What is Santa Cruz like?

You'll be sure to have fun exploring Rio de Janeiro's Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Are you looking for Santa Cruz travel tips? Make sure that you visit Serra de Sao Tome and Cidade das Criancas while you're in the neighbourhood.

How many hotels will I be able to find in the Santa Cruz area?

If you're searching for places to stay in Rio de Janeiro, choose from one of Expedia's 11 hotels and other accommodation options in Santa Cruz.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?

Yes, most hotel bookings are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best options available in Santa Cruz.

What can I see and do in this Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood?

A few attractions you might want to check out while you're in Santa Cruz are Serra de Sao Tome and Cidade das Criancas. You might also plan a visit to Pedra do Sino when you're sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro.

How can I get around Santa Cruz and the greater Rio de Janeiro area?

To venture out of town, take a train from Santa Cruz Station.

Top 10 Santa Cruz Hotels of 2025

Top 10 Hotels in Santa Cruz

In-room safe, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing

"Very nice hotel, the beach is great and the staff was amazing, and made us feel at home"

includes taxes & fees

7 Jul - 8 Jul

"This is a great hotel. Everything is great including the room, the staff and the amenity. The only downside is that Uber drivers can not find this hotel easily as the Google map would direct them to a side door that is always closed, they have to take a big detour to find the way come into the hotel. It happens to all six of my Uber drivers."

"Great location. Clean and friendly staff"

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

Outdoor pool, open 8 AM to 7:00 PM, pool loungers, lifeguards on site

"Nice hotel good food "

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

"It is noisy and needs a refurbishment "

Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

"As an American in a foreign country the Cdesign staff made my stay very easy going and enjoyable I would come back again"

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

"Great stay!"

includes taxes & fees

29 Jul - 30 Jul

"The restaurant is an excellent option! "

includes taxes & fees

28 Jul - 29 Jul

"Very nice place and safe area. "

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"Good hotel with lots of restaurants in the mall, parking is charged, staff is helpful and kind, breakfast is good, room is spacious"

"Excellent service, kind and professional the food in the buffet good and affordable."

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"Great property. Love this hotel "

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

"Terrific hotel"

includes taxes & fees

30 Jul - 31 Jul

"Boa"

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

"A very complete hotel, the food service is delicious and that's what I loved the most."

includes taxes & fees

4 Aug - 5 Aug

"Amei"

"Nice place to stay."

Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 8 PM, pool loungers

"Great hotel! "

includes taxes & fees

7 Jul - 8 Jul

On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

"A family oriented resort, ideal if you are travelling with kids. Quality was excellent and the staff helpful with everything. The suites were very spacious and details like the safari and safari-like decoration all over the resort made the stay a beautiful adventure. "

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

"Marcio é um excelente anfitrião, me senti em casa, espaço amplo, equipado, não senti falta de nada."

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Copacabana

Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

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Ipanema

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

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Barra da Tijuca

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

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Rio de Janeiro Centro

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

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Leblon

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

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