Hotel Fasano Rio Opens Amidst Design Drama

Where: Av. Viera Souto 80, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22420-000

8/15/2007 at 10:30 AM
Tags: Hotel Openings, Hotel Opening Rates

Ricardo Freire a travel blogger based in São Paulo alerted us to his recent stay at the Hotel Fasano Rio by Ipanema Beach which is still in a pre-opening stage.

Apparently, this hotel has quite a backstory. Not exactly in the same way as Six Columbus but still high-drama.

Ricardo tells us the place was intended to be run by the Faena hotel people in Buenos Aires but at some point, the Fasano group took over (these people already run one of Rio's hot restaurants, the Gero).

However, the new owners design style did not sit well with Philippe Starck who was originally set to do the interior. Ricardo writes:

They've spent the past 18 months quabbling over every detail and piece of furniture, with a clear victory on Fasano's side, who managed to de-Starck the hotel considerably. You can still see Starck almost everywhere, but there's a lot of chic and no shock.

Chances are, the designer guests will be talking about after their stay is Sergio Rodrigues, who back in the 60's designed the chairs that are seen in rooms, balconies and at the lounge off the lobby.

Very interesting indeed. Ricardo also gives us helpful room choices. For instance, the "courtyard" rooms start at $405 but he says not to bother with them. Instead splurge on the sea-view superior or deluxe rooms at $515 and $620 respectively.

Check out the lot of pictures Ricardo has posted over at his blog. But the descriptions are all in Portuguese.

Related Stories:
· Buenos Aires Hotel Guide [HotelChatter]