There are two Sheraton hotels in Rio: the Sheraton Rio Hoel & Resort and the Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites. In the case of the Sheraton Rio, there is no road separating the hotel from the beach, but it is one of the least desirable spots in Rio for swimming because the water is often rough and dirty. The beach is also sometimes quite full as there is a public staircase leading to it from the favela (mountain-side slum) across the road. However the resort area with pools and other facilities is quite nice and the Ipanema/Leblon beach scene can be easily reached via a cheap and quick taxi ride. The only international luxury hotel right on the beach there is the Caesar Park, but it has no resort. In the case of the Sheraton Barra, there is indeed a busy road between the hotel and the beach. It is a VERY long way from the area of interest to most tourists and business people, but might be a good choice for a visitor who needs to be in that area.