Avenida Vieira Souto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Philippe Starck
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Architect Philippe Starck may have turned the design commandment that “
form follows function” on its head when he created the new Hotel Fasano on
Ipanema Beach, a hangout for wealthy hipsters who value aesthetics over attention.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Reviews are mixed on whether Starck’s vision has created a comfortable space for guests and although this is clearly one of the best hotels in town in terms of location and facilities, many leave disappointed with what they’ve gotten for their money.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
It’s hard to define the lobby boundaries when you enter Fasano since it has curvy, billowing, curtained walls and mirrors that give disorienting reflections. Hallways are dimly lit with room numbers hard to find, while beds carefully positioned parallel to the horizon to maximize the ocean view sometimes end up in the middle of the room. There’s a stunningly overstuffed red-striped chair sitting under a spotlight in one of the halls. It’s obvious why it’s been dubbed “Big Mama!” But this piece doesn’t look like it’s meant for sitting.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
No matter how much you pay for a room or a suite—and you will pay a lot no matter what—at the Fasano you are getting charged for a great location, an abundance of style, and the spectacular rooftop pool and bar which is meant for the exclusive use of guests. Here you can relax in the infinity pool, refreshing caipirinha in hand, and check out the panoramic view of Ipanema Beach. You can view it all, from
Arpoador to the Two Brothers mountain and even up to the 125-ft
statue of Christ atop the
Corcovado. Excellent shops and restaurants are within walking distance or just a short cab ride away.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
An interesting story lies behind the Fasano’s superb location. An old home sat on the property until it was purchased for the hotel and the original owner’s grand-daughter is now the hotel’s public relations director, helping to continue an historic connection. Also, it was apparently necessary to cut two stories off the original Starck design because bylaws limit the shadow that a building can cast onto the beach. Or was it that the back-door neighbors weren’t happy losing their view?
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
The hotel’s seven stories hold 81 rooms and 10 suites ranging in size from a modest 323 square feet up to 1,399 square feet for the largest suite. Rooms on the front have balcony views of the beach and those on the back, although quieter because they’re away from traffic noise, look onto nearby buildings.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Rooms are either delightfully chic or hopelessly frustrating depending on how high style ranks on your priority list. Hardwood floors are topped by furniture that is solid and sturdy, with simple, clean lines. Whites and clear yellows accentuate the retro look, harkening back to the 1950s and ’60s. White marble baths look great in photos, but there is no tub in most rooms and the hotel is stingy with towels.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Nice little touches include providing each guest with a key holder that includes a map of Ipanema portrayed in antique style. Uniformed reception staff accompany incoming guests to their rooms to ensure all is in order, butlers are available and there’s housekeeping service twice daily. Room service is available 24.7, but don’t expect quick service.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
The airy main floor restaurant, aptly named “Fasano al Mare,” is filled with a lively lunch crowd. Cariocas, as Rio residents call themselves, applaud the Italian-inspired menu, which offers many fresh seafood choices, albeit with some of the highest menu prices in town.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Behind the lobby and down a dramatically curtained 60-foot pathway lies the Baretto-Londra lounge and its Italianized homage to the cozy British pub. Like its Fasano São Paulo cousin, oversized Union Jacks are done up in Italian colors and classic rock and roll hits are played, with occasional live shows or celebrity DJs.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Up on the rooftop, there’s an al fresco menu, exotic fresh juice combinations like fig and coconut water, or you can view the sunrise while enjoying a light breakfast. The Lancôme Beauty Center up here offers a massage with a view or you can request spa service in your own suite.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
On the beach, an exclusive Fasano stand provides guests with complimentary lounge chairs, umbrellas, water and magazines as well as sunscreens and other Lancôme products for purchase.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Staff at this second hotel to be opened by the Fasano family will need to work hard to live up to the standards of service set by its first, the legendary Fasano São Paulo. So far, they are the clear weak point, with laughably slow service in the cocktail areas and at the pool and an attitude that looking good matters more than providing good service.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
The Fasano is the newest luxury hotel on the Rio beaches and it still has some rough spots, especially considering the price. But this favorite of celebrities and industrialists’ offspring offers an edgy and high-energy contrast to the Copacabana Palace’s classic and conservative style. As in the choice between Alvear Palace and Faena Hotel (another Starck design) in Buenos Aires, your tastes will determine which place will make you happy.
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| Photo © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck |
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
- Fasano bring to Rio de Janeiro their incomparable expertise in the restaurant and hotel business
- On July 30th, 2007, Fasano Group and JHSF, manages the celebrated Hotel Fasano in São Paulo since 2003, will be celebrating the opening of a new enterprise: the Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. Located by the sea, on Avenida Vieira Souto, in the heart of Ipanema, the Fasano combines the charm and sophistication of Rio’s most coveted address with modernity and efficiency in design and service.
- The project is signed by the renowned architect, Philippe Starck, who has elected wood, glass and marble as core materials, perfectly attuned both to the city and to the vision of restaurateur and hotelier Rogério Fasano. From the eight-storey facade, following the seaside architecture, till the furniture, chosen in the best vein of the Brazilian design from the 1950s and 1960s (including pieces by Studio Branco&Preto, Sergio Rodrigues and exclusive creations by Philippe Starck), everything has been thought out to integrate itself into the Rio spirit of sophisticated casualness.
- The breathtaking panorama from the swimming pool on the roof gives a complete view to the beach and constitutes an attraction in itself. There guests can enjoy a bar service that provides light meals all day long. On the same floor, a fully appointed gym offers personal trainers and a sauna. And, in front of the hotel, Fasano’s exclusive beach service provides all comforts, including chairs, parasols and a bar service.
- The 92 apartments (overlooking the beach or the patio) boast Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down pillows and all manner of technological amenities, such as plasma TV, DVD player and wireless Internet connection. Balconies overlooking the beach, as well as showers commanding views to the sea, have their share in making guests feel closest to one of the world’s most famous postcards.
- In perfect tune with the rest of the hotel, the celebrated gastronomic tradition of the Fasano family is present at the Fasano Al Mare, a new meeting point for the city. Under the overall command of Rogério Fasano and Salvatore Loi (the award-winning chef of Grupo Fasano) and the workmanship of chef Luca Gozzani (brought directly from Enoteca Pinchiorri, the Florentine eatery that boasts three stars in the Guide Michelin), the restaurant is located to the left of the lobby and explores the most diverse aspects of a Mediterranean cuisine that is essentially focused on fish and seafood. Breakfast, lunch and supper are served daily in the 70-seat dining hall and the pleasant terrace.
- On the same floor, the intimate lounge bar Londra is the perfect option for a nice night in town. Opening daily, it brings back classic rock tunes, besides offering small, diversified shows.Description from the Designer:
Project Data
Project name: The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Address: Avenida Vieira Souto, 80 Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22420-000, Brazil
Program: Interior of the hotel
Opened: 2006
Renovated: 2007
Number of floors: 8
Point of interest/Attraction:
Visit The Hotel Fasano's Website: here
The people
Interior Designer: Philippe Starck
Photographs: © Courtesy of The Hotel Fasano & Philippe Starck
Note>>Location in this map, indicate city/country but not exact address.
