This mid-range hotel is located in the emerging Pinheiros neighborhood, situated between the nightlife of Vila Madelena and the upscale shopping of Jardins. The hotel’s distinguishing feature is that all it’s rooms are suites, which offer more space than standard rooms in the area, including a small seating area -- some units have space for a kitchette. Beyond the rooms, the amenities -- a drab restaurant with a free breakfast buffet, tiny lobby bar, and rooftop lap pool -- are functional but uninspired. For families or business travelers looking for rooms with extra space, the Comfort Suites Oscar Friere offers a good value. But for a stay in Pinheiros with more style (but smaller rooms) check out the nearby Mercure Sao Paulo Pinheiros Hotel at a similar price point.

Maksoud Plaza has been a well-known establishment in Sao Paulo for decades. This storied four-pearl hotel with 416 rooms and suites has a vibe that oscillates between vintage and, perhaps too often, dated. Nothing about the hotel is boring -- one-of-a-kind features include a vintage bar named after Frank Sinatra, an indoor pool, and a habitable art installation. While the history and grandeur might dazzle at first, the devil is in the details: carpets are worn, furniture is old-fashioned, bathrooms are overdue for updates. It’s true that some elements don’t live up to the upscale category, but when considering all the hotel offers at reasonable prices, the Maksoud becomes an appealing option with charm for days. A much more modern luxury alternative is the Tivoli Mofarrej -- but prices are higher. 

In the heart of Sao Paulo's business district, conveniently located a few blocks from Paulista Avenue, the Estanplaza Paulista is a straightforward, reasonably priced business upper-mid-range hotel with 120 rooms spread over 15 floors, all of which have practical, but not unattractive, decor and private balconies. As it caters primarily to business travelers, the hotel has free buffet breakfast, on-site dining, a fitness center, and free secure parking in underground garages. There's also a pool on-site, but it's too small to swim laps in. If this is an issue, note that the pool at the similarly priced Comfort Hotel Downtown is larger.

Located a 10-minute walk and five-minute drive from the Congonhas-Sao Paulo Airport, the mid-range Transamerica Executive Congonhas is a standard business hotel that's popular with business travelers, flight crews, and those with early flights to catch from the domestic airport. The 153 rooms are unremarkable but pleasant, with flat-screen TVs, wood floors, and small bathrooms. The airport location lacks commerce and there's not much to do beyond getting to and from the airport, but the hotel does have a fitness center, meeting facilities, and free, basic buffet breakfast. Note that there's a fee for parking.

The Comfort Hotel Ibirapuera is a typical mid-range chain-style hotel in the amicable Moema neighborhood of Sao Paulo. While there’s plenty of dining, shopping, and Ibirapuera Park close by, the hotel isn’t located near a metro station and is far from the main Paulista area. It’s popular with business travelers who are keeping an eye on the budget, but are accustomed to amenities like free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The 84 contemporary rooms feature flat-screen TVs, balconies, and bedside power outlets -- but some units have mismatched finishes. For those with a bit more money to spend, the Melia Ibirapuera has a heated lap pool and chicer rooms. 

The Hotel Comfort Nova Paulista is a standard, budget chain hotel with updated furnishings, though it's generic style feels quite plain in vibrant Sao Paulo. The 171 guest rooms arranged over 19 floors cater to both value-minded business travelers and families alike. Rooms are arguable the most appealing part of the hotel, since they're decorated with bold colors. There’s a simple restaurant (breakfast included), an outdoor pool, and a tiny fitness room, but overall the amenities don't stand out. While not actually located on Paulista Avenue, the hotel is situated close to the metro. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly option with few surprises, but also little personality. For something with a bit more pizazz, check rates at the nearby EZ Aclimacao Hotel. 

The Landmark Residence is a value hotel with 49 rooms arranged over 13 floors in the heart of Sao Paulo. The hotel’s best feature is undoubtedly its location in the Jardins District, just two blocks from bustling Paulista Avenue. While the decor in some of the guest rooms has a '90s vibe, the hotel has elements that appeal to value-minded families or business travelers on longer stays. For example, all rooms include a small kitchenette, suites offer spacious living rooms, there’s a squash court, European restaurant, and a nice outdoor pool area. Overall, the Landmark Residence might work for those in need of a kitchen or a larger space while on a budget, but for most travelers to Jardins, check out the nearby Mercure São Paulo Jardins Hotel -- but rates are slightly higher.

Centrally located in the popular neighborhood of Jardins, the mid-range HB Ninety is a contemporary hotel that focuses on business travelers. The large property features 246 suites over 23 floors, including VIP Rooms on an upper levels with great city views. The spacious rooms all include separate seating areas and flat-screen TVs, though the decor is inconsistent and a bit dated. A lovely garden restaurant, small rooftop pool, dated fitness room, and squash court round out the amenities. Parking is included for guests -- a key feature for those with a car. While it doesn't have the polish of nearby upscale options, the HB Ninety provides a good value for business travelers who seek extra space or need easy parking. As an alternative, the nearby Golden Tulip has a bigger pool.