Originally Posted by
rocket69
Now you have me all confused, you first said Ipanema is better choice than Copa and when i ask for few hotels in Ipanema or Copa your telling me Marriott is good. I know how business hotels can be and may not be a bad idea to avoid them on a holiday, that is if Marriott is more a business hotel.
Marriott might have a business image, but it is located right on the middle of Copacabana beach, one of the world's most famous beaches; very much a tourist area!
The best hotels in Ipanema would be Fasano and Caeser Park, but they would set you back way more than $200 a night. Even crappy two stars hotels in Ipanema, such as San Marco or Vermont starts at US$130+/170+.
Private double rooms at hostels would start at around R$80 (US$50) with shared bath.
If you want a true ocean front hotel, I suggest you take a look at Arpoador Inn. It is the only hotel in the Copa/Ipa area without a road between the property and the ocean. The hotel is located in Arpoador, the beach at the end of Ipanema, close to Copacabana.
For the price, I would stick with JW. You can walk to Ipanema in 20 minutes, or you can take a cab for maybe US$ 6.
Alternatively, I know that RioCharm (
[email protected]) has consolidated fares at Southamerican Copacabana Hotel at around US$110; a decent bargain. It is located two blocks from Ipanema. You get room upgrades if you have the Rio for Partiers Guide book.