Originally Posted by heggers03

I have found an attractive rate for a five night stay in the Sheraton Barra Hotel Rio de Janeiro in Dec but I have a few questions on it (even after reading a number of older threads on here)

1. What is the hotel itself like, is it worthy of it's #1 status on Tripadvisor?

I would give it a 4* rating, certainly not 5

2. Are the restaurants/bars expensive?

Not any more expensive than other hotels in same class. The quality of the food is so-so. Breakfast is good. Pool bar serves good lunch options

3. I'm keen on seeing Rio itself, though would prefer not to use taxis where possible, is there a reliable bus service near the hotel to Ipanema/Cocabanana?

There ar busses, but I would not suggest that they be used by tourists

4. Approx what is the cost of a taxi from the Sheraton Barra to Cocabanana?

Yellow taxies R$ 30-40

5. Would I be better off in the Intercontinental Rio as I can obtain at a similar rate (although for a lesser room)?