Everything that you would want from a Santa Teresa stay is on offer at CasAlegre, the relaxed guesthouse opened in November 2011 that has also become one of the surprisingly few exhibition spaces on the hillside despite its large artist population. Set in a beautiful colonial mansion, the main courtyard has been turned into a relaxed outdoor café onto which face the kitchen, reception and main hall.

Eight rooms range from small but cosy and with solid antique furniture, to the larger Presidential room complete with its own living area, simple kitchenette and balcony overlooking the cobbled street below. Long-term discounts are offered for those in no hurry to move on, the breakfast utilises the best local bread and fruits, and activities from yoga to bike rides to nearby Prazeres favela can be organised.

• Featured in Time Out Rio's 15 Coolest Places to Stay