kyushuman

Very little activity in this thread, surprising considering all the new Accor properties in Rio de Janeiro: Novotels in Botafogo and also Porto Maravilha, the Grand Mercure in Rio Centro, plus Ibis in Copacabana (Posto 2 and 5) and Porto and also Barra-- Mercure in Barra, etc.
All opened in 2016 around Olympic time.
What this did help with was that hotel prices in Rio are now MUCH more reasonable than even one year ago!
I've got the Novotel RJ Botafogo booked for Dec 27 to Jan 1.
I'll report back here how it goes.

Goldorak

I am going soon to MGallery Rio Santa Teresa and will of course report here about my stay

RafKa

I think you're missing the main reason here: the massive recession in the country for the past 2 years.

pb9997

Well pointed out ! To proper understand the kind of Recession Brazil is enduring... It is the worst reported in Brazil, ever, at -3,5% down each year: 25% youngsters, jobless.

It started in second semester of 2014, still going on and hopefully shall end on first semester 2017.

Rio, in particular, is rather worse than rest of the country due to State Government economic issues. Business in the city is suffering.

PabloM

So as the original poster asked, anyone got suggestions about which property? I'm there in April and have been hoping the Sofitel Goes on sale, but it is expensive. Want to be near the beach and have a view if we can. And also lounge access.

RafKa

Your only real option in this case is the Caesar Park. If you can do without a lounge, I'd recommend the Mercure Barra (Pepe), which has a great location opposite the beach, near bars and restaurants of Av Olegario Maciel, yet close enough to the rest of Zona Sul by Uber and the new metro line. Great rates here around U$50 and it's a brand new hotel, one of the better Mercures out there imo.

PabloM

Thanks all, with the Private sale on, I was able to get a good rate at the Sofitel Copacabana so ended up booking it. Can't wait to be there.

Goldorak

Review just posted
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/accor...e-janeiro.html

PabloM

I checked in last night to the Sofitel Rio Copacabana, and I'm absolutely disappointed, and wish I'd booked the Caesar.

Before booking it, I enquired on Platinum benefits, and got all the standards - room upgrade, welcome drink, Club Millesime access, welcome letter, daily newspaper etc.

On checkin, I was advised that they have closed the club, as the hotel is closing in 2 weeks time, and after either renovation or demolition (not sure which) it will become a Fairmont.

So no club accsss.

No room upgrade.

No welcome letter.

No welcome drink.

No daily newspaper.

No hot water in the shower this morning.

Crap hotel in need of demolition!!!

Anyway, I have complained this morning and all of a sudden they can move us to a Suite (one category higher than I booked) but I had a choice of either a room upgrade OR free breakfast!!

I am so unimpressed. They just don't care, and I suppose I can understand given it closes in 2 weeks.

Goldorak

WOW
I knew that they were starting a renovation, but for a Fairmont what an insult !!
This being said, the bad reviews in general, including poor platinum treatment were the reasons to make me choose the MGallery Santa Teresa for my recent stay in Rio. And I don't regret it reading you and knowing how well I was treated there.
That's a shame. I hope the rest of your stay will be better.

PabloM

I had read your review before booking and almost booked Santa Teresa but I really wanted to be on Copacabana, so thought I'd risk it.

Since complaining yesterday morning, they have now upgraded us to a suite - top floor, front of the building with panorama views. TBH, it's probably one of the best rooms in the hotel.

Then last night they sent us a bottle of champaign with chocolates, and a welcome note (24hrs after we checked in!!)

And I got welcome drink vouchers now too.

So a slight improvement - and the view down the beach is fantastic - see below.

Goldorak

Good recovery and a splendid view indeed. Enjoy
Even without staying at the Santa Teresa hotel, go there for dinner. The restaurant is top ^

kyushuman

Did 5 nights at the new (opened last July for the Olympics) Novotel Botafogo. Had a slight upgrade to a nicer room, back-facing rooms can (kinda) see the Christ the Redeemer but more importantly are very quiet. Breakfast was decent, service was friendly. Had some very good Platinum weekend rates that I don't see anymore. Security was a bit much but it was tolerable. Got a bottle of sparkling wine as a welcome gift (very nice!) and then every room got a bottle of sparkling wine and commemorative champagne flutes on 12/31. Very nice again!
I really like Botafogo, it's quite safe and there is a shopping mall (Botafogo shopping) and a supermarket within a 10 minute walk. Also the subway. I'd stay again, though without a pool I can't say I'd stay there faster than an Ibis.