From its name to its location, everything about Rio de Janeiro's Casa Mosquito seems designed to buck the trends established by the city's traditional, high-end hotels.
While its location between the legendary beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema ticks touristic boxes, its location on a steep street leading to a favela is a break from the norm, and the name itself – which belies the luxurious nature of the accommodations on offer – suggests that the French owners aren't taking themselves too seriously.
But don't let the name or the unassuming address fool you: Casa Mosquito is a an artfully luxurious boutique guesthouse where attention has been paid to the smallest stylistic detail, and every stop is pulled out to ensure guests' comfort.
Inside Casa Mosquito's Vinicius de Moraes Suite — Photo courtesy of Casa Mosquito
Toulouse natives Benjamin Cano Planes and Louis Planes had long held a dream to open a guest house in Rio, a city the couple were both in love with.
As soon as they saw the property – which at the time was a ramshackle, run-down 1940s building set in wild gardens – they saw potential to turn it into an elegant small hotel. They were also immediately won over by the views of the beaches and the location between two of Rio's most celebrated neighborhoods.
So they painstakingly restored the building, adding a newer annex and injecting it with real French savoir faire.
There are nine suites at Casa Mosquito – each of which is unique, and all of which are named for famous Cariocas (Rio natives), such as fruity-hatted singer and actress Carmen Miranda and bossa nova composer Vinicius de Moraes.
The gardens feature a fish-filled pond, around which a suitably indulgent breakfast is served. And there's a super-stylish living room where guests can flick through art, fashion and style magazines or take their picks from the many books on the shelves.
The views from the rooftop pool and bar at Casa Mosquito can't fail to impress — Photo courtesy of Casa Mosquito
The crowning glory of Casa Mosquito, however, is found at the top of the building, in the form of a small rooftop infinity pool and bar, which simply cries out for sunset caipirinha-sipping, as you enjoy views that take in breezeblock favela, high-rise hotels and curves of white sand beach in one sweeping vista.
There are a couple of points to consider, though, for your stay here. The street leading to the guesthouse is tranquil enough, but the proximity to a favela will not be to everybody's taste, and taxi drivers can have a little difficulty finding the place. It's a 10-minute walk to metro stations and beaches, and there are also some steep steps to climb to reach the upper rooms.
For those with a healthy constitution and a taste for adventure, however, Casa Mosquito is a welcome alternative to the tower block hotels lining Copacabana Beach.
