Triangular balconies and a three-sided rooftop pool overlook Rio de Janeiro's Ipanema beach from this hotel, renovated by Brazilian firm Bernardes Architecture.
Hotel Arpoador is located close to the Pedra do Arpoador ? a rocky peninsula that separates the city's famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

The 49-room boutique hotel recently reopened after Bernardes Architecture overhauled the exterior and interiors.
"The renovation of the Hotel Arpoador goes beyond the idea of a cozy hotel, creating an inviting space, where interior and exterior are blended," said the Rio-based studio.

Due to the urban plan, the building has two street-facing facades. The hotel's main guest entrance is tucked around the back, while the ground-floor restaurant, bar and balcony open towards the beach and promenade.
The site is also angled at the ocean-view end, creating triangular spaces across all levels. These include the ground-level terrace, the balconies for the largest rooms, and the roof patio.

The layout of the top deck also informed the shape of the small pool, which is tucked into the corner beside the glass balustrades for the best views.

Deck chairs are laid out on the rooftop for sunbathing and a bar serves cocktails, while the uppermost level also houses a spa, massage room and gym indoors.

On both sides of the building, Bernardes Architecture added timber boards to surround the floor-to-ceiling windows of the guest room...