I went for 2001 labor day weekend.

We drove from Rio to S Paulo on the coast road through Parati and Ihlabela. I would strongly recommend this drive!

Rio: Othon Palace Hotel
Parati: Pousada Do Ouro
Ihlabela: Mecedes Hotel

I would not stay at the Sheraton...far away.

The water was very cold...but you could get in it if you tried hard enough.

I thought you could do the main things in one full day in Rio, but as you can see I get a lot done in a 3 day weekend.