Report and photos by Florian Guillemin.
Hotels
Unique
As its name suggests, thehotel Unique There's nothing ordinary about it... As you approach it, you're immediately struck by its silhouette: it's as if a child's naive drawing of a boat - without forgetting the portholes - had fallen into the hands of a renowned architect. Like a symbol, this project is signed Ruy Ohtakeson of the artist Tomie Ohtakewhose work is on display throughout the city. There is taste and colour on every floor, and a modern take on luxury. Despite its allure, this monumental building is not a passenger 'factory': its designers have limited their project to 94 roomsThe hotel offers a wide range of rooms, including ten suites, using the space for luxurious facilities such as the two indoor swimming pools. Voted best school in South America in 2016, L'Unique is much more than just a hotel: its extensive rooftop has established itself as the meeting point for the whole of Sao Paulo.
Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 - Tel: +55 11 3055 4710 - Email : reservas@hotelunique.com - Internet : www.hotelunique.com or www.preferredhotels.com
Etoile Hotel Itaim
Member of the network Preferred HotelsThe hotel Etoile is ideally located for the business centres of Avenida Paulista and Vila Olimpia, as well as for relaxing on one of Itaim Bibi's terraces. The Etoile hotel has 55 fully-equipped flats: a strong argument for travellers staying several days in Sao Paulo. On the ground floor, the Jorge restaurant offers a quality menu and opens onto a small terrace where you can enjoy breakfast away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The icing on the cake is the rooftop swimming pool.
Rua Pedroso Alvarenga 610 - Tel : +55 11 3704 0101 - Email : centraldereservas@etoilehotels.com.br - Internet: www.etoilehotels.com.br or www.preferredhotels.com
Mercure Sao Paulo Pinheiros
Turning your back on the buildings of Avenida Paulista without straying too far from the business district, keeping one foot in the corporate world while venturing into the colourful Pinheiros district: that's the appeal of this address, located near the Rebouças convention centre and next door to the famous Beco do Batman, an open-air museum of local street art. In terms of facilities, the Mercure hotel has over 200 rooms and three meeting rooms, a heated swimming pool and a fitness centre.
R. Capote Valente, 500 - Pinheiros - Tel : +55 11 3069 4000 - Email : h3147-re1@accor.com.br - Internet : www.accorhotels.com
Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel
One of the most popular addresses with business travellers, both for its location in the heart of Sao Paulo, a few metres from theAvenida Paulistaand for the quality of its equipment. A member of Leading Hotelsthe Tivoli Mofarrej offers 217 rooms and offers all the standards expected by professionals, from high-performance wi-fi to ultra-modern meeting rooms and even a rooftop helipad for the busiest... and most 'VIP' clients! For others, the Seen restaurant on the 23rd floor offers a unique panoramic view. Ideal for taking in the sights of the city.
Alameda Santos, 1437 - Cerqueira César - Tel: +55 11 3146 5900 - Email : reservations.tspm@tivolihotels.com - Internet : www.tivolihotels.com or www.lhw.com
InterContinental
Opened in 1998 and renovated in 2012, the InterContinental Sao Paulo is located in the district of Jardim Paulistajust a block from Avenida Paulista. Aimed at business clients, the 195 rooms has nine meeting rooms that can accommodate events for up to 300 guests. The InterContinental boasts modern facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym and business centre. These top-of-the-range facilities are complemented by an acute sense of service.
Alameda Santos, 1123 - Tel: +55 11 3179 2600 - Email : concierge.saoha@ihg.com -
Internet: www.ihg.com
Restaurants
Steak House Vento Haragano
It's hard to ignore this address in theAvenida Rebouçasunless, of course, you're vegetarian... Temple of Meat, Vento Haragano celebrates it in all its forms. The waiters follow one another in an incessant ballet, dexterously carving up the finest cuts. The concept of the "churrascariaThe menu, which is typically Brazilian, is simple and effective: as long as the green dot in front of each customer has not been flipped to its red side, they are served a profusion of dishes, accompanied by a gargantuan wine list.
Avenida Rebouças, 1001 - Gardens 05401-100 - Tel: +55 11 3083 4265 - Email : reservas@ventoharagano.com.br - Internet: www.ventoharagano.com.br
El Tranvia
Founded in 1997 in the Santa Cecília district, this Uruguayan restaurant has since gone on to become a reference, with three other establishments in Sao Paulo. In the heart of theItaimOne of them welcomes a clientele of businessmen on its two floors. In good parrillada, El Tranvia - the "tramway" - offers a whole range of barbecued meats. A charming address in a colourful, sophisticated setting, run by a team of attentive staff.
R. Leopoldo Couto Magalhães Júnior, 1372 - Itaim - Tel: +55 11 2361 3588 - Internet : www.eltranvia.com.br
Mercado Central
Colours, smells, flavours: as soon as you enter the imposing building of the municipal market inaugurated in 1933, all five senses are catered for. After wandering between the stalls of meat, fish - mainly cod - cheese and exotic fruit, head for the first floor and its Brazilian-style food court. Travellers in a hurry will opt for a local sandwich on the run. The rest of us can take our time enjoying our lunch - which is usually very effective from a calorie point of view - while contemplating the hustle and bustle below.
R. Cantareira, 306 - Centro - Tel: +55 11 3313 3365 - Internet : www.mercadomunicipalsp.com
Dalva e Dito
Alex Atala built his reputation with the restaurant D.O.M.with the aura of two Michelin stars. With Dalva et Dito, a Macaron award-winning restaurant, the Paulista chef has kept his recipe for success: revisiting the great classics of Brazilian cuisine with a modern twist. Like the dining room, the dishes are both sober and original, using fresh local produce. Relatively high prices and booking recommended.
R. Padre João Manuel, 1115 - Gardens - Tel: +55 11 3068 4444 - Internet : www.dalvaedito.com.br
