“I’d want to stay in Leblon, which is right next to Ipanema and also has a great beach. Hotel Marina Palace (from R$575 [R$1.57 = $1]; hotelmarina.com.br/palace/pt) is on the water—I would never give up being on the water.” —Bruno Wainer, film distributor
“If I couldn’t stay in the Fasano [the exclusive resort on Ipanema Beach], I’d choose the Hotel Santa Teresa (from R$780; santa-teresa-hotel.com), in the lovely neighborhood of the same name. The décor is pure Brazilian—a mix of contemporary and old-fashioned styles.” —Oskar Metsavaht, designer
“If I had money, I’d opt for La Suite (from R$800; lasuiterio.com), a boutique hotel on the cliffs over Joatinga Beach—it has a view of paradise. But if I were on a budget, I’d say the Z.bra Hostel (from R$220; zbrahostel.com), where all the cool kids are staying.” —Renée Castelo Branco, journalist