InterContinental São Paulo

When friends heard I was going to São Paulo they didn’t say «that’s fabulous». Without fail they said «why?», with concern, before voicing their experiences which ranged from:
* Being pick-​pocketed at the airport;
* Having things stolen from them as they laid beside those things on the beach;
* Being robbed at gunpoint, en masse, during the afternoon at a private party in a friend’s home; and
* Being certain that a kidnapping was imminent.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say these stories left me concerned for my safety. I was arriving in São Paulo solo and meeting with my son later that night, hopefully.
After much research I settled on the InterContinental where, for approximately $ 195/​night including a beautiful daily buffet breakfast for two I believed my son and I would be less likely to fall victim to anything undesirable. Mission accomplished.
The InterContinental chain of hotels is a leap above the places I generally stay. Research seemed to indicate it was a hotel for business people though not located in a solely business district. From what I could tell, it was located in a relatively safe area, in one of the nicest parts of São Paulo.
Though the InterContinental clearly attracts many business people (airline captains too) pleasure travelers shouldn’t hesitate to stay here. I found it to be one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had. Not only was it in a busy, upscale neighborhood but it’s very close to the subway, MASP, and some of the best shopping and dining areas of SP. The hotel was immaculate and safe (the lobby area is watched closely, the elevator requires a room key, access to the pool does as well). The front desk staff and concierge were helpful, considerate, and spoke English. The bar area is lovely and doesn’t gouge on prices. The breakfast buffet is unequaled: 6 different kinds of fresh fruit juice (including acai), omelets made to order, probiotics, fresh fruits, and even a Japanese breakfast (you won’t really need to eat again until dinner).
The room itself was well outfitted. The lush beds held every sort of pillow imaginable. The shower had great water pressure. A separate bathtub was enticing enough to lure me in. The room temperature was easily and accurately controlled and wifi was perfect. I was left with nothing to complain about.
Well, perhaps. The day after his arrival my son decided to go for a swim in the rooftop pool we’d viewed from our 15^th floor room. We arrived there only to learn that the entire thing was 2.5 feet deep which gave us both a good laugh. Objects in the window may be smaller than they appear. Still, the pool and sunning patio was immaculate and lovely.
If I were a business traveler or air captain I’d happily stay here. But on my own dime, as a pleasure traveler? I’d definitely stay here. You can put me safely in the big, huge fan category.

This was my second choice hotel as I first went to another hotel in sao paulo which was closer to my work area but that hotel was terrible and I checked out within an hour. Lost and stranded in a strange city — I found this place on the internet and called them directly while I was in the cab to book a room and they were extremely gracious on the phone and booked a room for me right away. I went here and told them my story while they were checking me in and because I had had a bad evening they upgraded me to super deluxe suite. Great customer service, great room, the suite comes with the lounge where you can eat and drink without paying extra, the lounge was helpful as I could have meetings as well there and the housekeeping, concierge, front desk, room service was all great — trust me I tried everything :) definitely worth every penny. I wanted to buy some souvenirs and they gave me detailed info with directions while I was still finishing my coffee, they did the cigarette run for me as I was tired — these little things really count. Great place! Definitely recommending it!

We came to their restaurant with our family and few friends and our waiter Mr Manoel Santo was fantastic. Premium service and attentive. We order fish (linguado) and was delicious. You can go no wrong with any dish. Amazing variety of desserts.

By far, this is one of the best hotels in São Paulo. While I also enjoy well-​equipped boutique hotels, there’s something really nice and cozy about staying at a super comfortable and upscale business hotel.
I base most of my hotel stays on 4 things: wifi, bed, gym and location. The InterContinental exceeded my expectations in all 4 areas.
The wifi worked incredible well. It was free to access and the room and lobby worked well enough to allow me to make video calls via Skype. This is often a challenge when traveling!
Next, the king bed was super comfortable. I sunk into it after long days and slept super well. The blackout curtains also helped to ensure a quality night.
The gym was one of the best. It’s so well-​stocked that even locals can sign up for a membership. It’s not Equinox or BodyTech levels, but it certainly offers a number of cardio machines and ample area for free weights, weight machines, and even a TRX area with medicine balls, mats and other crossfit type equipment.
Lastly, the location is supreme. Located in Jardins, this is without a doubt the most posh and tree-​covered area in the city. You’re also one block from Paulista Ave, so jumping on the metro is super easy as is finding most conveniences. I had to get to a drugstore at 5am and only had to walk a block to the 24 hour pharmacy.
I got a great rate and should it continue to exist, this is where I’ll always stay on trips to SP.

The Intercontinental is located in the heart of the city and offers everything you could want in an upscale business hotel. The staff is friendly and helpful, the bar and restaurant are above average, and the rooms are clean and modern. When traveling to a foreign country, it is nice to go to a place where you can relax from your trip and feel like you have all of the amenities of home.

This hotel is newly renovated and it looks like it. The lobby is very modern and chic, with a cool bar and restaurant. They are running a special on a 3 course dinner on the day you check in for less than 70 Rs. The rooms are very nice and some even have balconies. The location is amazing as it is only a block away from Av. Paulista and a block and a half from MASP. Last thing I need to mention is the concierge, he is VERY good.