. And, don't forget São Paulo's top luxury hotel, the São Paulo Hilton, located in the city centre near the Praça da República.

Still rated first class, but with lower prices, are a number of hotels distributed throughout the city. Central São Paulo offers at least one of these: the São Paulo Othon Hotel. In the all-important area of Avenida Paulista one finds the Hotel Inter-Continental São Paulo, used mostly by business executives.

Needless to say, there is a wide choice of middle and lower category establishments throughout the city, and you can find a hotel to suit your needs in almost every district. Note, for example, the elegantly decorated Nikkey Palace in the Japanese Liberdade quarter. Also very popular are the Hotel Jandaia and the Hotel Normandie, also located in the city centre.

São Paulo has much to offer for those who wish to stay for a longer period, as well, with options such as "apart-hotels" and other types of residential accommodation.