Help! Where to stay in Rio De Janeiro?
Mar 10, 2010, 12:27 pm
#1
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Help! Where to stay in Rio De Janeiro?
Going to Rio for Spring Break, looking to stay in a hotel that caters to Americans and is in a good area close to restraunts, clubs, beach. 
Mar 10, 2010, 1:17 pm
#2
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Maybe let us know your price range. Strongly suggest staying in either Ipanema or Leblon. Ipanema will be more expensive. The Copa area has some good hotel deals and nice hotels but is more sketchey with respect to street people, particularly at night. Most hotels will have someone at the desk that can speak English although maybe not fluently. But you should not have an issue. Also some hotels require that you pay a gratituty (often 10%) at check out in cash.
Mar 10, 2010, 5:04 pm
#4
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" Also some hotels require that you pay a gratituty (often 10%) at check out in cash."
I have never heard of such a thing anywhere in Brazil. Where has that happened?
Depending on your interests there are lots of trendy B&B etc around Santa Teresa that are less expensive than the beach ones but ahve lots of nightlife. There are also a plethora of less expensive and entertaining places in various parts of Copacabana, all very close to one of the best beaches in Rio. A very popular option for Spring Breakers is teh Arporador Inn, in Arporador, between Copacabana and Ipanema on the beach. That is less than three minutes walk from the Fasano, but about $600 per day cheaper.
So, what do you want?
If it is really beaches and nightlife many Carioca (natives of Rio de Janeiro) go north to the state of Ceara and a beach city called Jericoara. All of my younger family members rave about it during breaks. That, of course, was not what you asked about.
In tourist areas there will always be English speakers around, more or less. most European tourists speak English and hotel staff nearly always do, as do people in bars and restaurants. use a few words of Portuguese though and all of us will appreciate the effort.
Wherever you go in brazil you'll have a great time.
I have never heard of such a thing anywhere in Brazil. Where has that happened?
Depending on your interests there are lots of trendy B&B etc around Santa Teresa that are less expensive than the beach ones but ahve lots of nightlife. There are also a plethora of less expensive and entertaining places in various parts of Copacabana, all very close to one of the best beaches in Rio. A very popular option for Spring Breakers is teh Arporador Inn, in Arporador, between Copacabana and Ipanema on the beach. That is less than three minutes walk from the Fasano, but about $600 per day cheaper.
So, what do you want?
If it is really beaches and nightlife many Carioca (natives of Rio de Janeiro) go north to the state of Ceara and a beach city called Jericoara. All of my younger family members rave about it during breaks. That, of course, was not what you asked about.
In tourist areas there will always be English speakers around, more or less. most European tourists speak English and hotel staff nearly always do, as do people in bars and restaurants. use a few words of Portuguese though and all of us will appreciate the effort.
Wherever you go in brazil you'll have a great time.
Mar 10, 2010, 8:26 pm
#5
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" Also some hotels require that you pay a gratituty (often 10%) at check out in cash."
I have never heard of such a thing anywhere in Brazil. Where has that happened?
Depending on your interests there are lots of trendy B&B etc around Santa Teresa that are less expensive than the beach ones but ahve lots of nightlife. There are also a plethora of less expensive and entertaining places in various parts of Copacabana, all very close to one of the best beaches in Rio. A very popular option for Spring Breakers is teh Arporador Inn, in Arporador, between Copacabana and Ipanema on the beach. That is less than three minutes walk from the Fasano, but about $600 per day cheaper.
So, what do you want?
If it is really beaches and nightlife many Carioca (natives of Rio de Janeiro) go north to the state of Ceara and a beach city called Jericoara. All of my younger family members rave about it during breaks. That, of course, was not what you asked about.
In tourist areas there will always be English speakers around, more or less. most European tourists speak English and hotel staff nearly always do, as do people in bars and restaurants. use a few words of Portuguese though and all of us will appreciate the effort.
Wherever you go in brazil you'll have a great time.
I have never heard of such a thing anywhere in Brazil. Where has that happened?
Depending on your interests there are lots of trendy B&B etc around Santa Teresa that are less expensive than the beach ones but ahve lots of nightlife. There are also a plethora of less expensive and entertaining places in various parts of Copacabana, all very close to one of the best beaches in Rio. A very popular option for Spring Breakers is teh Arporador Inn, in Arporador, between Copacabana and Ipanema on the beach. That is less than three minutes walk from the Fasano, but about $600 per day cheaper.
So, what do you want?
