Second for the Intercontinental. Stayed at the IC Rio over New Year's several years back. Have also stayed at the Marriott Copacabana, so I can compare staying in Sao Conrado,vs. being in the middle of things. Not only was the service great at the IC, but it also has more land - so you can get a removed resort feel and lay out by the pool while still being a quick taxi away from the main areas. As mentioned, the beach is across the street and the mall is next door. And we had an amazing view of the mountains and ocean from our room.