I'd stay in the Meridien over the Sheraton any day. The Sheraton is like a prison...all gated up on the edge of nowhere.

By the way, when in Rio you must go to a club called the "Zeppelin Bar". It's thru the entrance to the Vidigal favela on the side of the hill across from this Sheraton we're talking about. It's a fantastic place....get there no later than 10pm if you want to sit down.

I don't think hfly's comments about Copacabana are very realistic either in regards to the safety and image of Copacabana. I live there 2-3 months out of the year and think that if anything.....all of Rio is dangerous.....after all there are 12 million people out there.....it's a big city like any other.

Having said that I've walked home several blocks to my flat from La Maison or Top Beer at 3-4am after a half dozen caiparinhas and god knows what else in the bar and have never felt unsafe or been hassled by anyone.

When I priced out condos.....I bought one in Copacabana because Leblon and Ipanema were in my opinion terribly overpriced. The security issue was never a concern with this decision either.

So all I can say is go for yourself and decide.

Boa viagem.



[This message has been edited by Carioca Canuck (edited 08-27-2001).]