If it is really beaches and nightlife many Carioca (natives of Rio de Janeiro) go north to the state of Ceara and a beach city called Jericoara. All of my younger family members rave about it during breaks. That, of course, was not what you asked about.
In tourist areas there will always be English speakers around, more or less. most European tourists speak English and hotel staff nearly always do, as do people in bars and restaurants. use a few words of Portuguese though and all of us will appreciate the effort.
Wherever you go in brazil you'll have a great time.
Mar 10, 2010, 10:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,358
Your post says you are looking to stay in Rio. However, you later asked about a hotel called Ferradura Private.
Unless there is a new hotel in Rio with that name, it is my understanding that Ferradura Private is in Buzios which is not in Rio. You need a car if you go to Buzios (or a bus trip).
You did not indicate your age range or if you are traveling alone. Buzios is a resort city and there is not a lot of night life. It is more of a family or romantic location. The daily rate at this hotel (in Buzios) is around $250-$300 U.S. dollars and more for larger rooms or during certain holidays.
I travel a lot to Brazil and I have never at any time heard of paying a 10% cash “gratuity” at check out, as one poster wrote. If the poster who made that comment had it happen to him or her, he was taken advantage of by someone at the hotel. Most assuredly, that is not a custom in Brazil.
Another poster recommended Fasano. Although Fasano is a very fine hotel, I do not recommend that hotel because the daily rate is far more than it is worth. The guests who stay there are often referred to by Brazilians as “nariz empinado” which, loosely translates to a snob or “putting on the airs” or "straight nose." Although you can find employees who speak English, the hotel does not cater to Americans.
You mentioned Marriott as a possible choice for your stay. Marriott is located directly across the street from the beach in Copacabana. I have stayed at this hotel and I like it a lot.
There is no problem with finding hotel employees who speak English at the Marriott.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Mar 11, 2010, 2:08 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Where to stay in Rio.
First, the Sheraton is somewhat away from what you describe you are interested in.
Cobacabana, is not Ipanema, and vis versa. Two different, but nice beaches.
Look into the Othon and Ceasar Palace (reasonable, but nice) too. I spent many years at Posto 6 ( Lifeguard station ) in College years, and it is a good safe place to relax, meet people, or start and finish your walks. Keep cameras, Ipods, and your watch in the hotel safe, but I think you know that already.
Avenida Atlantica is a good stroll: Scenic, with good restaurants. I agree with jbcarioca: Tips are your option, and I do in Brasil, if it is merited. Jericoacoara: Now that makes me smile. I have property up in Ceara state at Porto Das Dunas, and " Jeri " further up the coast, is really remote and beautiful place. Compared to Rio which is truly unique, warm, and one-of-a-kind beautiful, the Cariocas think Ceara is really HOT !
Just have fun, watch yourself, and go with the flow: The old Roman saying " When in Rio, do as the Cariocas do ! " Bring a smile but keep your eyes open.
Cobacabana, is not Ipanema, and vis versa. Two different, but nice beaches.
Look into the Othon and Ceasar Palace (reasonable, but nice) too. I spent many years at Posto 6 ( Lifeguard station ) in College years, and it is a good safe place to relax, meet people, or start and finish your walks. Keep cameras, Ipods, and your watch in the hotel safe, but I think you know that already.
Avenida Atlantica is a good stroll: Scenic, with good restaurants. I agree with jbcarioca: Tips are your option, and I do in Brasil, if it is merited. Jericoacoara: Now that makes me smile. I have property up in Ceara state at Porto Das Dunas, and " Jeri " further up the coast, is really remote and beautiful place. Compared to Rio which is truly unique, warm, and one-of-a-kind beautiful, the Cariocas think Ceara is really HOT !
Just have fun, watch yourself, and go with the flow: The old Roman saying " When in Rio, do as the Cariocas do ! " Bring a smile but keep your eyes open.
Mar 11, 2010, 6:46 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
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From some of the OP's posts it seems like this may be the first time to Brazil, or at least to Rio. If the first time to Brazil, I hope the OP already has his visa (unless one is not required due to citizenship) or he may be scrambling to get one in time for Spring Break or may have to postpone the trip. Other threads on FT have indicated that the time frame for obtaining the Brazilian visa has substantially increased unless one makes an in person trip to the Brazilian Consulate in New York.
Mar 11, 2010, 10:43 am
#9
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,603
Mar 11, 2010, 11:20 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Rio Othon Palace
I strongly recommend Rio Othon Palace. It has a great view and localization. For tourists I think this is the best choice.
You can do a reservation right trough the website, it's safe and easy. Look for some special deals in this page of the website.
