We are looking for a nice Hotel in GIG ... maybe next to the beach. Exceptional architecture welcome ;-)

Price range? Just got back from Rio - stayed at the Caesar Park Ipanema and it was excellent. It's on the best beach and they have a really good (free) beach service (lounge chairs, towels, etc). The hotel itself is a modern tower, but the common areas, rooms, restaurants and bars are all very well-appointed (ask for a room on a renovated floor). There is a killer buffet breakfast each AM on the 23rd floor next to the pool - great views and food. A fully equipped gym on the 24th floor, again with fantastic views and sauna, steam room, etc (10 Brazilian real per day - about $4 USD). Service is outstanding.

For a beachfront hotel with exceptional architecture, the Copacabana Palace is the choice. This is the best hotel in Rio along with the Ceasar Park. An incredible landmark buiding from the 1930s - I just don't like the Copacabana neighborhood, especially at night.

Hope this helps.

Rio Othon Palace on Copacabana beach. It has a swimming pool on the 30th floor, along with a restaurant on top. A typical 5 star hotel.
They give you towels to take to the beach.
We stayed there the last two trips.

By exceptional architecture you mean what ?