Intercontinental/Rio- safety concerns
Dec 31, 2003 | 4:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: usa
Posts: 4
Intercontinental/Rio- safety concerns
I will soon be going to Rio to be joining a cruise with my elderly parents. We will be staying at the Intercontinental. I am interested in safety issues in Rio particularly near the hotel. Also I would like to know about the security of taking an IC airport shuttle to the hotel- anything to watch for? Thanks!
Dec 31, 2003 | 8:38 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: GRU
Programs: *A Gold, OW Sapphire, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Accor Plat
Posts: 3,367
Sergei,
Welcome to Flyertalk.
Don't know exactly you chose this particular hotel yet let's go through some basics:
It's a five-star hotel so perfectly comfortable and safe. People when travelling to Rio usually choose Hotels in Leme, Copacabana or Ipanema areas, by the beach and within walking distance to interesting points and restaurants and can safely go to the beach.
Your Hotel is in a nice residential area with commercial points but not really a touristic area. A taxi will be needed to get in/out of the hotel. Streets that surround the hotel may be even safe to walk though I hope you'll find interesting restaurants and shops to amble - I'm sure there'll be some.
Taxis in Rio are inexpensive, you should have petty cash with you and no flashing of premium credit cards or jewelery - After all it's a beach city - casual clothes such as shorts and t-shirt are better.
Enjoy.
Welcome to Flyertalk.
Don't know exactly you chose this particular hotel yet let's go through some basics:
It's a five-star hotel so perfectly comfortable and safe. People when travelling to Rio usually choose Hotels in Leme, Copacabana or Ipanema areas, by the beach and within walking distance to interesting points and restaurants and can safely go to the beach.
Your Hotel is in a nice residential area with commercial points but not really a touristic area. A taxi will be needed to get in/out of the hotel. Streets that surround the hotel may be even safe to walk though I hope you'll find interesting restaurants and shops to amble - I'm sure there'll be some.
Taxis in Rio are inexpensive, you should have petty cash with you and no flashing of premium credit cards or jewelery - After all it's a beach city - casual clothes such as shorts and t-shirt are better.
Enjoy.
Dec 31, 2003 | 8:58 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Princeton, MO/Tonopah, AZ
Posts: 687
I travel frequently to SA and Rio is the one city I do not feel safe in. Nothing has ever happened, thank goodness. It is just a creepy feeling. Cruise passengers with independent travel arrangements have been mugged, robbed, and hassled a lot in Rio.
Is the hotel part of a pre-cruise package? If so, airport transport will be safe. If not, I think I would arrange private transport. If the entire trip in Rio is part of a pre-cruise package, safety will be much greater, until you wander around the streets. Since your parents are older, please make sure they are not by themselves wandering around the streets. A small group is best, although the "mustard scam" is aimed at small groups. For some very helpful hints on Rio and South America in general, please go to cruisecritic.com, and go to the South American board. Also check out the Celebrity Connections board. There are at least 4 Celebrity cruises to SA in 2004. Only one goes to Rio (for Carnavale), but a wealth of information. I did Valparaiso to Rio in Feb. 2002 on the Mercury and will be on the Infinity on March 14 from Valparaiso to Ft. Lauderdale. And I travel to SA at least 4 times a year for business. Mostly Chile and Peru, but sometimes to BA and Rio. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to email. Enjoy your cruise!!!
Is the hotel part of a pre-cruise package? If so, airport transport will be safe. If not, I think I would arrange private transport. If the entire trip in Rio is part of a pre-cruise package, safety will be much greater, until you wander around the streets. Since your parents are older, please make sure they are not by themselves wandering around the streets. A small group is best, although the "mustard scam" is aimed at small groups. For some very helpful hints on Rio and South America in general, please go to cruisecritic.com, and go to the South American board. Also check out the Celebrity Connections board. There are at least 4 Celebrity cruises to SA in 2004. Only one goes to Rio (for Carnavale), but a wealth of information. I did Valparaiso to Rio in Feb. 2002 on the Mercury and will be on the Infinity on March 14 from Valparaiso to Ft. Lauderdale. And I travel to SA at least 4 times a year for business. Mostly Chile and Peru, but sometimes to BA and Rio. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to email. Enjoy your cruise!!!
Dec 31, 2003 | 11:39 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ireland
Programs: AA PLT 2MM, IHG Plat
Posts: 3,566
Arrival
Immigration : The queues can be lengthy so try and get off the plane ASAP.
Map : A free map is given out in the arrivals hall. Take one as they are very useful.
Taxi : Use one of the 3 radio taxi companies (Transcoopass, Cootrama, etc) located slightly to the right as you exit from customs. Fixed fare of R56 to Zona Sul. If you buy something in the duty free ask for the taxi discount voucher. This knocks 12-15% off to bring down the fare to R45. If taking a yellow cab from the airport ignore the touts and take one owned by Aerocoop (usually written on side of the trunk). This firm is used by AA in VDB situations so should be reputable.
