YOO Hotels opened the first property in its Yoo2 brand in Rio de Janeiro. The Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is a partnership between YOO Hotels and Resorts and Intercity Hotels.
The property, a former embassy, was reimagined by local architects, as well as London’s Yoo Design Studio. Architect Sergio Gattass led the building’s transformation, while fellow Brazilian designer Melina Romano assisted Yoo’s team with “tropicalizing” the space.
Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is located in the Botafogo neighborhood. It has views of Guanabara Bay towards Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado. These can be seen from the Rooftop Pool Bar and majority of the 143 guestrooms and suites.
The hotel has an international look, but with accents of Brazilian design through murals, tiling, parquet wall paneling and furniture. Marcelo Ment, a Rio de Janeiro based street artist, created a graffiti mural within the elevator shaft, which can be viewed from the glass-backed lifts on the journey through the hotel.
The YOO Bed has oversized head cushion and a residential feel with its detached bedside tables that can be purchased by guests.
The YOO Tree is the in-room entertainment. There is also a minibar and Nespresso machine.
For dining, the property has Cariocally Restaurant & Bar, which offers contemporary regional dining; and The Rooftop, which has views of the city and a seafood bar.
The staff was dressed by Andre Namitala from Handred Clothing.
