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Old Jul 13, 2015, 4:52 am
  #4  
VidaNaPraia
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
Originally Posted by rocket69
You mentioned that my stay will probably be governed by the dates of the multi-night packages hotels sell, could you please clarify what you mean.
Most hotels sell multi-night packages for Carnaval, usually 5 -6 nights. There is usually sufficient demand for rooms that they wouldn't consider requests for a shorter stay or change of those fixed dates. (Occasionally, at the very very last minute as Carnaval begins, some less desirable hotels might if they are not fully booked, but that is not to be relied on.)

Originally Posted by rocket69
Any suggestion of hotels in Copacabana or Ipanema in the $200 range??
That would be a good rate for a hotel at normal times in those beachside neighborhoods. For Carnaval, expect 3 or 4 times that per night in those neighborhoods. Again, demand is such that hotels need not compromise on rates.

Originally Posted by rocket69
At the Sambodromo does one really require to be seated or it is absolutely fine to be in any other stand other than Sector 9. Is it wise to go on Sunday and Monday or just one of the days ??
Most Brazilians in the grandstands will be on their feet during the time a samba school is on the runway, often cheering and singing for their favored school. I like the energy in those grandstands; some foreign tourists find it less intimidating to be among their own. You could try bringing a seat cushion to save yourself a space to sit in the intervals.
Brazilians go to see their favorite samba school compete, and to compare it to the others. It's a very long night if you stay for all the schools to parade. For a foreigner who goes to see the spectacle of floats and costumes, and isn't so clued in about competitive details, one night is plenty. Which one isn't so important.
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