Top Beachfront Stays in São Luís, Brazil

I recommend these studios to families with young children who want the beach right outside. Each studio has a kitchenette for snacks and simple meals, a balcony and air conditioning, which helps with naps on hot afternoons. The breakfast buffet with local specialties is an easy way to start the day, and the sun terrace adds space beyond the room. As they are studios, I would keep it to parents with one or two small children.

Pousada Litorânea is a family-friendly pousada in São Luís with direct beachfront access. The apartment-style rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, sea views and balconies. The property has a sun terrace, a lush garden, an on-site restaurant and a daily buffet breakfast. Guests rate it 9.0 from 1,335 reviews, an outstanding score. I would recommend it to families and couples who want a beach stay with sea-view rooms and a garden.

Brisamar Hotel & SPA is the beachfront São Luís hotel I would suggest to a family that wants the sand right outside. Some rooms look out to sea, the swimming pool gives a calmer option for younger children, and room service runs 24 hours, which helps with odd mealtimes after a long day. The restaurant cooks regional, national and international dishes, so picky eaters have choices, and parents can take turns in the sauna.

Flat Bellagio suits families who want a seafront base in São Luís, with Ponta d'Areia Beach a short walk away. The family rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and free WiFi. On site there is a garden, a restaurant, a minimarket for snacks and supplies, and a spa and wellness centre for the adults. Free private parking helps if you explore the island by car. An 8.9 rating from 8 reviews is good, though the sample is small, so I would read recent comments first.

Melo Hospedagem Flat Bellagio is a beachfront apartment hotel in São Luís with direct access to the sand and sea views, which is why I would put it on a family shortlist. Family rooms are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, a minibar and a flat-screen TV. A swimming pool and an outdoor seating area are on site, and a minimarket covers snacks and essentials. The front desk is open 24 hours and WiFi is free. Guests rate it 8.8 out of 10 across 77 reviews.

Flat Biarritz suits families who want the beach and a pool in São Luís, with São Marcos Beach a short walk away. The family apartments are air-conditioned, with balconies and private bathrooms. The year-round outdoor pool and the garden keep children busy between swims in the sea, and there is a bar on site. Parking and WiFi are included. No restaurant is listed, so plan to eat out. An 8.7 rating from 7 reviews is good, though it rests on only a few stays.

Blue Tree Premium São Luis is a five-star hotel directly on Calhau Beach. It has a pool, a spa, a fitness centre and a sauna, and pets are welcome. Air-conditioned rooms come with a minibar, a TV and a private bathroom. It is described as suitable for families and solo travellers. Guests rate it 8.7 from 1,071 reviews. I would recommend it to couples and families who want beach access and wellness facilities in one place.

I would choose Praiabella Hotel for a family or a couple who wants to be directly on Calhau Beach in São Luís. Modern apartment-style rooms have private balconies and air conditioning. The swimming pool has Atlantic Ocean views, a spa and wellness area is on site, and the restaurant serves regional cuisine. Guests give this three-star hotel 8.7 across 1,536 reviews.

American Flat suits families who want space and a kitchen of their own by Ponta d'Areia Beach in São Luís. Each one-bedroom apartment has a living room, an equipped kitchenette, air conditioning and a balcony or terrace, so meals and naps can follow the children's rhythm. The outdoor pool is open all year, the front desk works around the clock, and pets are accepted. A rating of 8.6 from 40 reviews is reassuring.

Pousada Maramazon sits steps from Calhau Beach in São Luís and offers family apartments as well as rooms, which is why I would suggest it to families who want the sea close. The garden has a hammock area with sea views, and a shared balcony looks over the coast. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, and there is a spa and wellness area. Restaurants and shops line Litorânea Avenue nearby, and the pousada books tours and transfers. Guests rate it 8.2 out of 10.