La Chimere has a cozy, home-like lobby-lounge and stylish white rooms filled with light. This mid-range pousada offers rooms in three categories, and some come with tiny balconies. All rooms feel bright and spacious, and feature stylish white walls, floors, and ceilings that are high and vaulted. Bathrooms are equally sleek, if small. The pousada features a small pool and an adjacent courtyard, but there's no park and the restaurant does not serve lunch and dinner. The Brazilian buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, however, and free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. 

The Casa Buzios is a charming old villa (pousada) located a few steps from the Orla Bardot ocean boulevard that runs through downtown Buzios. The villa was constructed in the 1940s, making it among the oldest buildings in the area, and it features a more recently built annex. Each of the six guest rooms is unique in terms of size, shape, and character. The public areas are charming and offer an interesting combination of French and African artwork and memorabilia, along with contemporary art pieces. There's also a lush tropical garden with a pool. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are included.

Hotel Le Relais La Borie's best feature is its superb location right on the famous Geribá; it's a gorgeous swath of sand in the middle of a tony residential neighborhood. This upscale hotel has 41 spacious rooms and suites with light, breezy decor; some have ocean views. Alas, not all look over the beach, and some bathrooms are in need of a refresh. A peaceful swimming pool, small spa, and beach attendant add to Le Relais La Borie's luxury. The well-regarded on-site restaurant serves a hot buffet breakfast and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with the neighboring upscale Serena Buzios Resort, which has a more modern look.

The upper-middle-range Pousada Bahiamarela has a picturesque location on a hill overlooking João Fernandes beach. The pousada (Portuguese term for a guest house, but is actually a small hotel) features a spacious lobby with locally made furniture. 26 bright rooms are available in three categories. All come with unfurnished balconies and most have spectacular ocean views. The adjacent restaurant opens to the infinity-edge pool deck. A sumptuous hot buffet breakfast -- included in the room rate -- and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner are available. Other perks include a small spa, free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, and kayak rentals.

The Rio Buzios Beach is a popular family-friendly hotel located a two-minute walk from the João Fernandes Beach. This upper-middle-range hotel offers clean and simple rooms with rustic furniture, small bathrooms, and balconies. The Corcovado Restaurant serves a Brazilian buffet breakfast with made-to-order omelets, which is included in the room rate. The hotel offers also half and full board meal plans. A good size outdoor pool, fitness center, and a steam room are nice bonuses. Wi-Fi is free in all areas and the hotel provides free parking. 

The Pousadas Unicornio is an upper-middle-range option located on the extreme end of Ferradura Beach. The location is stunning and good for lazing on the sand, but a bit isolated for exploring without a car. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms and suites with furnished balconies and some ocean views. A swimming pool overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Prana Spa offers various relaxing treatments and a steam room. Free breakfast is served at the on-site restaurant. Free yoga and mediation classes keep this property zen. 

For couples who want an upscale and romantic beach vacation, it doesn't get much better than Serena Buzios Resort. Free chairs and umbrellas are set up at Geribá Beach, about a two-minute walk or free shuttle ride from the hotel. Meals and drinks are served at an elegant restaurant that overlooks the outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by lush garden landscaping. Many of the spacious rooms and suites have private balconies and whirlpools. Expect to pay extra for breakfast, but a foot massage and surf lesson are included with the price of a room. 

The Travel Inn - Apa Pau Brasil Hotel offers a stunning location on top of a hill overlooking the picturesque Caravelas Beach on an isolated area inside a regional park between the happening cities of Búzios and Cabo Frio. Spacious apartments offer balconies; some with phenomenal ocean-views, but the hotel is dated and shows wear and tear, particularly in public areas. An outdoor pool and Shiva Studio Spa provide extra ambience, and the opportunity for Ayurveda treatments and yoga classes. Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.