Fronting the Pinheiros River and in full view of the Octavio Frias de Oliveira bridge, the JW Marriott São Paulo is part of the growing Parque da Cidade district. Courting business travelers, this luxury hotel (once the Four Seasons) also suits leisure travelers looking for a relaxed location outside of the city’s most-trafficked core.
Here, Marriott Bonvoy fans will discover impressive dining, a mixology program worthy of downtown bars, a JW Garden and lovely spa. As Marriott continues to expand its luxury portfolio in some of Latin America’s key destinations, these are the top five reasons to stay at JW Marriott São Paulo.
The Rooms
In calming hues, the rooms have enormous windows that take in the sweeping river and neighboring skyline scenery. They feature roomy closets and sitting areas where power outlets are very conveniently positioned. The star of the room, however, is the large king bed coated in a pillowtop mattress and down comforter.
Hardwood floors have colorful area rugs. Tucked in one corner are the wide desks with international power outlets. Each floor has a corner suite with separate living room and half bath. Otherwise, the rooms vary in size. Standard rooms have shower-only baths while slightly larger ones have both a tub and shower. Those bathrooms benefit from windows that look out to the bedroom (with privacy shutters) so as to allow natural light.
The water pressure in showers is exceptional, the perfect way to wash away any jet lag. The top suites, which have hosted everyone from diplomats and corporate executives to celebrities like Taylor Swift, are also popular for entertaining.
The Dining
Neto is the main restaurant that serves three meals a day starting with a lovely breakfast spread. Different stations show off tropical fruit, housemade pastries, a hot area with pancakes, eggs and bacon (and most importantly the famous Brazilian cheese bread), and a selection of smoothies. An a la carte menu includes omelets, tapiocas and a variety of sweet dishes.
For lunch, the hotel hosts area business people looking for an executive lunch that takes no more than an hour. Prix-fixe choices of Brazilian and international fare have become very popular during lunch hour. The same people often return for drinks at the bar after work.
Dinner showcases the chef’s creativity with everything from grilled meats and pastas to seafood. As the only restaurant in the hotel, the changing menu throughout the day provides substantial variety. Other dining options are plentiful at two nearby shopping malls that are within walking distance of the hotel.
All of this is in addition to the catering provided to meetings and events. Spacious ballrooms and board rooms with natural light are one level above the lobby. A curvaceous red staircase (the stuff of Instagram-quality photos) leads guests there.
The Bar
Named Caju (cashew in Portuguese), the history and story of this famous local nut weaves its way through the garden-to-glass cocktail menu. Guests can ask the bartenders to show how the caju nut produces a tasty juice and also incorporates into the drinks here.
Ask to try one of the many Brazilian wine offerings on the menu. In fact, the Terrazas de Los Andes winery, which belongs to the LVMH’s luxury portfolio, has a partnership with the hotel to serve an intimate, wine pairing dinner with a specially curated menu.
There is also a light menu of appetizers and other dishes to go with the long list of cocktails and mocktails. Live music often entertains in the bar with the striking red, Brazilian marble staircase rising up one level to the meeting spaces in the background.
The Spa and Pool
The second floor features the indoor-outdoor infinity pool overlooking the river. It’s a lovely space to relax after a day of work. On the other end of the floor is the well-equipped fitness center with the latest equipment and plenty of natural light.
The JW Spa is a respite tucked away into a corner of the hotel. Guests receive welcome trays of tea and herbal elixirs before being ushered to relaxation areas. There, steam rooms and saunas await. Several treatment rooms offer a variety of massages and beauty services that use Brazilian ingredients.
The Marriott Bonvoy Perks
Luxury travelers familiar with the JW brand will recognize a lot of what is on offer here. For example, a lovely terrace off the lobby features a wall sprouting all kinds of herbs that the culinary and mixology team can use. A gushing fountain drowns out any traffic noise making this JW Garden (a staple at all JW Marriotts) a great place to work.
Up on the 12th floor is the executive lounge with designer furnishings and plenty of work space. It is a space where guests that book club-level rooms or with top-tier Marriott Bonvoy status enjoy access. Throughout the day, it offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments like salads, nuts and pastries, and an evening happy hour with a hot and cold buffet.
Club lounges are a favorite of solo travelers that want to work in the company of others. Business travelers also enjoy congregating with colleagues over a drink or in the board room.
Elite status members receive welcome gifts like snack trays or bonus points, premium Wi-Fi and even room upgrades. If you are new to Bonvoy, you’re still in luck. The staff can sign up members, and they often go the extra mile to remember guest names or look up interesting tourist or dining options around the area.
The hotel is beautiful and shows off Brazilian decor throughout the public areas and rooms. But, it is the team here that really gives this property an edge. You cannot walk far without having a staff member greet you with a smile. They are eager to ask about your day and often remember personal details about your trip. This makes this a great option for both business and leisure travelers in South America’s biggest city.
