[QUOTE=pr0digy25;6891383]Isn't the Sherton smack dab up against a favela?

QUOTE]


So is the entire city...

No favela near Ipanema or...
 

Surely D.Lurker is joking. All the beaches on the south side of the city (Copa, Ipanema, Leblon, and ___ (I forget the name of the fourth) are far removed from any favela. We swam at Ipanema and walked around the others--no sign of crime, criminals, or unfriendly people. Just lots of Brazilians and a few foreigners enjoying the city.

Well depends on your definition of far. Apart from Rocinha and Vidigal at the end of Leblon beach, Jardim de Alah in between Leblon and Ipanema and Cantagalo between Ipanema and Copa I can’t think of any favelas close to the beaches in Zona Sul. ;) The proximity of some of these slums is the reason why some streets in Copa are more dangerous than others e.g Sa Ferreira and Souza Lima because of Cantagalo and why some bus routes e.g. 474 from Jardim de Alah are more dangerous than others at night. In Copa at least, the “danger” really can vary drastically street by street.

As a general piece of advice one of the dodgier times in Copa is late afternoon on a Sunday when many youths from the Zone Norte favelas are heading home by bus from the beaches in Copa. Ave. Nossa Senhora is much quieter than usual then and a quick grab on a tourist makes it a profitable trip to the beach. :eek:

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.

The proximity of some of these slums...
 

There's no need to be frightened--just careful, as you might want to be in Rome, Madrid, or other big tourist attractions. We stayed in Copa, right on the border of Ipanema/Arpoador, went to the beaches in the day, walked the oceanfront avenue in Copa and many streets in Ipanema in the evening. We were far from any favela and near to crowds of people, many of whom warned us to take care of cameras and shoulder bags--like we would in lots of places.

It would be a big shame for someone to avoid Rio or the beaches there because of fear of crime. Keep your valuables locked up, stay where there are people, and enjoy.

I've used gringomanagement.com with wonderful results myself. I second this recommendation.

$120/night for a large 2 bedroom beachfront apartment. Linen service was available (schedule ahead of time) for around $30 per service, IIRC. I found having an apartment vastly superior to any hotel experience I've had (though I've never been in a hotel in Rio)

Just to reiterate you were not far from a favela if you stayed in Arpoadaor. ;)

Whilst I agree there is no need to be afraid in Rio it is NOT the same as being in Rome or Madrid. I would wear a watch in both of those two cities, I don't in Rio and I would advise others against it. I also go out with a max of R$150-200 and try to avoid bringing a credit card. If they want to rob me of my R$100 and mobile phone they can have them.

If you don't think the location of favelas is a factor then you are being slightly naive IMO. During Carnaval there will groups of faveleiros gathered at the end of some of the streets I mentioned and it won't be to dance Samba. ;) Having said that I've seen muggings in Ipanema mid-afternoon on Visconde de Piraja and a murder in Copa on Ave Nossa Senhora circa 10pm. All the victims were Brazilian.

I've dealt with Dave although not stayed in his apartments and don't know him personally. He is very prompt and attentive in dealing with queries and emails IME. However AFAIK he has to work thru a 3rd party in Rio who is not always as efficient. ;) Also he is not as cheap as some of the local apt. brokers but this extra cost may be a safer bet for those not familiar with the local market and/or Portuguese. OTOH apts. priced in US$ tend to offer better value than normal when the Real is strong against the US$ as it currently is.