Jet Set Life Reviews the Fasano in Rio de Janeiro

When speaking to the über-chic guests at the roof top pool of the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, your conversation always turns to where you stayed B.F. (Before Fasano). You will get a variety of answers, yet everyone agrees that with the Fasano, Rio de Janeiro finally has a star on the hotel scene.

There was a lot of hype about the Fasano hotel opening in Rio. So, my husband and I decided to stay at this Ipanema property for ten-days during our second trip to Rio for New Year's Eve.

When we pulled up to the perfectly located Fasano, it was rather unassuming. Once inside we found a beautifully designed lobby pulling us in three directions. To the right is the check-in and elevators, to the left are the plush couches of the lobby lounge and straight head, we can follow the narrow white curtain enclosed, lit pathway to Londra, one of Rio's sexiest bars. One thing we do notice is a lack of music in the lobby. No faint sexy beats of any kind can be heard, just guests chattering in multiple languages. This is something that we will determine is a consistent, yet easily correctable flaw in many areas of the hotel.

It comes as no surprise to us that the master of boutique hotel interior design, Philippe Starck's fingerprints are all over the Fasano. However, knowing Starcks previous designs like the Delano, we get the feeling that Rogério Fasano may have held Starck back a little to preserve the Fasano's classic look.

Check-in was a breeze. The English speaking staff is polite, accommodating and an obvious example of General Manager, Fabio Prado's extraordinary management style. At check-in were handed a sexy little black book which holds a map, note pad and the Fasano Black Card. The Black Card is our room key, yet we found out, it also open doors all around the city.

Once in the elevator, which we needed a room key to operate, we selected our floor. We stepped out of the elevator into a Philippe Starck wonderland of dark wood, dimly lit hall with an almost triangular shape. We noticed that the room numbers are not on the doors; they are illuminated on the floor in front of them, which is undeniably creative. We found an oddly shaped, striped chair in the center of the floor, which after a few Caipirinhas, we later discussed what we believe it was shaped to resemble.

Once we crossed the threshold of the ocean view room, we found an open area where our attention was immediately directed to the unobstructed view of Ipanema beach. We realized that regardless if we were in the shower, in bed or on the balcony, we always had a view of the surf and sand.

Note: When staying at the Fasano, room selection is very important. There are 82 basic rooms with a courtyard or ocean view. There are also 7 suites and 3 deluxe suites, all with beautiful panoramic ocean views. Our suggestion is to only go with an ocean view room in the category of your choice, but make sure it is on a higher floor, so the noise of the street does not bother your beauty sleep. The courtyard views are really views of the very close neighboring buildings so you are looking at wall.

Glancing beside our bed we found a complementary pair of Brazilian Havaianas flip-flops in our size. We slide them on and headed to the roof top pool. Lounge chairs to allow guests to soak in the sun surround the pool. Also, there is a covered lounge with tables where guest can enjoy a nice lunch. As we dine on the crowd favorite, tuna-tartar, we found ourselves gazing at Ipanema and Leblon beaches, and on a clear day, Christ the Redeemer. The pool manager Mario was always smiling and he and his staff are ready to assist. The only thing this rooftop is craving is music. With no music, there is no vibe so consequently, no real scene. Also on the rooftop you will find a small, yet adequate gym with windows that face the pool. Having to watch the hard bodies sweat will always make you feel guilty that you did not join them before getting into the pool.

On the first floor you will find the spa. They offer the usual spa services. However, the spa seemed to be an afterthought of the hotel group. The spa is actually found in room 112. There is no sign that says Spa, it is a normal hotel room converted into a spa. There is only one spa service that can be performed at a time because there is usually only one therapist on duty. The services themselves are good, but not as outstanding as they should be. I'd suggest opening the side courtyard on the ground floor into a magnificent spa, seeing as the space seems unused by hotel guests anyway.

There are two restaurants associated with the Fasano. Al Mare is a bright, all white restaurant on the property. They serve up classic favorites like ravioli as well as the freshest seafood in Rio. They also have a wonderful selection of wines and cocktails. Guests of the Fasano can take a complimentary hotel car to the off site restaurant Gero, named after the man himself Rogério Fasano. This darker, Italian inspired restaurant should not be missed.

Londra is an intimate dark and richly decorated bar that draws global celebrities and the beautiful people of Rio de Janeiro. A great perk of staying at the Fasano is that guests are granted immediate access to the hottest bar in Rio, Londra. If there is a wait, and there usually is, all you need to do is walk up to the front and show your Fasano Black Card.

The Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro is by far my favorite hotel in Rio de Janeiro and with a couple tweaks, it couple be one of my favorites in the world.