Hotel Unique
Designed by famed Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake in 2003, the hotel is striking, playful and decidedly lacking in a collective conclusion what its crescent shape looks like. Perhaps it’s an ocean liner, perhaps a slice of watermelon; regardless - it’s a futuristic, architecturally experimental boutique hotel that’s owned and operated by the Siaulys, one of São Paulo's leading families. Inside the weathered copper façade, the 85 rooms and 10 suites are the chicly contemporary constructions from São Paulo-born designer, João Armentano. The oft-revamped interiors are design-forward and thoroughly modern, but respites from the neon lights of the colorful city. White walls, soft, low grey couches, frosted glass room dividers, warm wood floors, they’re assemblages of squares, sloped walls and massive circular windows that take in the skyline. Speaking of the skyline, the hotel’s rooftop offers one of the best views of the city - while also being a popular places in town for business lunches (the city’s business district around Paulista Avenue and Avenue Luis Carlos Berrini are around the corner) and the place to layout by the crimson-lit pool to see and be seen. The rooftop bar and restaurant, Skye, offers a fresh menu of both Brazilian dishes and international usuals (think ceviche, grilled octopus, caprese salads or foie gras) as well as many variations on the national drink, the caipirinha.
A boutique design landmark that’s equal parts hip, elevated and cool.
A commercialized, de facto spot to crash and forget about.
If you’re an architecture fan, a well-traveled urbanite, or in the top tiers of a creative industry, this is the place to add to your bucket list and then check off.
The skyline of São Paulo is hard to tear your eyes away from, but as the dapper and ever-smiling server comes over with the caipirinha, you smile a thank you and note the crimson-lit pool. A low bass line comes from its underwater speakers, the surface of it sparkles in the dying sun’s last rays as a few young and statuesque beauties sit on the edge and skim their toes across the water.
Skye Restaurant & Bar - Traditional cuisine The Wall Bar