Originally Posted by
citynewz
I would also love any advice on finding hotels in Rio for the olympics. I am planning on going the second week, so hopefully that will be easier. I have been to Vancouver 2010 & London 2012 and did not have any problems finding hotels. Rio seems like it will be more difficult, I am wondering if it is because it is still kind of early (the last two were booked last minute). I would also love any advice about the safest areas. I will be traveling with 3 teenage children and do not speak the language . Thanks so much !!

Foreign visitors seem to be concentrating so far on chain and well-known hotels listed on the internet for the games, which is only a part of the room stock in Rio. There are also pousadas (B&B type lodging-- like in Santa Teresa for one example
www.camaecafe.com.br) and comfortable hostels with private rooms that many World Cup visitors ended up using. Some people were renting rooms in their homes for the World Cup, in all sorts of neighborhoods from chic to quite poor. Many visitors rent apartments for their stays, at all times of the year.
(Get a city map and follow along.)
Most foreign visitors stay in the Zona Sul (south zone) neighborhoods of Copacabana, Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon. Other good central neighborhoods that are usually more reasonably priced are Laranjeiras, Botafogo, Gloria, and Flamengo. There are many business hotels in Catete. Many events seem to be planned for Barra de Tijuca, which is located fairly far on the south side of the city. Traffic has usually been a major headache for anyone staying there and wanting to see the city sights, but new transportation options have been
promised for the games.
The informational site
www.ipanema.com is a good introduction to the city, the neighborhoods and attractions, and lists some hotels.