YOO Hotels & Resorts to open YOO2 Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, in 2015

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Opening in December 2015, YOO2 Botafogo promises to ignite the senses in Rio de Janeiro. Designed by YOO Studio and forming part of YOO Hotels & Resorts (two components of YOO, owned by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck), the hotel has been designed to be ‘in tune’ with the exotic destination and local culture. The boutique property will feature 144 guestrooms and suites, a dramatic entrance and lobby lounge, and a stunning rooftop terrace with views of the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. Situated in the most enviable address in town, in a laid-back beachfront neighbourhood south of Rio, Botafogo will be the first of the YOO2 portfolio.

Created for the design-conscious traveller in search of local authenticity, YOO2 is the diffusion lifestyle brand of YOO Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel brand from the house of YOO. It will comprise a range of upscale, yet affordable urban hotels of exceptional designs and matching high standards of service and attention to detail.

The exciting YOO2 Lounge – a boldly created space to eat, lounge or just be – will become a staple feature of every YOO2 hotel. Key elements include a striking bar, dining area, and a variety of seating areas carefully lit and made up of moveable modular furniture pieces by YOO Studio. Contemporary in style, the interior design concept combines colourful accents, patterns and textures to reflect Rio’s vibrant culture.

Ranging up to 41sqm, the 108 guestrooms and 36 suites will feature original details and innovative design touches synonymous with YOO’s design approach.

Botafogo is the first of many hotels to be launched in partnership with Intercity Hotel Group, with whom YOO Hotels & Resorts formed an alliance earlier this year. One of the fastest-growing hotel companies in Brazil, InterCity currently operates in 15 of the country’s cities and Montevideo, Uruguay. It will manage all YOO2 properties in South America, under the strict guidance of the brand to ensure the right design, vibe and personal service details are aligned with YOO’s Human Luxury™ philosophy.

Other destinations around the world set to welcome this unique design brand include Porto Alegre, opening in 2016, with a further five Brazilian properties in the pipeline.

Daniel Fountain / 08.01.2015

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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