Interview with Marcelo Marinho, Executive Director of Sales & Marketing at Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Rio de Janeiro's newest design hotel, Yoo2. The YOO Studio design team has reflected the vibrant atmosphere and culture of Rio de Janerio to the design of Yoo2. Collaborations with local artists have brought together the diversity of the Rio culture in the same place. With unique views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer), Yoo2 offers a different Rio experience to its guests. I asked Marcelo Marinho, Executive Director of Sales & Marketing at Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity, about Yoo2 and Rio de Janeiro.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity

Could you tell us about Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro and the overall concept?

The vision behind YOO is simple: we want to improve the quality of people's lives through beautiful design. YOO is about you - we create new communities of like-minded people within vertical villages: places where people meet, connect, socialize, interact, mingle, launch and love. The hotel has a social vibe - we are informal but offer great service in a great location, viewing the hotel as a destination in itself, not just a passageway to Rio.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Celebration

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is the Rio's Newest Design Hotel. Could you tell us about your design concept?

As with all yoo2 projects the location and local culture were the starting point for the hotel's visual language. The YOO studio design team immersed themselves in Rio's vibrant culture, especially the nostalgic notion of its heyday in the 50's when it had the iconic status as the biggest beach resort in the world, and the music and films of the time. These influences were woven into every detail of the design, from the choice of materials to the colour palette and especially the bold graphic elements used throughout. They wanted to create a destination for visitors as much as for the locals in the up-and-coming hub of Botafogo, with an eclectic and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. In order to truly capture the spirit of Brazil we collaborated with local artisans and designers and combined it with the international flavour of the YOO Studio to create something truly unique.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Room view

Could you briefly tell us about your location and the reasons for Rio de Janeiro's charm?

Yoo2 Rio is located in Botafogo, an up-and-coming area of Rio, with an eclectic and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The strategic location also offers direct views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and also Christ the Redeemer (you can see both from our rooms and rooftop terrace - in fact, people have commented that we have the best view in Rio!) and it's great for sightseeing - we are 10minutes (by car) away from all main sights as well as the downtown area. Rio is a fantastic city, full of art and local soul. Natural wonders, amazing beaches and all urban amenities are all in one place - it's just a fantastic place to visit with something on offer for everyone. Botafogo is locally called as Botasoho for its new happening cool-artsy scene.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Sugar Room

What type of different rooms and suites do you offer to your guests? Could you tell us about your rooms and suites? What are their features?

48 Yoo2 Rooms (248 Sq. Ft/23 Sq. Meters) A perfect base to enjoy the sociable atmosphere of the hotel and explore one of the world's most vibrant cities. Rio's larger than life personality will shape every day of your stay as the room's design is full of its influences, from the tiled floors to the palm-print ceilings.

18 Yoo2 Plus Rooms (270 Sq. Ft/25 Sq. Meters) Every day here starts spectacularly. You'll wake surrounded by Rio's influences, including local street art, ceiling graphics, and floor tiling. There is even a view of Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) to the side. Thanks to generous space and flexible design, you can create your own personalised environment.

35 Corcovado Rooms (280 Sq. Ft/26 Sq. Meters) Spectacular views over Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) make these oversized rooms the perfect place to create lasting memories. Thanks to the ingenuity of the YOO Design Studio, the spirit of Rio floods the room and shows itself in ceiling prints and street-art inspired furniture amongst other things. Generous space and flexible design means you can stamp your own personality on the room.

24 Sugar Rooms (366 Sq. Ft/34 Sq. Meters) Welcome to the best view in the city. You'll be able to see over Botafogo Beach and Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) from the moment you wake. The YOO Design Studio has seamlessly incorporated accents of the destination and you'll be able to add your personality to the room thanks to its flexible design.

11 Bossa n' Sugar Rooms (398 Sq. Ft/37 Sq. Meters) With direct views over Botafogo Beach, Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) and Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer), these rooms offer the ultimate hotel vista. Their space and flexible design mean you'll be able to configure them how you like. Plus you'll enjoy YOO's signature design, which blends a sense of wit with furniture and wall coverings reflecting local soul.

