Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: The Castro, San Francisco, California
Programs: UA, DL, AA, Aegean Air, Cal Alumni (go Bears!)
Posts: 594
Rio lodging
My brother and his family live in the Barra neighborhood of Rio. They moved from Lagoa about 6 years ago because of the crime. The crime is bad. I have been robbed twice, once on Arpoador Beach (betw Copacabana and Ipanema) at 2pm on Christmas Day (it was packed) and another while walking along the inland side of Avenida Atlantida at sunset with a knife to my throat. My sister in law was robbed along with 35 other bus passengers by a gang. Lots of these FT folks will tell you that its not bad...but it is. That said, it is still worth going since Rio is so beautiful and you can be safe.
Stay in a good neighborhood. Ipanema is fine. When strolling about or siteseeing, Never carry anything that will ruin your trip if it is stolen such as wallet or passport. Never carry more than about US$30 in cash. Never wear an expensive watch or jewelry or expensive sneakers. Take taxis after dark. Always give up what the robbers want. It sounds scary, but if you take precautions, you will enjoy it.
Ceasar Park Hotel is good...US$170
Ipanema Tower is the only one I've stayed at. Its about a 4 star and the staff is great and will keep you safe. US$ 140ish