The Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity will open in July 2016. This is the first hotel in a new brand for YOO Hotels and Resorts. Yoo2 Hotels bring original design and local soul to each destination, creating a sociable environment for both hotel guests and the local community. The Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro is a partnership between YOO Hotels and Resorts and Intercity Hotels. YOO brings over 15 years of international experience in design, branding and marketing, which is complimented by the local expertise of Intercity Hotels within the Brazil market. Intercity Hotels will manage all properties in Brazil and there are plans to grow the brand throughout Brazil and globally.

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity is located in the vibrant Botafogo neighborhood. Affectionately known by the Carioca as 'BotaSoho', guests are at the beating heart of the city, with spectacular views across Guanabara Bay towards Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado. These can be enjoyed from the Rooftop Pool Bar and the majority of the 143 Guest Rooms and Suites.

Designed by the YOO Design Studio in London, collaborating with local artists and artisans, the hotel incorporates an international flavor, with accents of Brazilian design through murals, tiling, parquet wall paneling and furniture. Marcelo Ment, a Rio de Janeiro based Street Artist, has created a spectacular graffiti mural within the elevator shaft, which can be viewed from the glass backed lifts on your journey through the hotel. The YOO Bed creates a comfortable sleeping and relaxing environment, with its oversized head cushion and a residential feel with its detached bedside tables (which can be purchased by Guests). The YOO Tree is the perfect in room entertainment and storage solution and refreshments can be enjoyed from the locally stocked minibar, or Nespresso Machine.

The Yoo2 Guest Experience focuses around an informal, sociable atmosphere. Tablet Check Ins, guided morning beach runs, shared dining, well mixed cocktails and music showcasing local talent is all part of the mix. Chef Marcelo Schambeck, renowned for work at Bistro Del Barbiere in Porto Alegre will bring a mix of local, international healthy and inventive dining throughout the hotel. Cariocally Restaurant & Bar will focus on the best in contemporary regional dining, whilst The Rooftop, with its spectacular views will offer hand crafted cocktails and a Seafood Bar.

Local partnerships will showcase the best of the destination and include Bathroom Amenities from Granado, Jeffreys Beer and Aqim Chocolates. Yoo2 Hotels also welcome guests of all ages and is a pet friendly environment. Staff have been dressed by Andre Namitala from famed Handred Clothing and the Yoo2 approach of wit and personality will be present throughout.

About YOO Group

A truly international company, Yoo now operates in 36 countries with over 81 projects within its portfolio. Through the directional partnering with design icons such as Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Steve Leung, Sussanne Khan and its own designers through Yoo Studio, Yoo partners with developers to add value, velocity and visibility to their developments. Through such services as interior design, architecture, development, marketing and branding, Yoo creates extraordinary and inspiring living spaces, which are unrivalled in the property industry.

Yoo recently launched Yoo Hotels and Resorts, a full-circle design, marketing, branding and management offering for developers. Yoo Hotels creates individually designed experiences influenced by the soul of the destination. For further information please visit: www.yoo.com.

Simon Kerr
Chief Marketing Officer - YOO Hotels and Resorts
YOO Group