 A
Modern Hotel Suited to Its City
By
André Gayot
São
Paulo’s modern architecture—comprised of such
masterpieces as the Edificio Copan by Oscar Niemeyer—requires
that any new construction conform to the esthetical standards
that have been established. Because a hotel is often a
very visible structure, it can easily disfigure a city
skyline. And so, when the Sonesta São Paulo –
Ibirapuera was conceived, the idea was to integrate it
into the city.
In
the surrounding skyline, the Sonesta building fits in
with its gracious proportions. The façade is lightened
by an atrium that opens all the way to the top, and is
animated by the motion of the exposed elevators, which
are visible from the street. The slick, bright lobby is
engaging as you walk in from the street; noise and the
agitation are left behind thanks to heavy glass doors.
On the right side, the restaurant Tabu invites diners
for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Slick
Lobby: An Enclave of Peace thanks to Heavy Glass
Doors |
Quiet
Rooms Provide Respite from
the Razzle-Dazzle of the City |
Although
big cities—and big city hotels—can often feel
impersonal, that is not the case at the Sonesta, thanks
to General Manager Michael Gonsalves. He tends to his
hotel with a blend of Anglo-Saxon efficiency and Latin
American charm. His seasoned background, combined with
a fluency in numerous
languages (including Portuguese, Spanish, English and
French), help him carry out a philosophy that emphasizes
attentive service.
The
Moema location (a nice residential quarter south of the
city, with many shops and restaurants) is close to the
business district and major attractions, and is convenient
for both businesspeople and tourists. Mainly, though,
São Paulo is a business-oriented city, and as such
it attracts corporate travelers who expect amenities and
services in tune with their needs. There is a business
center, and Internet access can be found in all 271 rooms
and suites, along with a direct dial telephone. Rooms
are decorated with light tones and dark wood paneling;
they are well-sized, while the bathrooms are proportionately
smaller with showers only. A nice touch: Amenities are
presented in green packages printed with descriptions
of Brazilian culture and natural resources.
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A
Spacey Look Gives Way
to a Stylish Interior |
In
the spa, dubbed the Caminho do Corpo ("the way of
the body"), you can swim, sweat in the sauna or experience
body massages, lymphatic draining, shiatsu or foot reflexology.
Relaxed and oblivious to the ongoing razzle-dazzle of
this vibrant city, you are ready for bed, from which you
can watch programs in several languages carrying the news
of the entire world.
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