Casa Mosquito Hotel

This restored mansion in Ipanema Hills is walking distance from the beach, but has a distinct bohemian feel that sets it apart from the mega hotels directly on the strip. Inside, each of the nine rooms has a style of its own—from pink-and-purple palm leaf wallpaper to soothing white walls and modern cowhide rugs—but all boast stunning views of the city, ocean, and mountains surrounding Rio. An addition in 2014 included a sleek rooftop infinity pool and a bar that's become a regular backdrop for fashion shoots. An in-house chef whips up dishes starring fresh local produce that guests can enjoy in the elegant dining room, by the pool, or en-suite.