Radisson Rio de Janeiro Barra launches Vacation Club in 2026 and advances its transformation cycle under Riobarra Empreendimentos’ management.
New strategic phase in Barra da Tijuca
Since 2021, Radisson Rio de Janeiro Barra has been in a transformation cycle led by Riobarra Empreendimentos. The management company assumed the hotel with a focus on innovation, governance, operational performance and product expansion. As a result, the property repositioned itself as a key reference for corporate and leisure hospitality in Barra da Tijuca.
The process includes structural improvements, service expansion and brand reputation strengthening. In addition, new projects have been created to enhance the hotel’s competitiveness in the Rio market. Among them is the new Vacation Club, scheduled to start operating in January 2026.
Vacation Club: loyalty and recurring stays
The Radisson Rio de Janeiro Barra Vacation Club is an original project developed by Riobarra with TC Brasil as a partner. The program reinforces the company’s long-term vision, centered on continuous guest relationships. Thus, the club aims to increase loyalty, recurrence and occupancy predictability.
Members will have access to annual stays at exclusive rates, priority reservations and extended benefits. Moreover, they will enjoy full integration with the hotel structure, including leisure areas and services. In this sense, the Vacation Club goes beyond a traditional commercial product.
The initiative extends the customer life cycle and helps maintain occupancy throughout the year. It also monetizes off-peak periods, strengthening Barra da Tijuca as a destination. Therefore, the project should generate positive economic impact and reinforce the area’s attractiveness.
Leadership driving the hotel’s evolution
Since 2021, Pollyanna Mendes Sessim has led the hotel as executive director and is a key figure in its evolution. She holds a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Hotel Management, and has worked in hospitality since 2001. Her background covers operations, business development, service excellence and premium hotels.
Pollyanna served as Regional Manager at Bristol Hotels in Minas Gerais, overseeing standardization and ISO 9001 implementation in several properties. She also joined the board of ABIH-MG, representing major hotel chains. Later, she became an entrepreneur with Spa Mitra by L’Occitane, enriching her view of premium services.
In 2017, she returned to the hotel industry at Atlântica Hotels, where she worked six years as general manager. During this period, she stood out for her strategic management and operational strengthening of the units she led. This trajectory eventually brought her to the executive leadership of Radisson Rio de Janeiro Barra.
Innovation, governance and sustainable results
Currently, Pollyanna manages a hotel with 375 rooms, while leading key projects and modernization initiatives. She oversees corporate governance practices, quality policies and the integration of tradition and innovation. Consequently, the property pursues sustainable, long-term performance.
The executive also sits on the board of HotéisRIO, which represents Rio de Janeiro’s hotel industry. Her role contributes to the professionalization of the sector and the development of local tourism. Thus, Radisson Barra aligns itself with best practices in the Brazilian hotel market.
Comprehensive infrastructure and global standards
As an Atlantica Hotels franchise and under Riobarra management, Radisson Barra has consolidated its excellence positioning. The hotel features 375 modern and functional rooms, designed for both leisure and business guests. The infrastructure was conceived to address multiple travel profiles.
Highlights include a rooftop swimming pool with views over Barra da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea. The property also offers a fitness center, sauna, kids’ area, SPA, bar and room service. Additionally, guests benefit from complimentary shuttle service to Barra Beach, and the hotel is pet friendly.
In gastronomy, the Origens restaurant reinforces the hotel’s international positioning. The venue received Travellers’ Choice 2025 recognition and ranks among the top 10% worldwide on Tripadvisor. As a result, Radisson combines a prime location, complete services and global hospitality standards.
Convention center and corporate vocation
Radisson Barra also invests in the corporate segment through a versatile convention center. The structure includes modular meeting rooms that adapt to events of different sizes and formats. In this way, the hotel can host meetings, trainings, conferences and hybrid events.
The location, close to the beach, major shopping centers and business hubs, favors event logistics. Easy access to Rio’s main expressways is another competitive advantage. Therefore, the property stands out as a complete option for corporate travelers.
The combination of infrastructure, services and a highly qualified team delivers an international-standard experience. Radisson offers corporate efficiency while preserving a leisure-oriented atmosphere. Thus, guests can balance productivity and relaxation during their stay.
Future outlook: expansion and deeper ties
The launch of the Vacation Club marks a new chapter in Riobarra’s management of Radisson Barra. The initiative adds to the strategic improvements introduced since 2021 and strengthens the long-term vision. The priorities include brand consolidation, improved results and enhanced service quality.
The management company aims to create products that connect guests to the hotel in a recurring and lasting way. Furthermore, the strategy seeks to reinforce links with Barra da Tijuca as a destination. Consequently, Radisson positions itself as a relevant player in the local tourism ecosystem.
With Pollyanna Mendes Sessim as executive director and an innovation-driven management model, the hotel reaffirms its positioning. The goal is to be a benchmark in excellence, modernity and complete experience in Barra da Tijuca. Whether for leisure, business or planned vacations via the Vacation Club, Radisson intends to remain among the leading hotels in the region.
