In the heart of fashionable shopping, in one of the city's more desirable locations, this small select address ranks as one of the more exclusive boutique-hotels in Sao Paulo.
The building's narrow architectural lines, primarily glass and marble, create an elegant introduction for arrivals. Guests enter the light-filled lobby through imposing glass doors trimmed in wood and brass. Inside, all is bright and modern, with white-on-white decor, white walls, white and chrome leather furniture, and white stone floors.
The only splash of color is a floating 8-ft-high sculpture by Brazilian artist Siron Franco. The reception area is tucked in a corner of the lobby and staffed by young trendsetters attired in Star Trek-inspired costumes.
A small lounge area at the front provides a pleasant spot to read, relax or take advantage of the wireless Internet access while sitting on the mod circular sofa. Everything reflects high-end Brazilian design: architecture by Arthur de Mattos Casas, landscaping by Gilberto Elkis, chairs by the Campana Brothers.
A dark hallway lined with books and plump armchairs provides pre-dinner libations. It is actually an anteroom for Emiliano, the celebrated international restaurant overseen by Chef Pierre Paolo. Blonde hardwood floors and minimalist light fixtures lend an air of understated exclusivity to this highly sought after dining room.
Small but fast, black chrome elevators rise to three floors solely dedicated to a stunning 24-hour fitness center (appropriately located on the 24th floor). The unique appearance of the sauna (fitted with a flat-screen TV of its own), pool and Japanese soaking tubs creates an elegant and tranquil locale for relaxation, and the expansive views of the lovely Jardim Paulista neighborhood are noteworthy.
The massage rooms are done in white and Japanese motifs, with the aroma of soothing lavender pervading the air. The pool and redwood hot tubs are bounded by beautiful teak floors, along with a raised marble whirlpool. Spa services are inspired by Decleor where beauty regimens are as much a part of the routine as is muscle relaxation. Nutritionists on staff are readily available to provide their expert advice.
The poolroom affords the most expansive views of the city skyline, including Ibirapuera Park, and when the candles are lit in the evening, it's the perfect place to meditate and soak cares away. Accessible only via stairs, the petite rooftop fitness room houses a state-of-the-art weightlifting machine, two treadmills and a single stationary bicycle.
On a lower level, a stately boardroom for 16 people is jammed with the latest in high-tech gear, including a 16-matrix video and audio switcher-router. The reasonably sized business center has three small, private computer cubicles, faxes, printers and copy machines.
Knowledgeable techies stand ready to assist guests or provide 
one of the many newspapers, business journals and magazines, along with a nice selection of beverages and snacks. Parking is provided below the building, free of charge to guests, and there is a rooftop heliport. Small dogs are allowed.
Small swift elevators lead to spacious rooms with hardwood floors and modern woven area rugs. All display simple color schemes of white and pine that blend well with the subtle decor found throughout the hotel. Suites are vast, measuring in at 84 sq m, each with a separate living room and business center, along with three TVs. In each unit, an armoire houses a flat-screen TV and a DVD and CD player.
A large sliding, opaque glass door separates the bedrooms from the living rooms. Front suites boast eight picture windows overlooking Sao Paulo and its environs, and wood-paneled walls hide flush-mounted refrigerators that slide out.
Standard in all rooms is a semicircular stylish office table that has built-in room controls, high-speed complimentary Internet access, rolling desk chairs and sleek phones with multilingual voice mail. Electronic panels control the room's functions including lights, air conditioning and stereo systems. The bedding package is as international as the clientele with high thread count Italian linens and goose down-stuffed German duvets atop springy mattresses.
Suites boast more robust accoutrements, with faxes and libraries full of architectural books. A large gazing mirror is set in the corner of each room for self-admiration. 
Baths have claw-foot tubs atop Carrara marble floors, colors are entirely in whites, and unusual touches include raised basins and electronically controlled, heated toilets that give the user a bevy of environmental and hygienic choices.
Hair dryers, oversized towels, robes, slippers and several luxurious towels round out the amenities. All units have large walk-in closets, minibars, spacious drawers, and electronic safes with plugs inside for laptop recharging. Bedside controls activate blackout drapes.
In an effort to cement this place's position at the top of the luxury boutique market, all rooms come with a wide selection of bath soaps and pillows, stretching sessions upon arrival, complimentary 15-minute massages, and lovely wine and fruit baskets in addition to flowers. One room is adapted for the handicapped, and nonsmoking units are available upon request.
With an employee-to-guest ratio of three to one, the Emiliano offers swift and personalized service (although a bit condescending at times). The savvy location, smart decor, outstanding fitness center, efficient service, free high-speed Internet access and high-tech business facilities make this operation an excellent choice for both demanding business clientele and those desirous of an upscale experience while touring the best of Sao Paulo. The price is a bit hefty, but in comparison to other hotels of this caliber with less strategic locations, it's worth it.
