GOing to Sao Paulo in Jan. Looking at 3 hotels: Emiliano, Pergamon & Normandie Design Hotel. If anyone has any info on these let me know. Thanks.

Choose Emiliano.

Fantastically located in the best neighbourhood - Jardins - , you can safely amble in the evenings and excellent restaurants within walking distance.

Thanks. Do you know if the Emiliano has an English website ? I have only found the Portuguese one.

I was told all their website is being revamped and the current one is for promo only. The new one is expected to come alive in December where English will be available, on-line reservations, etc.

thanks !

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TMOTEE:
Thanks. Do you know if the Emiliano has an English website ? I have only found the Portuguese one.</font>

www.lhw.com/emiliano (http://www.lhw.com/emiliano)

This place can be booked through Leading (Small) Hotels of the World reservations, although your brasiliero friends/business colleagues/etc., can probably get a better rate for you by directly calling the hotel.

My experience is that all English language booking engines seem to price in USD that are much higher than when priced locally by a local for you and converted into dollars (even including the 1-4% credit card forex fees).

[Edit: If I remember correctly, there are only some 60 rooms total in the place.]

[This message has been edited by GUWonder (edited 11-27-2002).]

TMOTEE,
I posted a reply in the luxury hotels section, but I reiterate, the hotel is modern luxurious. It reminds me of the Hudson hotel in NY, but not as garish and more professional/business-like.
My choice without a question, though I haven't seen the others you mentioned. However, as far as I know, by reputation, it is the hottest hotel in Sao Paulo.
There is a new Hilton, and Hyatt also, I believe both are in Morumbi, but my guess is those are both strictly business hotels. At emiliano there is a little more excitement.
as one New Yorker to another, Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you have or are having a great trip.

Oh, I forgot.
While I certainly defer to locals like PB9997, when he says "safely amble in the evening" I would certainly preaution you to leave all your valuables in the hotel, walk in groups- not alone- and try to minimize your ambling. Even Jardins is not the safest place at night.
ever wonder why there are guards in front of most stores, and armed guards in front of many houses?