When choosing accommodation, is the best place to stay in São Luís in the historic center or close to the beaches?
This is a frequent question among those planning a trip to the capital of Maranhão.
With around one million inhabitants, the city is a mandatory stop for anyone going to Lençóis Maranhenses, which is 250 km away, but also has its own charm and unmissable attractions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to spend one day or several there – you need to know exactly where to stay in São Luís. This way you can avoid problems and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Best hotels in São Luís do Maranhão
If you haven’t found your favorite option, take a look at all the accommodation options there.
Best neighborhoods to stay in São Luís
In this text, we will give you accommodation tips in the following regions for staying in São Luís:
- Historic center
- Jansen Lagoon
- Calhau Beach
- Ponta da Areia Beach
See too: The tourist attractions of São Luís, in Maranhão
Below, we list more options based on the locations of the best neighborhoods to stay in São Luís.
1. Historic center of São Luís
Despite being gigantic, one of the greatest cultural heritage sites in Brazil, before choosing to stay in the historic center of São Luís, you must bear in mind that the place is not well maintained.
Some areas give a great feeling of insecurity – when they are not insecure at all, especially at nightfall.
For all these reasons, although there are good hotels in this part of the city, I think the ideal is not to stay there. Prefer the other regions listed in this text.
Hotels in the historic center of São Luís
If you still choose to stay in the historic center of São Luís, two good suggestions are:
- Casa Frankie: Occupies two listed mansions in the historic center. Daily rates from R$100. SEE PRICES.
- Casa Lavínia: Also located in a historic building, it is praised for its service and accommodations. Daily rates from R$340. SEE PRICES.
For those looking for more economical accommodation options, the historic center has many hostels. Some of the best-rated hostels in the center of São Luís are:
2. Jansen Lagoon
In addition to historic buildings and beaches, São Luís also has a lagoon. It is there, in Lagoa da Jansen, that some of the best bars and restaurants in the capital of Maranhão are located.
In other words: are you the type who enjoys nightlife? Then Lagoa da Jansen is a good area to stay in São Luís.
You will also be close to the beaches and can go for walks along the lakefront (if you are inactive, of course).
Lagoa da Jansen is, without a doubt, one of the best areas to stay in São Luís.
Hotels near Jansen Lagoon
- Stop Way: three-star hotel with a strategic location between the Lagoon and São Marcos Bay. Daily rates from R$200. SEE PRICES.
- Tanan Hostel: Good location very close to the lagoon and easy to reach other parts of the city. Shared and private rooms. Daily rates from R$120. SEE PRICES.
- Profissionelle Hotel São Luís: Comfortable and modern three stars with excellent location. Daily rates from R$240. SEE PRICES.
3. Calhau Beach
This 2 km long beach is considered by many residents to be the most beautiful in the city.
Although this beauty does not reach the level of the most famous Brazilian beaches, Praia do Calhau has good infrastructure, with kiosks, bars and restaurants.
I spent two afternoons there, having a beer on the beach and watching life go by. It was amazing.
It’s a region a little further away from the center, but nothing that’s scary, especially for those with a car.
Hotels in Praia do Calhau
4. Ponta d’Areia Beach
Located four kilometers from the center, Praia Ponta de Areia has one of the largest concentrations of hotels and for this reason It is one of the best areas to stay in São Luís.
The beach is close to Jansen Lagoon, to the point that it is part of the State Park that protects the area. It also has many bars and restaurants along the waterfront and is very popular with the local population.
When it comes to the beach, however, it is not the prettiest nor the cleanest, but it is a good place to stroll and have a drink in the late afternoon.
Hotels on Ponta d’Areia Beach
- Veleiros do Mar: 3 stars located 300 meters from the beach and has its own restaurant and bar. Daily rates from R$260. SEE PRICES.
- Brisamar Hotel & Spa: 4 stars located between the lagoon and the beach and has an outdoor pool and sauna. Daily rates from R$340. SEE PRICES.
Holiday homes and apartments for rent in São Luís
If you’re looking for a more authentic trip, exchanging a hotel for the comfort of an apartment could be a great option.
By renting your own space, you can experience local life, cook, have your own address, all with more privacy and convenience.
When traveling in a group or with your family, renting an apartment can be even more advantageous, as the price per person is usually more affordable.
Those looking to stay for longer periods can also find good deals on month-to-month rental options.
Check out this tip for seasonal apartments for rent in São Luís:
- Coastal season: Set of seaside apartments of different sizes, with balcony, view and full kitchen. Daily rates from R$170. SEE PRICES.
How much does accommodation in São Luís cost on average?
The average cost of accommodation in São Luís is R$230 for a double room.
It is possible to find budget hotels for less than R$150.
The most luxurious establishments cost from R$450.
Have more questions? Are you from São Luís and want to suggest other good regions for hosting travelers? Leave a comment. 🙂
