When deciding on where we wanted to go for our honeymoon, we flip-flopped between the idea of Colombia and some other country. We had never been to Brazil before, and when realizing that Brazil had everything that we could ever want including really good food, amazing nature and geography, great opportunities for dancing and listening to music, and beautiful tropical beaches and views, we were definitely sold to book the trip right away.

Brazil is huge and we knew we couldn’t see all of the country in one trip but we definitely had ideas on where we wanted to go; of course including Rio de Janeiro, the islands off the coast of Pernambuco called Fernando de Noronha, and a quick stop in São Paulo.

Finding hotels was hard, just because of the variety of options you can book all over Rio, but when I found Chez Georges, as well as when my friend who is well-versed in the boutique hotel industry sent this recommendation, my decision to book was reinforced.

We planned to stay at the same hotel in Rio for four nights so we did not have to move every few days. Chez Georges’ website convinced me right off the bat because I really enjoyed seeing the photos of the home’s architecture and their intentionality behind various rooms and design. I also thought the focus on music was really special, especially because my husband is a musician himself.

The way it is advertised makes you feel like you’ll have a pretty private experience and walk up to a lobby and front desk, but when we arrived in person, it make more sense. This was a large home with many rooms and a small staff. We saw a lot of other travelers using the same common spaces as us. However, I don’t know why it felt different because this is the same thing as what you would be doing in a hotel. It fell a little bit like sharing a large Airbnb or guesthouse with other people that we didn’t know however, it ended up being really lovely and intimate, experience. We even met some interesting and welcoming people along the way.

All six of the rooms have different names that are named after the musical realm’s various Georges. We stayed in the George Harrison suite. Every morning the staff prepares an amazing Brazilian breakfast full of color and filling options. Each morning, our plates were filled with different types of bread, fresh fruit, and delicious coffee. You have a choice to eat inside at the main dining table, outside on the terrace near your room, or even by the pool. The most stunning part of the house is the view towards Urca where you can see the whole city as well as the famous Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. The property lies in the heart of Santa Teresa, and it is just a few steps away from the main trolley station, Largo dos Guimarães.

We took an Uber from the airport all the way to Santa Teresa. It was surprising to see how windy and bumpy the cobblestone streets were, but the driver seem to have no problem and even was nice enough to give us other recommendations in Rio as we headed up there. Upon arrival, you buzz the gate, enter a garage, and are lead to an elevator. The house spans three floors, but guests stay on the top floor. When your walk through the beautiful glass framed with wood, the receptionist will greet you and check you in. We happened to arrive very early in the morning, so although our room was not ready, we took a walk around the town, saw the famous Escadaria Selarón outside of Lapa, and also grabbed our first açaí and pão de queijo at Cultivar where you choose if you want it sweetened or unsweetened. After a sweaty walk to Lapa and back, we joined in for breakfast at the house.

The house is filled with such unique furniture, objects, interesting pieces of art, and books that you really just cannot stop looking at it when you were there. Every morning the house is filled with pagoda or bossa nova music. There is even a piano, cello, and record player that you can play. An interesting fact that I learned from another guest is that every room has hookups to plug instruments in, making your own private recording studio if you wish. On the second floor of the property property there also is an actual recording studio if that was something you wanted to do. The house also employs a full-time chef, Thais, who makes a lot of the breads for breakfast in-house. You can also hire her to create beautiful private lunches and dinners for you and those traveling with you. You also have full use of the kitchen if you wanted to cook on your own food or store your groceries and wine.

Overall, Chez George is the perfect place to stay if you prefer something a little bit more unique, tucked away, yet still driving distance to the amazing sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro. Nearby, visitors can dance samba just down the street at Armazém e Pousada São Joaquim or head over to Lapa for some nightlife. Walking distance, you can have a traditional Brazilian meal at Bar do Mineiro or something fancier at Aprazivel. Heading to Ipanema or Copacabana is less than 30 minutes away via car and Ubers are readily available. In terms of safety, there is a sentiment that it is better to take a car rather than walk. Normal precautions, such as storing your belongings safely, not being too distracted, and not flashing your phone or money will make your stay so much less stressful if you have this in mind. I can’t wait to return to Rio, make a visit to Chez Georges, and continue my journey with a caipirinha in hand!