1 Celebration Suite (670 Sq. Ft/62 Sq. Meters) Rio's most spectacular suite. With uninterrupted views of Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) from the Living Room, Botafogo Beach and Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) from the spacious bedroom, you are guaranteed a memorable time. Cutting edge design by the world-famous YOO Design Studio in London, makes this is an ideal retreat for entertaining.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - The Rooftop

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro host to Cariocally Restaurant & Bar. Could you tell us about Cariocally Restaurant & Bar and the chef Marcelo Shambeck?

Cariocally brings a contemporary edge to Brazilian dining. The restaurant only sources the finest local ingredients, to create authentic flavours in menus which change through the seasons.

Dining is sociable, with dishes that are perfect for sharing and an excellent way to experience the best in Carioca Cuisine. Signature dishes include 12 hour, slow-cooked barbecue ribs, grilled octopus with jambu rice and a tucupi sauce and fresh, locally caught fish, served with pupunha. The wine cellar has one of the largest selections in the city, with the best from Latin America and beyond. Cariocally Restaurant is designed to reflect the people and culture of Rio de Janeiro, with textured wood panelled walls and a bright, vibrantly tiled garden conservatory. The menu was concieved by upcoming star Chef Marcelo Schambeck.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - The Rooftop

What can your guests find on The Rooftop?

With spectacular views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer Statue on Corcovado and Botafogo Beach, this is one of the city's most sought-after destinations. Guests can relax poolside in one of the exclusive cabanas, or enjoy the excitement of the bar. It's the perfect location to have a great time with friends, complimented by inventive cocktails and an extensive champagne and wine selection. There is always great music and regular DJ sets, to create a sociable party atmosphere. The Rooftop offers an exclusive menu perfect for sharing.

Could you tell us about the Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro meeting and conference rooms?

With new and modern facilities a meeting room for 10 people, equipped with tv, chalkboard, coffee machine and a great food and beverage service, perfect for a private meeting or a board meeting.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Cariocally

Please tell us about your services and amenities. How could your guests spend time at Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro?

The hotel has been created to be a destination in itself - there is plenty to do and try at yoo2 Rio. There is the restaurant, that offers distinctive design and great food. Those wanting to be active can join a yoga class or use our new gym. For those wanting to relax, we have our rooftop pool with stunning views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer and we can also arrange spa treatments in the rooms. For guests wanting to be social, there are two bars, with music and DJ sets on our rooftop bar, perfect for a sophisticated night out with your friends.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Cariocally

What do you offer to your guest for making their holiday unforgettable? Which services and features of Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro make it different?

Guests have commented that we have the best views in Rio and also great service. We offer 5-star service but in an informal way. Also, our rooftop bar is a sought after destination in itself and it's great for guests to have one of the best rooftop bars in the city right at their doorstep.

What kind of additional services do you offer for business travelers?

We offer free wifi, car parking and a great lunch offer for business travellers.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - Cariocally

How can travelers make their individual or business/group reservations? Do you have any advantage packs that you offer to your regular and long-term guests?

Yes, we have discounted rates for direct purchase of our distribution channels as well and special rates for long stay reservations longer than 3 days. And more discounts it is also available for travelers who are scheduled in advance.

Which is the top season for travelers who want to visit Rio de Janeiro? What is the reason?

Our high season is from December to April. Travellers love to spend New Year in Rio! In February we have the world-famous Rio Carnival which is always a highlight.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity - The Rooftop

What are the most famous attractions near you?

We are in a very strategic location; it only takes 10 minutes to Sugar Loaf Mountain, 10 minutes to Christ the Redeemer and 10 minutes to the Copacabana and Downtown. Everything is pretty close!

If you have only one weekend in Rio de Janeiro as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?

We would recommend visiting Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, spending some time at Copacabana beach or Ipanema and then having a drink at sunset at the YOO2 Rooftop bar!

How do you describe Rio de Janeiro in one sentence?

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is not a passage, it is a destination.

Thank you Marcelo for this enjoyable interview.

For more information, please visit the website of Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Thursday, October 11, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.