It looks like something from Close Encounters, but of the hotel, located within a semi-circular architectural wedge flanked in steely aluminum panels near Sao Paulo’s Ibirapuera Park. A large parking lot succumbs to a spacious valet area and two 30-foot doors leading into a surprisingly large and vacuous reception serviced by a model-perfect staff in business suits and lazily sexy English. Marble floors in square tiling with nearby lounge area that’s all but empty intercept limestone walls and small seating area arranged in Le Corbusier and Van der Rohe-inspired furnishings.
 
It seems that all the fun things at Hotel Unique happen up on the rooftop, where a long hallway leads to the amazing marble and onyx flanked Skye Bar and restaurant. Not affiliated with the NYC or LA bar by the same name, albeit different spelling, this roofline eatery and lounge offers skyline views of Sao Paulo that are second to none with outdoor pool scene worthy of a Mario Testino shoot even on less-populated spring days. 

The Room:

Hotel Unique is definitely a divided hotel, with entry-level rooms lacking in the frill and fluff of the upper level suites. Entry-level accommodations are lined in a light hardwood floor with walls marked by the iconic circle windows that define the building’s exterior. Very compact spaces with half-wall partitions contain loft-style Queen size beds tucked in mid-range linens under wall-mounted LCD screens with few English channels. Bathrooms are viewable through large panels of glass from the main room, with 1-inch white tiling and wall-mounted sinks with chrome details. Larger suites are the way to go if you can afford the extra cost with some contained in the asymmetrical hull of the building, with better furnishings and artwork in separated living and sleeping spaces.