Hotel Review: Rosewood São Paulo Is a Design Fever Dream

If I had to fault any part of my stay at the Rosewood São Paulo, I can only say that it was far too short. The property is a masterpiece in every way, from the architecture and design to the setting and amenities. It’s the kind of place where once you’re a guest, you want to find any excuse to be one again. Given that São Paulo is the largest city in the Americas and one of the biggest worldwide, it has a dearth of luxury hotels, a handful of which are from international brands.

When the globally renowned Rosewood opened in January 2022, the scenario changed. The property is a destination, offering visitors diverse experiences. Paulistanos are also fans and gravitate here for the restaurants and bars.

Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Ask any in-the-know, well-heeled resident, and they’ll tell you that the Rosewood is among their favorite stomping grounds.

Located in the upscale Bela Vista neighborhood, the Rosewood is within the burgeoning development of Cidade Matarazzo, an ambitious project from French businessman Alexandre Allard that encompasses hotels, residences, a cultural center, restaurants and stores.

The Hotel

The property is housed in two buildings amid gardens and rich vegetation, offering an air of serenity in a nonstop metropolis. One structure dates to the 1940s, when it was part of a hospital complex and served as a maternity ward. The second is a greenery-encased tower built by the celebrated Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel.

Photo: Oskar Metsavaht Exhibition. Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Philippe Starck, the eclectic and inventive designer, brought the interiors to life. Brazil’s personality is evident everywhere at the Rosewood São Paulo. The modern, stylish aesthetic includes 30 types of native marble and four varieties of wood, such as imbuia from the Amazon.

Artisans countrywide are behind the accessories, lighting, and textiles, and the art collection is a stunner: The works of 57 Brazilian artists, many of whom are blockbuster names, are featured on the walls of the common spaces and in the guest rooms.

Photo: Grand premier room. Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Accommodations—180 in total—feature rich wood tones interspersed with bursts of color in accent pieces and textiles such as pillowcases. A guitar is on display in each room, adding a musical touch to the sophistication.

Even the entry-level classic king room, measuring 463 square feet, is spacious and supremely luxurious.

Callouts go to the sink-into linens from Trousseau, 43-inch mirrored television, large desks, and butler service.

Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Then there’s the bathroom: a white and black marble retreat with a huge rain shower, fresh-scented toiletries from the upscale beauty brand Votary, and a toilet from TOTO, the gold standard in the industry.

All guests are spoiled with butler service. Call or message the team, and they’ll instantly appear to help with anything you need. Mine was handy when it came to packing and a pro at fitting all my newly acquired items into my carry-on suitcase.

Given that the Rosewood São Paulo is a social hub for the It Crowd, you’ll want to experience at least a few of the six restaurants and bars. Le Jardin is an indoor-outdoor spot replete with flowers and open all day. It’s where guests come for a delicious salad, simple grilled fish or steak, omelets, coffee, and dessert.

Photo: Le Jardin. Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Taraz, a play on South American cuisine, showcases the best of wood-fired cooking. The venues also include a jazz cocktail bar, Rabo di Galo, where the scene lasts well into the early morning hours. Each place is distinctive in its way.

Photo: Rabo di Galo. Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

The Emerald Garden Pool & Bar and Bela Vista Rooftop Pool & Bar are other stars at the property. The yoga studio and 24-hour gym, outfitted with the best fitness equipment, are also worth mentioning.

Photo: Asaya spa. Courtesy of Rosewood Sao Paulo

Let me tell you about the Asaya Spa, which opened in March 2024. It’s a showstopper. The Crystal Room is a hideaway for guided meditations, head massages, and other services. The treatment rooms feature attached baths stocked with robes, slippers, and other amenities. The facials and body treatments are in collaboration with the storied French beauty brand Guerlain.

From a business perspective, the Rosewood has more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space and is well-suited to host any type of gathering. Given my visit, I’m not surprised that many guests are repeat clients. I aspire to be the same.

Best For

A luxe immersion into the culture and lifestyle of Brazil, highlighting art, music, and dining.

Verdict

This elegant property has raised the bar for hotels in São Paulo, attracting both devoted guests and in-the-know locals.

rosewoodhotels.com