I find that Rio cab drivers are much better than those in BA, and Dublin for that matter. They dont tend to rip you off and will sometimes round fares down rather than up. However, the airport and central bus station are two places to exercise caution. Always take a moving cab rather than one thats waiting for a fare and always ask for the meter relgio to be put on. A higher fare, band 2 on the meter, starts at 9pm, also all day Sunday and all of December. If using one on the way back to the airport from Copa it should cost R26-30 on band 1. There are no supplements for luggage or extra people.
Accommodation
Not sure why you picked the Intercontinental either as its out in So Conrado. Its only a R10-15 cab ride from Copa/Ipanema but it is a nuisance. In addition its got two large favelas (slums) Rocinha and Vidigal close by. Not a problem for security but not exactly picturesque.
Personally I would stay in Ipanema or Copa. The problem is most decent hotels in Copacabana and Ipanema are pricey. If budget isnt an issue I would go for Caesar Park in Ipanema or JW Marriott in Copa.
If it is and you want to reduce costs then these two offer good value.
Princess Copa : Rua Xavier de Silvera, 5. Copacbana http://www.promenade.com.br/aparthot...hotel=princess
New hotel with nice rooms and reasonable rates ($70-80) although a bit close to some of the less salubrious bars and clubs.
Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza, Farme de Amoedo 34, Ipanema
http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com/
Avoid the Rio Othon at all costs.
Security
Generally Rio is a lot safer than it used to be and you shouldnt have any problems if you use your commonsense. I was there for over 12 months and despite walking home drunk at all times of the night in Copa/Ipanema/Leblon never had any real hassle, apart from a failed armed robbery on a bus. Given the poverty Im surprised there isnt more crime and I would say there is less petty crime e.g. pickpockets, bird**** scams etc than in BA.
The problem is that when crime happens it happens big. If you are mugged they may well have a knife or gun and are not afraid to use them so just give them whatever you have. If youve used your commonsense this will be R100 or less and no credit cards or jewellery.
Tips
Ipanema is generally safer than Copacabana but the further you go back from the sea the dodgier it gets. 3-4 blocks should be fine apart from late at night. Ive only ever seen two muggings and both of those occurred mid-afternoon in Ipanema, so go figure.
The Ipanema end of Copacabana is safer than the Leme end although take care in Arpoador between the two.
Stay off the beaches at night.
Dont wear watches as there are big clocks all over the place and it will make you more of a target. I dont subscribe to the casual clothes theory although they will be more comfortable if its hot there. Im a 64 Irish guy with red hair so Im not going to blend in anyway. Despite overdressing by Rio standards, smart shoes etc. Ive never had any problems. Wearing jewellery and looking clueless are much more likely to get you targeted IMO.
Other
Dont take an organized tour to Po de Acar (Sugar Loaf) as they are overpriced. Just jump in a cab to the bottom of the cable car located in Botofogo. The cable car ride was R18 in 2001 so presumably is R20-25 now.
Enjoy!
Immigration : The queues can be lengthy so try and get off the plane ASAP.
Map : A free map is given out in the arrivals hall. Take one as they are very useful.
Taxi : Use one of the 3 radio taxi companies (Transcoopass, Cootrama, etc) located slightly to the right as you exit from customs. Fixed fare of R56 to Zona Sul. If you buy something in the duty free ask for the taxi discount voucher. This knocks 12-15% off to bring down the fare to R45. If taking a yellow cab from the airport ignore the touts and take one owned by Aerocoop (usually written on side of the trunk). This firm is used by AA in VDB situations so should be reputable.
I find that Rio cab drivers are much better than those in BA, and Dublin for that matter. They dont tend to rip you off and will sometimes round fares down rather than up. However, the airport and central bus station are two places to exercise caution. Always take a moving cab rather than one thats waiting for a fare and always ask for the meter relgio to be put on. A higher fare, band 2 on the meter, starts at 9pm, also all day Sunday and all of December. If using one on the way back to the airport from Copa it should cost R26-30 on band 1. There are no supplements for luggage or extra people.
Accommodation
Not sure why you picked the Intercontinental either as its out in So Conrado. Its only a R10-15 cab ride from Copa/Ipanema but it is a nuisance. In addition its got two large favelas (slums) Rocinha and Vidigal close by. Not a problem for security but not exactly picturesque.
Personally I would stay in Ipanema or Copa. The problem is most decent hotels in Copacabana and Ipanema are pricey. If budget isnt an issue I would go for Caesar Park in Ipanema or JW Marriott in Copa.
If it is and you want to reduce costs then these two offer good value.
