Heading back to Rio and this time, I'm just going to get this bug of curiosity out of my system and stay at the SG. Will be there for the ending weekend of Carnival and using points for the 10-day stay planned. The going rate of $489/night made me think the points were well used.

Heeding the advice and comments given since I last asked about this place in 2021. Went back to Rio in 2023 for Carnival and again let friends talk me out of staying there so that we could stay in the "thick of things" in Ipanema a block from the beach. Well, I'm going to relax and hopefully enjoy the "isolation/less crowds" for sure. Besides, having a king room/partial ocean view and a balcony is all I need! Maybe they will upgrade me to give my room to someone who's paying and show me a little love for the status obtained. Not holding out for that at all!!

Will give a review later.