I hope this will help you
You can do a reservation right trough the website, it's safe and easy. Look for some special deals in this page of the website.
I hope this will help you
Mar 11, 2010, 1:40 pm
#11
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Your post says you are looking to stay in Rio. However, you later asked about a hotel called Ferradura Private.
Unless there is a new hotel in Rio with that name, it is my understanding that Ferradura Private is in Buzios which is not in Rio. You need a car if you go to Buzios (or a bus trip).
You did not indicate your age range or if you are traveling alone. Buzios is a resort city and there is not a lot of night life. It is more of a family or romantic location. The daily rate at this hotel (in Buzios) is around $250-$300 U.S. dollars and more for larger rooms or during certain holidays.
I travel a lot to Brazil and I have never at any time heard of paying a 10% cash “gratuity” at check out, as one poster wrote. If the poster who made that comment had it happen to him or her, he was taken advantage of by someone at the hotel. Most assuredly, that is not a custom in Brazil.
Another poster recommended Fasano. Although Fasano is a very fine hotel, I do not recommend that hotel because the daily rate is far more than it is worth. The guests who stay there are often referred to by Brazilians as “nariz empinado” which, loosely translates to a snob or “putting on the airs” or "straight nose." Although you can find employees who speak English, the hotel does not cater to Americans.
You mentioned Marriott as a possible choice for your stay. Marriott is located directly across the street from the beach in Copacabana. I have stayed at this hotel and I like it a lot.
There is no problem with finding hotel employees who speak English at the Marriott.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Unless there is a new hotel in Rio with that name, it is my understanding that Ferradura Private is in Buzios which is not in Rio. You need a car if you go to Buzios (or a bus trip).
You did not indicate your age range or if you are traveling alone. Buzios is a resort city and there is not a lot of night life. It is more of a family or romantic location. The daily rate at this hotel (in Buzios) is around $250-$300 U.S. dollars and more for larger rooms or during certain holidays.
I travel a lot to Brazil and I have never at any time heard of paying a 10% cash “gratuity” at check out, as one poster wrote. If the poster who made that comment had it happen to him or her, he was taken advantage of by someone at the hotel. Most assuredly, that is not a custom in Brazil.
Another poster recommended Fasano. Although Fasano is a very fine hotel, I do not recommend that hotel because the daily rate is far more than it is worth. The guests who stay there are often referred to by Brazilians as “nariz empinado” which, loosely translates to a snob or “putting on the airs” or "straight nose." Although you can find employees who speak English, the hotel does not cater to Americans.
You mentioned Marriott as a possible choice for your stay. Marriott is located directly across the street from the beach in Copacabana. I have stayed at this hotel and I like it a lot.
There is no problem with finding hotel employees who speak English at the Marriott.
I hope this helps with your decision.
I've never stayed at the JW Marriott, so I can't comment. I prefer Ipanema and stay at the Caesar Park which is more of a business class hotel than luxury but is a great location with excellent staff. Everyone speaks English.
Fasano is indeed a lovely property, but is terribly overpriced. It is a great scene for drinks and dinner, lots of "people" at the pool. The Fasano property in Sao Paulo is worth the money.
I've never, ever seen/heard of the 10% gratuity and I've been visiting Brazil for the last 10 years.
Oh, and as qfrodo points out, make sure you have your visa.
Mar 11, 2010, 5:12 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Rio
Good point on the VISA requirement for Brasil for North Americans.
Here is the like to the form:
https://scedv.serpro.gov.br/frscedv/...ang=eng#inicio
Cheers !
Here is the like to the form:
https://scedv.serpro.gov.br/frscedv/...ang=eng#inicio
Cheers !
Mar 14, 2010, 3:36 am
#13
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Can someone please pm me how long a visa will take just for a weekend trip? I have a passport and am a US Native bon citizen. Do I still need a visa?
Mar 14, 2010, 4:07 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
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Check these threads
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...questions.html
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...a-problem.html
They have some history and recent postings.
It doesn't matter how long your trip is, the process is what it is and as a U.S. Citizen you will need a visa. You won't be able to get on the plane without one in all likelihood.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...questions.html
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...a-problem.html
They have some history and recent postings.
It doesn't matter how long your trip is, the process is what it is and as a U.S. Citizen you will need a visa. You won't be able to get on the plane without one in all likelihood.
Mar 15, 2010, 7:48 pm
#15
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I can highly recommend Travel Visa Pro for getting a Brazil visa and getting it quickly. More details in the thread linked above. Or, directly - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13170730-post28.html