Princess Copa : Rua Xavier de Silvera, 5. Copacbana http://www.promenade.com.br/aparthot...hotel=princess
New hotel with nice rooms and reasonable rates ($70-80) although a bit close to some of the less salubrious bars and clubs.
Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza, Farme de Amoedo 34, Ipanema
http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com/
Avoid the Rio Othon at all costs.
Security
Generally Rio is a lot safer than it used to be and you shouldnt have any problems if you use your commonsense. I was there for over 12 months and despite walking home drunk at all times of the night in Copa/Ipanema/Leblon never had any real hassle, apart from a failed armed robbery on a bus. Given the poverty Im surprised there isnt more crime and I would say there is less petty crime e.g. pickpockets, bird**** scams etc than in BA.
The problem is that when crime happens it happens big. If you are mugged they may well have a knife or gun and are not afraid to use them so just give them whatever you have. If youve used your commonsense this will be R100 or less and no credit cards or jewellery.
Tips
Ipanema is generally safer than Copacabana but the further you go back from the sea the dodgier it gets. 3-4 blocks should be fine apart from late at night. Ive only ever seen two muggings and both of those occurred mid-afternoon in Ipanema, so go figure.
The Ipanema end of Copacabana is safer than the Leme end although take care in Arpoador between the two.
Stay off the beaches at night.
Dont wear watches as there are big clocks all over the place and it will make you more of a target. I dont subscribe to the casual clothes theory although they will be more comfortable if its hot there. Im a 64 Irish guy with red hair so Im not going to blend in anyway. Despite overdressing by Rio standards, smart shoes etc. Ive never had any problems. Wearing jewellery and looking clueless are much more likely to get you targeted IMO.
Other
Dont take an organized tour to Po de Acar (Sugar Loaf) as they are overpriced. Just jump in a cab to the bottom of the cable car located in Botofogo. The cable car ride was R18 in 2001 so presumably is R20-25 now.
Enjoy!
Jan 5, 2004 | 2:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: ORD; AA Exec Plat (MM), SPG Plat (Lifetime Plt), other minor status
Posts: 81
Ditto on the others' comments - definitely use a radio taxi (you pay at the airport and hand the receipt to the driver, so no cash exchanges hands in the taxi itself). Need to keep aware of surroundings- only 2 things I thought I'd add are:
1. Watch traffic late at night as drivers aren't required (or don't typically) stop for red lights between certain hours (something like 10 pm to 4 am) in case you're walking back later in the evening.
2. Expect peddlers to be relatively persistent along the beaches. I gave up being polite and learned that if they don't immediately leave you alone, only a strong no (or nao) works. They'll shine your sneakers if you let them.
Beautiful city. Flew into Santos Dumont the last time but view ruined by heavy fog/rain.
1. Watch traffic late at night as drivers aren't required (or don't typically) stop for red lights between certain hours (something like 10 pm to 4 am) in case you're walking back later in the evening.
2. Expect peddlers to be relatively persistent along the beaches. I gave up being polite and learned that if they don't immediately leave you alone, only a strong no (or nao) works. They'll shine your sneakers if you let them.
Beautiful city. Flew into Santos Dumont the last time but view ruined by heavy fog/rain.
Jan 10, 2004 | 3:52 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 22
I wouldn't worry. As the others said, the Intercontinental is a nice hotel, but not in a particularily booming area for tourists. It was the headquarters for Rock in Rio a few years ago and it was where many artosts, including Axl Rose/Guns N' Roses, stayed. Having said that, I covered the concert (I'm a entertainment/travel journalist) and took many taxis from the hotel to my hotel in Copa at 4-5 am with no problems.
As far as Rio is concerned, it is one of the most beautiful and magnificent cities in the world and a lot of the crime talk is hype -- much like it is in LA. There's crime, but big crime is usually because of the ongoing battle between police and drunk dealers.
I've spent a lot of time in Rio over several visits and have never had a problem. Common sense goes a long way. One great thing about Rio is the taxis are safe and the taxi drivers acutally USE the meter, unlike many Latin American countries. At night, use them exclusively.
If you want to change hotels, the Marina All-Suites in Ipanema is very cool, has a hip bar, and is not quite as expensive as most Ipanema/Copa options when you compare what you get for your money.
Have fun! I'm jealous!
As far as Rio is concerned, it is one of the most beautiful and magnificent cities in the world and a lot of the crime talk is hype -- much like it is in LA. There's crime, but big crime is usually because of the ongoing battle between police and drunk dealers.
I've spent a lot of time in Rio over several visits and have never had a problem. Common sense goes a long way. One great thing about Rio is the taxis are safe and the taxi drivers acutally USE the meter, unlike many Latin American countries. At night, use them exclusively.
If you want to change hotels, the Marina All-Suites in Ipanema is very cool, has a hip bar, and is not quite as expensive as most Ipanema/Copa options when you compare what you get for your money.
Have fun! I'm jealous!