A design-driven boutique property with 57 guest rooms, impeccable service and impressive cuisine

If the architecturally significant façade of São Paulo’s Pulso Hotel were to go unnoticed by guests, the airy, modern lobby of the five-star boutique property certainly acts as a compelling introductory statement. The design of the hotel, which softly opened in March 2024, was helmed by Brazil-based Studio Arthur Casas. For the aforementioned brise-soleil facade, the practice employed wood-toned slats to form folding openings that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The spacious lobby—flanked by a lush restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, and a chic bar and bright cafe on the other—marries a neutral palette with high design furniture pieces.

All of this contributes to a welcoming experience long before stepping into one of the 57 guest rooms—52 of which are 32-square-meter deluxe apartments and five of which are 64-square-meter suites. Each includes a balcony. Though ample tech integration through Alexa automation—for lights, windows and more—is a nice touch, the highlight happens to be the warm interior design. Rooms incorporate vintage pieces that Arthur Casas personally sourced from the Bixiga market, as well as antique shops. Brazilian designers are woven throughout, including Jorge Salszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer and Geraldo de Barros.

Housed in a minimal, window-lined room that appears to float over a central garden, the hotel’s heated swimming pool is visually arresting. It also acts as the entry for the entire wellness floor, which includes a Technogym-equipped, work-out facility and a Pulso by L’Occitane spa. Beside the pool, plush lounge chairs offer a quiet, relaxing view of the outside world.

São Paulo restaurateur Charlô Whately steers the culinary direction of Pulso. This is anchored by Charlô Restaurant, which hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whately’s delectable menu blends French cuisine with Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian touches. The interior design of Charlô converses with the flora beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass wall—with wooden surface and green lacquer alongside ceramic tiles and stone. A pass-through bar window connects Charlô to the lobby.

For a quick, yet carefully made coffee or tea, as well as gourmet sandwiches and pastries, Cha Cha Boulangerie provides a more casual dining experience. Next to it, the intimate, elegant Sarau Bar pairs inventive signature cocktails from Gabriel Barbosa with a thoughtful musical program.

“Among the unique attributes of Pulso, one that is very close to my heart is the connection we have with local artists,” the hotel’s owner, Otavio Suriani, shares with COOL HUNTING. “The hotel showcases local art and contemporary design elements that reflect the city’s and the country’s culture.” In fact, every room features different art pieces by Brazilian artists, curated by São Paulo-based critic and architect Guilherme Wisnik. Perhaps the most impressive work on site, “Mácula” by Nuno Ramos, gently greets guests upon arrival. This 30-meter-long work, featuring large-scale Braille inscriptions, runs along the indoor garden and directly beside the check-in desk.

Pulso’s location is to its advantage, as well. The structure, with a base wrapped in vegetation, is set back from a quiet street known as Rua Henrique Monteiro, where the upscale Jardins and Pinheiros neighborhoods meet. Though there is a sense of serene isolation within and around the hotel, the property is just off of the bustling Faria Lima Avenue, an integral passage through sprawling cultural city.