Hotel Emiliano

Since its pioneering opening in 2001, the Emiliano has maintained its status as São Paulo's most sophisticated address on the ultra-chic Rua Oscar Freire. The suites, all housed in a 22-floor glass tower, are all blonde wood, mid-century furniture and Carrara marble bathrooms. Chef Viviane Gonçalves runs the contemporary restaurant against a backdrop of vertical gardens, while the Santapele Spa offers Japanese ofuro baths and treatments. Between the Champagne Bar's 80-plus labels, the suspended orchid garden in the Lobby Bar, and that legendary Sunday brunch, this is where Paulistanos come to see and be seen. Oh and the rooftop helipad isn't just for show – guests actually use it to bypass São Paulo's notorious traffic.