Kagehitokiri

Makanmata
Location: NYC, GIG

as you quoted yourself - "where most visitors will want to be" = the south beaches, not the park
[edit - park beach obviously]
Makanmata also specifically mentioned "Leblon or Ipanema" shortly before that

30 vs 10
90 vs 30

park beach

from gloria palace hotel hotel to copacabana palace >
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ru...=h&mra=ls&z=14
what google says for no traffic on those 2 routes

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ho...us&mra=ls&z=13
google says 20/22 min for caesar park in ipanema

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ho...us&mra=ls&z=13
google says 21 min for marina all suites in leblon

C010T3

That does not change what I said. You're the only one writing about the park.

C010T3

You decided to change your original post in order to respond to mine which was written after your original one. You also decided to challenge 10 minutes with 12.

Makanmata

You are correct, but only if you are fortunate enough to travel by helicopter. For most everybody else, I do not think your experiences are typical. I can only tell those looking to visit Rio about my experience traveling this route by automobile regularly.

Gloria is a lovely neighborhood, and very convenient for those focused on business meetings in Centro. But for those looking to concentrate their time in Leblon or Ipanema, as I think most on this forum will be, staying there would likely be a frustrating experience spending a lot of time sitting in traffic. Many on this board whom have stayed at the Santa Teresa Hotel, which is just up the hill from Gloria, have reported such frustrations in getting to Ipanema and Leblon. I'm not interested in arguing with anybody -- as your tone with Kage and I seems to invite -- so I have simply shared my experiences, and I'll leave them for whatever they are worth to others.

C010T3

Well, being sarcastic does not bring us very far. You saying my experiences are not typical, but I am saying that your experiences do not correspond to reality.

I never said that Glória is convenient for people wanting to hang out in Leblon, but you are propagating information that distort the reality for people that are planning their stays in the city. I don't think it is fair that will plan 90 minutes to reach Ipanema on a Friday evening, when they need only a fraction of that. Let alone if they use the subway, which is possibility in Glória, but not in Santa Teresa.

sonomawine

Any updates on the luxury hotel scene Rio since I am sure there has been some nice renovations for the WC? We are looking to spend a week unwinding in April and it will be our 3rd visit.

flyr16

You have two choices: the Fasano or the Copacabana Palace. That's it.

The hotel scene in Rio remains woefully inadequate.

DP81

Has anyone stayed at the Copocabana post renovation? I'm currently booked at the Fasano but keep reading the Copocabana Palace is an iconic hotel so wondering if I made the right decision.

Is the Fasano in a safer neighborhood? I booked it under the impression it was a luxrious modern hotel with easy access to the beach but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Anyone try booking it through AMEX FHR or Virtuoso and get an upgrade?

Also, if anyone feels strongly about another luxury hotel in the area, I'm all ears.

Thanks for your thoughts!

speedbird001

While they are in different areas of the beach, I would say they are equal in "safety". Beach access is pretty much the same as you need to cross the street and they both have areas reserved for guests with attendants watching over you. The Fasano is a boutique hotel. Very hip. The Copacabana is a large, commercial hotel.

flyertalker00156

I would recommend Hotel Fasano, more boutique as Speedbird001 mentions

Pierre&Cédric

Is there any change in the hotel scene in Rio?
It seems a Grand Hyatt & a Trump hotel shall open before the Olympics but we've never been there so I have no idea whether the location is convenient or not.

Right now we are hesitating between the Fasano and a deluxe suite or penthouse suite at the Belmond Copacabana Palace. Which choice is the best?

SojournsOf

Ipanema is far, far superior as a location to Copacabana if that is a factor. I had lunch at the CP restaurant and spent time at the pool there. It's nice. The pool and bar at the Fasano is very cool though - great at sunset.

speedbird001

Your room will be more traditional at the Copacabana. I believe it may have been recently renovated. The Fasano as I have said is more of boutique and the furnishings are minimalist. Both have excellent food. BTW, there is nothing about Rio that I like except the food.

erik123

Stay at the Fasano - A much better location.

scented

If anyone is to stay pre/post Olympics in Rio -- from what I gather, the brand-new Grand Hyatt Rio is true competition for Fasano and Copacabana Palace. One of the few Hyatts that can, apparently, be taken seriously -- even on a luxury hotel level. Here's hoping this is the next Palacio Duhau/Sydney/Saigon.